Beneteau First 325 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The First 325 is characterized by Jean Berret’s signature design philosophy of the era: powerful aft sections, a relatively fine entry, and a high-aspect masthead rig. With a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio hovering near 20, the 325 is remarkably spirited in light air, often outperforming much larger cruisers. The boat was offered with two keel configurations: a deep fin (1.85m) for those prioritized upwind pointing and stability, and a shallow-draft variant (1.45m) for tidal cruising.

On the water, the 325 is known for its "honest" feedback. It tracks well but remains responsive to the tiller—though many North American exports were fitted with a wheel. In heavy weather, the hull’s relatively high beam-to-length ratio provides good initial stability, but like many Beneteaus of this vintage, it benefits from early reefing to maintain an upright posture and reduce weather helm. As noted by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, the design focused on balancing the hydrodynamic forces to ensure the boat remained manageable even when pressed in a club racing environment.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the First 325 was considered revolutionary for a 32-foot boat in 1984. It was one of the first production yachts of this size to successfully integrate a private aft cabin and a dedicated aft head, a configuration that has since become the industry standard. This layout moved the head compartment away from the traditional "walk-through" position between the salon and the V-berth, allowing for a much more spacious and open main cabin.

The salon features two longitudinal settees flanking a central drop-leaf table, providing ample seating for six. The joinery is typical of Beneteau’s "Golden Age," utilizing mahogany-stained woods that offer a warmer feel than the lighter oaks found in modern vessels. In terms of variations, while the hull remained consistent, early models featured a different arrangement of opening portlights compared to later hulls, which improved ventilation in the galley and aft cabin. The sibling model, the earlier First 32, lacks this refined interior volume and features a more cramped, traditional layout, making the 325 the more desirable choice for modern cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When evaluating a Beneteau First 325 on the used market, several era-specific technical areas require scrutiny:

• The "Beneteau Smile": This refers to a crack that can form at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often just a cosmetic failure of the fairing compound caused by the leverage of the keel, it should be inspected to ensure it is not a sign of structural movement or loose keel bolts.
• Balsa Core Compression: Like many yachts of the 1980s, the 325 uses a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should use a moisture meter or percussion hammer to check for soft spots around high-load areas, specifically the chainplates and the mast step.
• Engine Health: Many 325s were originally equipped with the Volvo Penta 2002 series. These are raw-water-cooled engines known for scaling issues in the internal cooling passages, which can lead to overheating. Check for consistent water flow and ease of cold starting.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Beneteau’s lamination processes were generally robust, hulls from this period are at an age where osmotic blistering is common. A thorough haul-out inspection is necessary to determine if the hull has been epoxy-treated or requires peeling.

Community & Resources

Owners of the First 325 benefit from a vast and active global community. The Beneteau Owners Association is the primary hub for technical manuals, rigging diagrams, and historical brochures. Because the 325 shares many components with other First-series boats of the 80s (like the First 305 and 345), spare parts and advice on structural upgrades are relatively easy to source through regional Beneteau owner forums and technical wikis.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 325 remains a premier choice for sailors who refuse to choose between performance and practicality. It is a "true" sailboat that rewards a keen trimmer but provides the privacy and amenities required for a week-long cruise with a small family.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and agility.
• Pioneering aft-cabin layout that feels larger than its 32 feet.
• Classic Jean Berret aesthetics with enduring appeal.
• Strong resale value and a robust secondary market for parts.

Cons:

• Aged Volvo Penta engines can be expensive to maintain or replace.
• Susceptibility to deck core moisture if deck hardware is not re-bedded.
• Lightweight construction may feel "lively" in heavy offshore conditions.