Design and Construction
Beneteau built the First 25 in monolithic polyester for both hull and deck, and the deck is a laminated structure with no risk of delamination. Finot's brief put safety in construction and operation, plus maneuverability, at the front of the design, alongside the aim of a fast and pleasant-to-steer boat. The fixed and lifting-keel versions share a hull the builder offered in two distinct forms, with no centerboard variant from Bénéteau. At 7.50 meters overall and 1,800 kg displacement, the yacht reads as a compact but substantial family vessel rather than a bare racer.
Rig and Handling
The First 25 carries a generous sail area and shows its true character as the wind builds. Writing in Mers et Bateaux, the editors found her a lively and reassuring boat when the wind picks up, and noted she handles chop very well. The hull is said to demonstrate all its qualities in 15 to 20 knots, and the lifting-keel model is as efficient as the fixed-keel version, even marginally quicker. A crew of four can work the cockpit without tripping over one another, and the wide, clear side decks make passage to the foredeck easy.
Accommodations
The cockpit is very spacious and deep, with comfortable coamings that brace the helmsman well, and two large lockers swallow mooring lines, fenders, a dinghy, and more. Below, the saloon takes the full beam of the boat, with 1.75 m headroom rising to 1.80 m under the hatch. One settee side converts to a comfortable double, while a small chart table at the foot of the companionway is practical. An L-shaped galley and a toilet compartment with sink separate the saloon from a forward double berth that suits children, with lockers running along both sides and a small wardrobe in the head. There is no aft cabin.
Known Issues and Ownership Notes
A few structural checkpoints matter for any buyer or refitter. The transom must be reinforced if a windlass chair is added, and on lifting-keel versions the floor timbers warrant inspection. The keel bolts or the lifting-keel mechanism should be examined as a matter of course. From the factory the boat could be had with an inboard engine beneath the cockpit or with an outboard set into a dedicated well at the stern, giving owners a straightforward power choice.
The Verdict
The First 25 is a characterful small cruiser that balances family accommodation with genuine sailing verve. Finot's hull rewards a breeze, the decks are workable, and the interior uses its 7.5 meters intelligently. The lifting-keel option broadens where she can wander, and the solid polyester build avoids common sandwich worries.
Pros
- Lively, reassuring handling in 15–20 knots with good chop tolerance
- Spacious, deep cockpit with safe helm bracing and easy foredeck access
- Full-beam saloon with practical conversions and smart stowage
- Monolithic polyester hull and deck with no delamination risk
Cons
- No aft cabin; forward berth best for children
- Lifting-keel examples need floor-timber and mechanism checks
- Transom requires reinforcement for windlass-chair fitting
