FIRST CLASS 8 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25.42 ft |
| LWL | 21.67 ft |
| Beam | 8.16 ft |
| Draft | 5.8 ft/ 2.25 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,100 lb |
| Ballast | 1,150.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
About the FIRST CLASS 8 (BENETEAU)
Designed by Jacques Fauroux and Jean-Marie Finot and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1982–1994, the First Class 8 is a lightweight fractional sloop with 969 hulls produced. Its low displacement of 3100.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 23.84 define it as a performance-oriented coastal cruiser rather than a heavy offshore vessel.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and club racers who prioritize speed and ease of handling over heavy-weather stability, making it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable 25-foot package.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 136.0 and a capsize ratio of 2.24, the boat is not well-suited for serious bluewater passagemaking due to its light displacement and narrow beam, limiting its offshore comfort and safety margins.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First Class 7 and 9, which share the same designer lineage and lightweight performance philosophy, as well as the O'Day 23 and Pearson 24, which offer similar coastal cruising roles with different hull forms.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(92 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 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.6 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.9 | 11.6 |
| 150° | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 10.4 |
| Beat VMG | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 9.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST CLASS 8 (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 25.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 8 systems for the FIRST CLASS 8 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST CLASS 8 (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 21 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 CLASS 8 (BENETEAU)?
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