FIRST 42S7 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 42.5 ft |
| LWL | 35.75 ft |
| Beam | 13.5 ft |
| Draft | 7.58 ft |
| Wing Keel | 5.92 ft |
| Displacement | 18,220 lb |
| Ballast | 6,282.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Pmainsail luff | 19.26 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.22 ft |
About the FIRST 42S7 (BENETEAU)
Charter version sold as the STARDUST 433.
Designed by Bruce Farr and built by Beneteau in 1994, the First 42S7 is a performance-oriented cruising sailboat with a fractional sloop rig and fin keel. With a displacement of 18220.0 lb and a beam of 13.5 ft, it offers a balance of speed and comfort, though specific build counts are not definitively recorded in the source data.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and active sailors who prioritize performance and modern amenities, as evidenced by the high prevalence of dodger and bimini installations for comfort. It is well-suited for those willing to manage maintenance on complex systems like rudders and deck cores.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.06 and a displacement of 18220.0 lb, the boat has moderate offshore capability, but critical issues with rudder/shaft integrity and deck core moisture require rigorous inspection before considering extended bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 40.7 and the Hallberg-Rassy 42, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and performance-focused hull forms. The First 42S7 distinguishes itself with Bruce Farr's design influence and a slightly wider beam compared to many contemporaries.
Direct variant of the FIRST 42S7 (BENETEAU)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(4 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° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| 60° | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| 75° | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| 90° | 6.2 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.8 |
| 110° | 5.8 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| 120° | 5.6 | 6.8 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 135° | 5.0 | 6.2 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 4.2 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| Beat VMG | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Run VMG | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 8.3 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 42S7 (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 42.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 5 systems for the FIRST 42S7 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 42S7 (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 10 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 42S7 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 42S7 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…