Beneteau First 29 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The First 29 is characterized by the hallmark design philosophy of Jean-Marie Finot, featuring a relatively wide beam carried well aft and a flat-bottomed hull section that encourages surfing in heavy air. While its displacement sits in the moderate category, the boat feels remarkably light on the helm. Owners and contemporary testers often note that the boat is exceptionally stiff for its size, thanks in part to a ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering around 35–40% depending on the keel configuration.

On the water, the First 29 is known for its "pointability"; it tracks well upwind even in a chop, though the wide stern can cause the rudder to lose grip if the boat is allowed to heel excessively. The sail plan is masthead-rigged, which was standard for the era, requiring a large genoa to provide the necessary power in light air. Under spinakker or on a broad reach, the hull’s flat sections allow it to plane more readily than traditional full-keeled contemporaries. Two keel versions were offered: a deep fin for maximum windward performance and a lifting keel (keel-boat version) that utilized twin rudders, making it a favorite for sailors in tidal regions like the Brittany coast or the Chesapeake Bay.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel with a length overall of just under 30 feet, the interior of the First 29 was considered revolutionary at the time of its release. Beneteau and Finot prioritized volume, moving away from the cramped, narrow cabins of the 1970s. The layout typically features a proper aft cabin with a double berth—a luxury that was rare in 29-footers of that vintage—and a separate heads compartment located aft to starboard.

The salon is centered around a folding table with two straight settees that can double as sea berths. The galley is compact but functional, usually equipped with a two-burner stove and a top-loading icebox. Woodwork is predominantly teak or mahogany veneer, which, when combined with the numerous portlights, provides a warm yet bright atmosphere. Headroom is a significant selling point, standing at approximately 6 feet (1.82m) in the main cabin, which accommodated the taller European and American markets. Beyond the standard layout, Beneteau offered the "First 29 S" or "Sprit" variant in some markets, though most variations were limited to the keel depth and the inclusion of either a Volvo Penta or Yanmar inboard diesel engine.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a First 29 with a focused inspection of the following technical areas:

• Keel-Hull Joint: Like many Beneteaus of this era, the "Beneteau Smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint—is common. While often cosmetic, it should be checked to ensure it does not indicate movement in the keel bolts or compression of the internal grid.
• Mast Step and Compression: The deck-stepped mast relies on an internal compression post. If the boat has been raced hard or the rig tension has been neglected, the deck around the mast step can show signs of crazing or slight depression.
• Rudder Bearings: The First 29 uses a spade rudder (or twin rudders on the lifting keel version). Excessive play in the bearings can lead to a vibrating helm at speed.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were fitted with the Volvo Penta 2000 series. While robust, parts for these older engines are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to source; buyers should verify the state of the heat exchanger and the saildrive diaphragm (if applicable).
• Deck Core: While Beneteau used solid laminate for much of the hull, the decks are balsa-cored. Use a moisture meter around stanchion bases and chainplates to check for delamination.

Community & Resources

The First 29 benefits from the massive global infrastructure of the Beneteau brand. The Beneteau Yacht Club serves as a central hub for owners to access historical documentation and manuals. Additionally, the Groupe Finot archives provide technical drawings and original design specifications for the model. For technical troubleshooting, the Beneteau Owners Association (USA) and various national owners’ groups in France and the UK remain active, offering a wealth of knowledge on refitting these classic hulls.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 29 remains a benchmark for the "small but mighty" cruiser-racer. It offers the volume of a 32-footer with the handling characteristics of a sporty dinghy.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: The inclusion of a true aft cabin is a major benefit for weekend cruising.
• Design Pedigree: A fast, stable hull from one of the world's leading naval architecture firms.
• Versatility: Available in both deep fin and lifting keel versions to suit various cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 40-year-old standing rigging and engine components.
• Light Air Performance: Requires a large headsail to stay competitive when the wind drops below 8 knots.
• Aft Grip: Can be prone to rounding up if over-pressed in heavy gusts due to the wide beam.