Beneteau First 310 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The First 310 is characterized by its modern (for the era) hull form, featuring a fine entry that widens into a generous beam carried well aft. This design, a hallmark of Finot-Conq, provides the boat with exceptional initial stability and high volume for its length. Under sail, the 310 is widely regarded as a "driver’s boat." It utilizes a fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, which allows for easier mainsail trimming and eliminates the need for running backstays, a significant advantage for short-handed crews.

The boat was offered with two main keel configurations: a deep-draft "GTE" version (1.75m) and a shallow-draft version (1.30m). Owners and testers frequently note that the deep-draft version offers superior upwind pointing and reduced leeway, making it the preferred choice for those with racing aspirations. The balanced spade rudder provides high levels of feedback; however, because the beam is so wide, the boat can become heavy on the helm if over-pressed. Experienced sailors recommend reefing early—typically when the wind reaches 15-18 knots—to keep the boat upright and maintain its efficient tracking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its performance-leaning exterior, the interior of the First 310 was surprisingly voluminous for a 31-foot vessel in the 1990s. The layout typically features two private cabins—a V-berth forward and a surprisingly large double cabin tucked under the cockpit on the port side. This aft cabin benefit is a direct result of the wide beam carried aft. The galley is generally positioned to port, featuring a two-burner stove and a top-loading icebox, while a full-sized navigation station sits to starboard.

The woodwork typically consists of cherry or mahogany-stained veneers, which provided a warmer, more traditional aesthetic compared to the "stark white" interiors of some competitors. Headroom is generous at approximately 1.82m (6ft) in the main saloon, a feat achieved by the relatively high coachroof profile. While the First 310 focused on a balanced interior, its sibling, the Oceanis 311, utilized the same hull but prioritized cruising comforts, often featuring a different deck mold with a smaller cockpit and more interior wood trim.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Beneteau First 310 on the secondary market, three specific areas require technical scrutiny. First, the "Grid System." Beneteau utilized a bonded structural inner grid to provide hull stiffness. In boats that have experienced a hard grounding, the bond between this fiberglass grid and the hull can crack or delaminate, particularly around the aft keel bolts. Prospective buyers should look for "dusting" or hairline fractures in the bilge area.

Second, the rudder bearings. Because the spade rudder is large and balanced, the plastic bushings can wear over time, leading to "slop" or vibration in the wheel or tiller. Replacing these is a standard maintenance task but requires dropping the rudder. Third, the deck-to-hull joint. Like many production boats of this era, the toerail is bolted through the joint; if the sealant has aged and dried, it can lead to stubborn leaks that manifest as dampness behind the salon settees.

Finally, evaluate the condition of the Volvo Penta or Yanmar saildrive (if equipped). Many 310s came with a 18hp to 27hp diesel engine. The rubber saildrive diaphragm has a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval (usually 7-10 years), which is a significant service item often overlooked by casual owners.

Community & Resources

The First 310 benefits from the massive global infrastructure of the Beneteau Owners Association. While there is no longer a dedicated factory portal for this specific out-of-production model, technical drawings and original parts lists are often archived by long-standing dealers. Owners frequently congregate on regional Beneteau forums to share tuning guides for the fractional rig, which is sensitive to mast bend and backstay tension.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 310 remains a standout choice for the sailor who refuses to sacrifice speed for "caravan-style" cruising. It is a stiff, honest, and rewarding boat to sail that still manages to accommodate a family of four for a week-long coastal hop.

Pros:

• Excellent performance-to-price ratio on the used market.
• Proven hull design by Groupe Finot with a pedigree in offshore racing.
• Surprising interior volume and a genuine two-cabin layout.
• Responsive handling that rewards active sail trimming.

Cons:

• The wide beam can lead to "rounding up" if the boat is over-canvased in gusts.
• Early 90s interior liners and veneers can show their age if not meticulously maintained.
• The shallow-draft version significantly compromises upwind performance compared to the GTE model.