First 32 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

Boat drawing
Make
Beneteau
Model
First 32
Number Built
Production Year(s)
1980 - 1984

The search results provide excellent information for most sections.

Key findings from search:

  • Designer: Jean Berret (also listed in as part of SailboatData.com notes).
  • Design Philosophy: Designed to be a "fast boat with a very spacious interior." A user-friendly performance cruiser. Balances performance and elegance.
  • Variations: Fractional and masthead rigs available. Shoal draft option (4.42 ft) also available. There was also a First 32S5, which appears to be a later, more performance-oriented variant (though the is for the original First 32). I should focus on the original First 32 as per the.
  • Performance: "Performs well in all conditions," often outperforming bigger boats. Merges speed, agility, and responsiveness. Good sailing performance, competitive for racing.
  • Handling: "User friendly performance cruiser." Designed for comfort and "easy handling." Streamlined hull and balanced sail plan for agility.
  • Accommodations: "Very spacious interior" due to considerable beam carried well aft. Typically a 2-cabin interior layout. Mentions 1 bathroom and 200L (53 gal) water capacity.
  • Owner's Perspectives: Owners praise good sailing performance. General concerns for older Beneteaus mentioned include osmosis, rigging, engine condition. Some discussions about comparisons with other First models.

Calculated Ratios Recap:

  • SA/D Ratio: 19.16 (good light-air performance)
  • Ballast/Disp Ratio: 0.3945 (good stability, close to 0.40 indicates stiffness)
  • Disp/LWL Ratio: 172.11 (lighter, performance-oriented)

I have enough information to construct the article following the specified structure. I will make sure to cite the sources correctly.

InfoView listings

Measurements

Construction & Hull

Construction Material
Fiberglass (Solid)
Hull Type
Monohull Sailboat
Keel Type
Fin
Rudder
1x Spade
Ballast
3310 lbs
Displacement
8390 lbs
Water Capacity
53 gal
Fuel Capacity
12 gal

Engine

Engine Make
Volvo Penta
Engine Model
Engine Type
Engine HP
17
Engine Count
1
Drive Type
Fuel Type
Diesel
Hover over a measurement
IJPE FS LOALWL

Rig & Sails

Rig Type
Fractional Sloop
P (Main Luff)
40.5 ft
E (Main Foot)
12.8 ft
I (Foretriangle Height)
40.3 ft
J (Foretriangle Base)
11.9 ft
Forestay Length (est)
42.02 ft
Main Sail Area
259.2 sqft
Foretriangle Sail Area
239.79 sqft
Total Sail Area (Reported)
499 sqft
Total Sail Area (Calc)
498.99 sqft

Dimensions

LOA
32.5 ft
LWL
27.92 ft
Beam
10.8 ft
Draft
5.82 ft
Max Headroom
-
Air Draft
-

Calculations

Hull Speed
7.08 kn
Pounds per Inch Immersion
1