First 375 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the First 375 emerged during a pivotal era for Beneteau, a company that transitioned from building robust wooden fishing trawlers in the late 19th century to embracing fiberglass construction in the 1960s. This shift, spearheaded by Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, revolutionized their production, enabling more efficient manufacturing and broader appeal for recreational sailboats. The First 375, designed by Jean Berret, reflected Beneteau's evolving design philosophy of the 1980s: to deliver well-built, thoughtful yachts that balanced performance with comfort and affordability. Berret, known for his artistic background, instilled a sense of elegance and a pleasing aesthetic into the boat's design. While the standard model featured a fin keel with a 6.5-foot draft, a shoal draft option of 5.60 feet and an alternative short rig were also available, offering versatility for different sailing grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 375 is recognized as a capable performer on the water, celebrated for its seaworthiness and balanced handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.65, the First 375 offers reasonably good performance, suggesting decent speed potential, particularly in moderate to stronger winds. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 34.2% indicates a stable and stiff vessel, capable of standing up to a breeze and providing a secure motion in a seaway. The yacht is noted for its "outstanding seaworthiness" and ability to "do just about everything right" in terms of handling. While its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 422.8 suggests a heavier displacement cruiser, typical for robust designs of its era, owners generally describe it as a fast and comfortable racer-cruiser that has stood the test of time, appreciated for its combination of speed and comfortable cruising capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on sailing performance, the Beneteau First 375 does not compromise on interior comfort and liveability. The internal layout is described as pleasing to the eye and sufficiently roomy for four, though it can comfortably accommodate six to eight people. While specific headroom details are not widely documented, reviews suggest a generous interior volume for a boat of its size from that period. The typical arrangement likely includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a functional galley, a dedicated head compartment, and at least one private aft cabin. Owners generally find the interior practical, with a focus on comfortable cruising, utilizing materials and finishes characteristic of Beneteau's production boats of the mid-1980s.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 375 consistently praise its solid construction and its ability to deliver a comfortable motion in various sea states, affirming its design as a reliable and capable cruiser-racer. However, common issues noted by owners typical of boats from this era include the tendency for the original headliners to sag, a frequent maintenance item for many Beneteau models of the 1980s. Concerns have also been raised regarding the cast iron keel, which may require monitoring for corrosion, and the potential for original deck fittings to fail or crack, necessitating re-bedding or replacement. Despite these common considerations, the First 375 is generally regarded as a durable and rewarding vessel that offers significant value, fostering a strong sense of community among its owners.