First 25 S (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The Beneteau First 25 S traces its lineage back to the popular First 260 Spirit, later renamed the First 25.7, with the 25 S representing a subsequent development that commenced production in 2008 and continued until 2015. Designed by Jean-Marie Finot of Groupe Finot/Conq, the core philosophy behind the First 25 S was to create a vessel that was both "fast and pleasant to steer," balancing spirited performance with good habitability and comfort for its size.

Beneteau, with its rich history dating back to 1884, embraced fiberglass construction in the 1960s, a pivotal moment that allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal. During the era of the First 25 S's production, Beneteau was known for its consistent collaboration with top naval architects and a manufacturing ethos focused on balancing performance, comfort, and affordability, a reputation that the First 25 S embodies. The model was offered with versatility in mind, available in both a fixed keel and a lifting keel (centerboard) version, with the fixed keel drawing 4.76 feet. Notably, the First 25 S also features twin rudders, a design change made to enhance tracking, particularly given its slightly beamier transom compared to its predecessors.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 25 S demonstrates a design bias towards lively performance, a characteristic often sought in smaller sport cruisers. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.29, she exhibits strong light-air performance, suggesting that she can move well even in lighter winds. Her displacement to length ratio of around 150.9 further underscores her relatively light and performance-oriented design for a boat of her size. While her ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 0.302 is moderate, indicating she may require earlier reefing in heavier conditions compared to stiffer, heavier cruisers, it also contributes to her overall nimble feel.

Anecdotal reports suggest the First 25 S is well-regarded for its performance, safety, and clever design, offering the potential for fast cruising or racing. She is capable of reaching hull speeds of nearly 7 knots under power in flat water with her 14hp Yanmar diesel engine. The twin rudder system is implemented to ensure effective tracking and control, especially with the wider transom design. While generally praised for its sporty feel and efficiency, some feedback suggests that like many smaller vessels, its performance in very high winds may not be its strong suit due to its overall length.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Beneteau First 25 S is designed to offer a surprising level of comfort and habitability, making coastal cruising feasible for a couple or small family. The interior typically features a single guest cabin, along with a functional galley. The galley is equipped with essentials such as a single-burner gas hob and a sink with pressurized water. Beneteau ingeniously incorporated the mast prop into the forward bulkhead, a design choice that helps to maximize available living space below deck. While specific headroom details are not provided, the design aims to offer a comfortable environment for cruising. The interior generally features light-colored woodwork, such as pear tone, complemented by modern upholstery, contributing to a bright and contemporary feel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Beneteau First 25 S for its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, reflecting Beneteau's general reputation for well-built vessels. Many appreciate its capabilities as a "pocket cruiser" and its suitability as a first boat, offering a blend of performance and practical amenities. The boat's sleek, sporty lines are frequently admired by owners.

However, common issues noted by some owners, particularly concerning the lifting keel version, include rust at the interface where the keel meets the hull, and potential problems with the nut mechanism that operates the keel. Additionally, some general issues occasionally reported across various Beneteau models that might apply to older First 25 S boats include unusual creaking sounds, and in rare cases, concerns regarding fiberglass cracking or delamination, or issues with deck core integrity and corrosion. There have also been discussions among owners regarding the linkage system for the dual rudders, suggesting potential complexities in this area for some.