FIRST 435 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.5 ft |
| LWL | 36.08 ft |
| Beam | 13.08 ft |
| Draft | 7.42 ft |
| Displacement | 23,809 lb |
| Ballast | 9,259.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57.98 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.58 ft |
About the FIRST 435 (BENETEAU)
Available with a number of different rig and keel combinations. (incl. keel/cb) Initially promoted in US under the name F435. KEEL/CB Draft(BD): 9.60'/2.93m Draft (BU): 5.50'/1.68m SA (100%): 903.21 ft2/83.91 m2
Designed by German Frers and built by Beneteau in France from 1984–1987, the First 435 is a performance-oriented masthead sloop with a displacement of 23809.0 lb. While the exact hull count is not definitively recorded in the source data, the model is widely recognized for its racing pedigree and substantial beam of 13.08 ft, which contributes to its interior volume and stability.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and club racers who prioritize speed and interior space, as evidenced by the high prevalence of performance sailmakers like North (227 mentions) and racing electronics such as B&G (28 mentions). It is less ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, slow-cruising experience due to the critical maintenance issues associated with its complex deck and rigging systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.82 and a displacement of 23809.0 lb, the First 435 possesses the physical stability for offshore passages, but its bluewater suitability is severely compromised by critical structural vulnerabilities, particularly deck core moisture (27 mentions) and compression post rot (4 mentions), which require rigorous inspection before any extended offshore use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 40.5 and the J/120, as they share the same era, performance-focused design philosophy, and similar displacement ranges. The First 435 distinguishes itself with a wider beam and heavier displacement (23809.0 lb) than many contemporaries, offering a blend of racing capability and cruising comfort that rivals the larger Beneteau Oceanis line of the late 80s.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.8 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 60° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.4 |
| 90° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| 110° | 4.0 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| 120° | 3.9 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 135° | 3.4 | 4.8 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 9.0 | 9.8 |
| 150° | 2.8 | 4.1 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.0 | 8.6 | 9.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.6 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 435 (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 43.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
18 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST 435 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 435 (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 18 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
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Which engine powers your FIRST 435 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 435 (BENETEAU)
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