First 38 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Beneteau First 38's production began in 1982, with a run extending until 1985, during which 566 hulls were completed. This period saw Beneteau, under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, fully embracing fiberglass construction, a pivotal shift from their earlier wooden fishing vessels. This "fiberglass revolution" allowed for more efficient production and lighter hulls, aligning with Beneteau's evolving philosophy of balancing performance, comfort, and affordability for a broader leisure market. The First 38, designed by Jean Berret, embodied this ethos, aiming to be a powerful racer-cruiser capable of participating in major international offshore races while offering a high degree of finish and robust fittings.

Throughout its production, the First 38 was offered with various keel and rig options to suit different sailing preferences. These included multiple shoal draft configurations, measuring approximately 4.9 feet or 5.5 feet, alongside the standard deeper keel. A notable variation was the "S" version, or First 38S, which featured a taller, double-spreader, keel-stepped rig as opposed to the standard deck-stepped, single-spreader setup, providing a larger sail area for enhanced performance. It's worth noting that while commonly referred to as the "38," the boat's actual length overall is slightly over 40 feet, with the "38" referring to its deck length.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 38 exhibits characteristics of a stout, traditional cruiser, designed for comfortable and secure passage-making. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 455, she is a heavy boat for her waterline, contributing to a solid motion in a seaway and excellent seaworthiness. This high ratio suggests a vessel that prioritizes stability and comfort over extreme light-air performance. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 37.5% further contributes to her stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, which is indicative of reasonable stiffness.

The sail area-to-displacement ratio, calculated at approximately 15.08, points to a design that will perform well in moderate to stronger winds. While not optimized for ghosting in zephyrs, owners frequently describe the First 38 as sailing "like a beauty" and praise her as a "strong, fast cruising boat." Sailors often express confidence and safety in her behavior across various sea and wind states, appreciating her efficient deck gear and robust rig. Her performance is generally considered respectable, offering a satisfying experience for both cruising and racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau First 38 is notably spacious for its era, boasting a maximum headroom of 6.33 feet. She was one of the early production sailboats to offer a versatile three-stateroom layout, a design choice that significantly enhanced her appeal for extended cruising or accommodating multiple guests.

While specific interior details are best observed through diagrams and owner reviews, the typical arrangement includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a well-appointed galley, and often two private aft cabins. The interior design has been noted for its enduring appeal, avoiding the dated look of some contemporaries. Owners also appreciate practical features such as a good-sized anchor locker and accessible bilges, indicating thoughtful construction for maintenance and storage. The First 38 is often cited as offering substantial boat for its value, with a focus on practical and comfortable living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 38 consistently commend its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides, even in challenging sea conditions. Many consider it an excellent value, offering a strong and capable cruising platform. The boat is frequently described as reliable and well-built, instilling confidence in its occupants across various sea states.

However, common considerations noted by owners of early 1980s Beneteau models, including the First 38, often revolve around potential issues associated with aging fiberglass construction. Some reports indicate a susceptibility to osmosis problems, a common concern for boats of that vintage. Other general issues observed in older Beneteau sailboats that might apply include fiberglass cracking or delamination, deck core rot, and corrosion. Additionally, some owners have proactively addressed maintenance items like original keel bolts, which can be prone to rust. Despite these potential age-related issues, the general sentiment among owners is positive, highlighting the enduring appeal and seaworthiness of the Beneteau First 38.