Hull Design and Construction
The most consequential change from the original First 25 to the S model lies beneath the waterline and inside the hull mold itself. Resin transfer molded construction stripped nearly a thousand pounds from the predecessor's displacement even as Beneteau widened the transom to improve form stability at speed. The hull carries a deep V-entry forward that minimizes pounding in a chop, transitioning to rounded midsections and a flatter underbody aft — a plan that delivers a long sailing waterline and excellent control when the wind builds. The beamier transom created a small engineering complication that the designers resolved elegantly: twin kick-up rudders replaced the single blade, maintaining positive tracking through wide angles of heel without adding mechanical complexity. The result is a hull that stands up to press of sail and behaves predictably when pushed hard.
Rig and Sail Plan
The First 25 S carries a 9/10ths aluminum deck-stepped mast rising 41 feet above the waterline, with single aft-swept spreaders. The absence of a backstay is the key to the boat's character aloft: without that wire in the way, a large flat-top mainsail becomes possible, driving the hull efficiently to windward and setting cleanly at every point of sail. The headsail furls on a Facnor system, so setting sail doesn't involve going forward to wrestle a jib — the whole process is manageable from the cockpit. For sailors who want to push performance further downwind, a retractable sprit and asymmetric spinnaker can be fitted, unlocking genuine speed in puffs. The unstayed mast also means unobstructed passage to the foredeck, which matters when handling the A-sail shorthanded.
Keel Options and Draft
The First 25 S is offered in two keel configurations, and the choice between them shapes the boat's character considerably. The standard fixed keel draws 4 feet 9 inches, providing a no-fuss bottom that suits most coastal sailing. The optional swing keel deploys to 6 feet 1 inch for upwind performance and retracts until the hull draws just under 3 feet — shallow enough for gunkholing and straightforward enough for trailering to unfamiliar water. The retractable keel is operated by a hand crank and winch, adding a modest sum to the base price. For sailors who want to explore tidal flats, launch from ramps far from their home port, or simply keep their options open, the lifting keel is the more versatile choice, and both configurations share the same ballast ratio, so neither version sacrifices meaningful stability for the benefit.
Cockpit and Sailing Experience
On the water, the First 25 S behaves with a lightness that reflects its weight savings. In variable breeze of 7 knots or less, the test boat sailed at 4.7 knots at a 60-degree apparent wind angle, slipping past heavier boats that had stalled. The cockpit is organized around two Harken winches mounted at the companionway that handle both primaries and halyards — a clean, uncluttered layout that works equally well for a singlehander or a short crew doing a club race. The main traveler is mounted across the transom, clearing the mainsheet from the cockpit sole entirely. Beneteau kept the tiller rather than adding a wheel, and in a boat this size that is the right decision: the tiller provides immediate, direct feedback and leaves cockpit volume unobstructed. The CE Category C and D certification speaks to the boat's intended envelope — spirited coastal sailing rather than offshore passage-making.
Accommodations Below
For a boat under 26 feet, the interior is genuinely habitable rather than merely functional. Headroom at the companionway reaches 5 feet 10 inches, tapering to 5 feet 1 inch in the forward stateroom — workable for most sailors, tight for those over six feet. The layout places a compact galley to port with an icebox, sink, and optional single-burner gimbaled stove, while twin settees in the saloon are separated by a drop-leaf table; the starboard settee converts to a double berth. A dedicated aft-facing nav station to starboard is a thoughtful nod to serious sailors who want a real chart table, not just a lap. Forward, the V-berth is enclosed by a sliding door off a pass-through corridor that houses both the sink and the marine head — an arrangement that creates genuine privacy without eating excessive volume. Stowage is distributed through cubbyholes and under-seat lockers, and the mast prop is built into the forward bulkhead rather than the saloon floor, which opens up the living space considerably.
Auxiliary Power and Range
The Yanmar 14-horsepower diesel driving a fixed prop pushes the boat to nearly 7 knots on flat water, which is more than adequate for harbor maneuvering and windless passages. The fuel tankage of 8 gallons is the one figure that deserves honest scrutiny: for extended cruising it is limiting, though proponents note that a boat this light and well-canvassed rarely needs to motor when others would. The water tank holds 11 gallons — sufficient for a weekend with a small crew, but something to manage carefully on longer stays. The auxiliary installation is straightforward, with an underwater exhaust and a straight shaft that presents no unusual maintenance challenges.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 25 S is the rare small boat that earns its keep across multiple disciplines without excelling at any one of them to the exclusion of the others. It races credibly, sails efficiently in light air when heavier boats stall, sleeps four in a pinch, and — with the swing keel — can be trailered and launched almost anywhere. Finot-Conq's hull design is fundamentally honest: fast when pushed, stable when eased, predictable when the wind builds. The resin transfer molding that shaved so much weight from the original design is the quiet engineering achievement that makes everything else possible. Sailors who expect offshore endurance from a 26-footer will find the fuel and water capacity tight; those who sail where the depth sounder matters will want the swing keel. Within its intended envelope of coastal day-sailing, weekend cruising, and club racing, it is a highly competent, thoroughly considered design.
Pros
- Lightweight RTM construction delivers lively performance in light air
- Unstayed fractional rig with flat-top main maximizes upwind drive without backstay interference
- Twin rudders maintain tracking at high angles of heel
- Optional swing keel opens shoal-water and trailering possibilities
- Surprisingly complete interior for under 26 feet, with genuine nav station and enclosed head
- Clean cockpit layout operable by singlehander or small crew
Cons
- 8-gallon fuel tankage limits motoring range on extended passages
- Standing headroom caps at 5 feet 10 inches — restrictive for taller sailors
- Swing keel requires hand-cranking and adds cost
- CE Category C/D rating defines the boat as a coastal rather than offshore platform
- 11-gallon water capacity demands careful management beyond day-sailing
