FIRST 42 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.92 ft |
| LWL | 36 ft |
| Beam | 13.08 ft |
| Draft | 7.25 ft |
| Displacement | 18,738 lb |
| Ballast | 8,818.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 55.43 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.73 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 49.2 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.6 ft |
About the FIRST 42 (BENETEAU)
Sold in US as BENETEAU 42. This boat was available with a number of different rig and keel combinations. Shallow draft: 6.17'/1.88' (lead ballast available as an option)
Designed by German Frers and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1981–1985, the First 42 is a performance-oriented cruising sloop with a build count of ?. Its 42.92 ft LOA and 18738.0 lb displacement reflect a design that prioritizes speed and handling, though owners report significant structural maintenance challenges.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who value performance and are prepared for rigorous, proactive maintenance of structural components.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.97 and a comfort ratio of 24.78, the boat is capable offshore, but its bluewater readiness is heavily contingent on addressing critical structural flaws like keel smiles and deck core integrity.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and Oyster 435 for its offshore pedigree, but differs with a lighter 18738.0 lb displacement and higher SA/D ratio of 17.8, making it more akin to the Beneteau 423 or Jeanneau 43.9 in terms of racing potential.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(8 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 60° | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| 120° | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 9.0 |
| 135° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.9 |
| 150° | 4.1 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 3.5 | 4.1 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.9 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 42 (BENETEAU) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 42.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 42 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 42 (BENETEAU)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 30 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FIRST 42 (BENETEAU)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins, Westerbeke, Universal — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 42 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…