Finot conceived the First 25 as a lively coastal weekender with transatlantic credentials. The boat later strongly inspired derivatives including the First 260 and First 25.7.
Design and Construction
At 7.50 meters overall and 1,800 kg displacement, the First 25 is a compact but substantial family boat rather than a stripped-out racer. Finot’s brief emphasized safety in construction and operation, maneuverability, speed, and enjoyable handling.
Bénéteau built both the hull and deck in monolithic polyester. The deck is a laminated structure with no risk of delamination. Fixed- and lifting-keel versions were available; they share a hull that the builder offered in two distinct forms. Bénéteau did not produce a centerboard variant.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The First 25 carries a generous sail area and reveals its true character as the breeze builds. The editors of Mers et Bateaux described it as a lively and reassuring boat when the wind picks up and noted that it handles chop very well. The hull is said to show all its qualities in 15 to 20 knots.
The lifting-keel model is as efficient as the fixed-keel version and may even be marginally quicker. The lifting keel also broadens the range of places the boat can explore.
A crew of four can work in the cockpit without getting in one another’s way. Wide, clear side decks make it easy to move forward.
Cockpit and Accommodation
The cockpit is spacious and deep. Comfortable coamings provide good support for the helmsman, while two large lockers can hold mooring lines, fenders, a dinghy, and more.
Below, the saloon spans the full beam. Headroom is 1.75 m, increasing to 1.80 m beneath the hatch. One side of the settee converts into a comfortable double berth, and a small chart table at the foot of the companionway is practical.
An L-shaped galley and a separate toilet compartment with a sink divide the saloon from the forward double berth. That berth is best suited to children. Lockers run along both sides, and there’s a small wardrobe in the head. The First 25 has no aft cabin.
Engines and Ownership Checks
From the factory, buyers could choose an inboard engine beneath the cockpit or an outboard installed in a dedicated well at the stern.
Several structural areas deserve attention when buying or refitting a First 25. The transom must be reinforced if a windlass chair is added. On lifting-keel boats, the floor timbers also warrant inspection. The keel bolts or lifting-keel mechanism should be checked as a matter of course.
Verdict
The First 25 is a characterful small cruiser that combines family accommodation with genuine sailing verve. Finot’s hull rewards a breeze, the decks are easy to work, and the interior makes intelligent use of its 7.5 meters. The lifting-keel option broadens where the boat can wander, while the solid polyester construction avoids common sandwich-related concerns.
Pros
- Lively, reassuring handling in 15–20 knots, with good performance in chop
- Spacious, deep cockpit with supportive coamings
- Wide side decks and easy foredeck access
- Full-beam saloon with practical berth conversions and useful stowage
- Monolithic polyester hull and deck, with no risk of delamination
Cons
- No aft cabin
- Forward berth is best suited to children
- Lifting-keel boats require checks of the floor timbers and mechanism
- Transom requires reinforcement before fitting a windlass chair
