FIRST 51 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 51.28 ft |
| LWL | 43.14 ft |
| Beam | 14.92 ft |
| Draft | 9.18 ft |
| Displacement | 28,660 lb |
| Ballast | 14,221.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.8 kn |
About the FIRST 51 (BENETEAU)
Lead ballast available as an option. SHOAL DRAFT WING KEEL: 5.93'/1.81m
Designed by German Frers and built by Beneteau in France, the First 51 is a single-year production model from 1987 with an unknown total build count. This 51.28 ft LOA masthead sloop combines a 28660.0 lb displacement with a 14.92 ft beam, resulting in a D/L ratio of 159.36 that balances performance with comfort.
- Best for:
- This vessel suits experienced coastal cruisers and short-to-medium offshore passages who prioritize interior volume and modern amenities over extreme bluewater ruggedness. Its high SA/D ratio of 21.41 and comfort ratio of 26.57 make it appealing to those seeking a responsive yet stable platform for weekend cruising and regional exploration.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the 1.95 capsize ratio and 28660.0 lb displacement suggest reasonable offshore stability, the single-year production run and reported structural concerns limit its reputation as a dedicated bluewater cruiser compared to heavier displacement designs.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau 46 and 49 from the same era, as they share similar German Frers designs and production timelines. It also competes with the Hallberg-Rassy 43 and Oyster 435 for buyers seeking large-cabin comfort, though the First 51 offers a more performance-oriented hull form with a lower capsize ratio of 1.95.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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° | 6.0 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.5 |
| 60° | 6.3 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| 75° | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| 90° | 6.3 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 9.1 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 120° | 5.7 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 135° | 5.1 | 6.4 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| 150° | 4.3 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Beat VMG | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.7 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 8.1 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 51 (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 51.28ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
9 reported issues across 6 systems for the FIRST 51 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 51 (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 9 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 51 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 51 (BENETEAU)
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