Now out of production, with roughly 500 hulls completed, the First 260 Spirit combines a light-displacement, planing hull with movable ballast and twin-rudder steering.
Design and Construction
Finot and Beneteau used the available space to create an intimate boat with a clear deck layout and useful fittings; safety is also cited as one of the design’s strong points. The molded-fiberglass construction is conventional for a production boat, helping to keep the hull light while making it straightforward to repair and maintain.
A centreboard/keel arrangement and transom-mounted twin rudders define the underwater profile. The relatively beamy, planing-capable hull gives the boat its nimble coastal character. The 24.6 ft hull has a 9 ft beam and displaces 4,740 lb, including 1,433 lb of iron ballast. Its 30.2 percent ballast-displacement ratio is better suited to a lively pocket sport-cruiser than to a load-carrying cruising boat.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The First 260 Spirit is a fractional-rigged sloop with 349 sq ft of sail area. That’s relatively generous for its displacement and helps explain why the boat is quick to accelerate and sensitive to trim.
Under sail, it is generally described as lively and quick off the wind, with the responsiveness and acceleration expected of the First family. The twin rudders preserve control as the boat heels: in tight, choppy water, one rudder may remain well immersed and improve steerage.
With the centreboard down, upwind performance is respectable for the class. However, the light displacement and shallower movable ballast make the boat more tender at extreme heel angles than a similar fixed-keel pocket cruiser, so conservative reefing habits pay practical dividends.
In short coastal conditions and moderate seas, the First 260 Spirit feels nimble and confident. It rewards careful light-air tuning and aggressive handling in club events, but its priorities make it better suited to coastal racing and weekend cruising than to sustained offshore work.
Accommodations
The interior is deliberately compact but well considered. It generally includes a forward V-berth, a modest saloon with convertible settees, a small galley, and either a portable or fitted head.
There’s enough room for a couple to spend a comfortable weekend aboard, while short family cruises remain tolerable. Clever storage and good daylight make the cabin feel less cramped than its dimensions might suggest. Materials and finishes are practical rather than luxurious, helping to save weight and making routine cosmetic updates straightforward for owners who prefer DIY improvements. Headroom and tankage, however, limit the boat’s appeal for extended liveaboard use.
Known Issues and Survey Points
The lifting hardware and keel trunk need careful survey inspection and regular maintenance. Trunk seals, lifting pins, and bearings are routine checkpoints because failures or excessive play can compromise both performance and safety.
Owner notes identify several recurring concerns:
- Wear or play in the centreboard swing and pivot, including the associated pins
- Squeaks or soft spots around the head and sole area, reported in some boats as delamination-like sounds
- Seals and inspection plates that require the usual attention expected on a lifting-keel boat
Work involving keel-box access or rudder bearings typically benefits from professional attention. The main pressure points for residual value are the condition of the keel hardware and twin rudders, along with any evidence of poor water-ingress management at the trunk or deck interfaces.
Refits and Ownership
Many owners update cushions, navigation electronics, and soft goods to improve comfort without undertaking major structural work. Common seller-side upgrades include replacing worn keel pins, re-bedding inspection plates, reinforcing or rebonding sole and structural areas, and refreshing the rudder bearings.
The small diesel or auxiliary engine, through-hulls, and basic electrical systems are generally accessible for owner inspection, which helps keep routine upkeep manageable. Overall, the First 260 Spirit is a practical coastal boat, provided its owner treats regular inspection of the keel and rudder systems as normal maintenance.
The Verdict
The First 260 Spirit is a compact, well-engineered sport-cruiser that balances quick acceleration and rewarding helm feel with enough accommodation for practical weekend cruising. Its sailing manners suit performance-minded coastal sailors who enjoy an athletic helm, while the simple, compact interior lends itself to modest owner refits rather than costly structural work.
Pros
- Lively acceleration and positive twin-rudder helm feel when heeled
- Centreboard flexibility for shoal anchorages and reduced draft
- Practical, lightweight interior that’s easy to modernize and maintain
- Straightforward fiberglass hull repairs and owner-accessible systems
Cons
- Mechanical complexity in the centreboard and keel-trunk systems
- Twin rudders require ongoing attention to bearings and blades
- More tender at extreme heel than fixed-keel pocket cruisers
- Limited headroom and tankage for liveaboard use
