Beneteau First 375 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The First 375 is defined by its powerful masthead sloop rig and a hull that performs exceptionally well in moderate to heavy air. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate" category, the boat provides a stable, sea-kindly motion that many modern, lighter-displacement hulls lack. Sailors often report that the boat feels "locked in" when reaching, thanks to its deep fin keel and well-proportioned spade rudder.

There were two primary rig configurations: the standard version and the "First 375 S" (Sport). The Sport variant featured a taller mast and often a deeper keel, catering to owners who intended to compete in club racing. In standard trim, the boat relies on a large overlapping genoa for its power, which requires a proactive crew during tacks but rewards the helmsman with impressive pointing ability. Jean Berret's design ensures the boat tracks well even in a chop, a characteristic often cited in period reviews from Yachting Monthly as a hallmark of 1980s Beneteau engineering. While the boat is stiff, it is not cumbersome; the feedback through the wheel remains sensitive enough to feel the "groove" when close-hauled.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the First 375 showcased Beneteau’s ability to maximize volume without sacrificing the traditional maritime aesthetic. The interior is characterized by warm teak joinery and a layout that was innovative for its time. The model was offered in two primary configurations: an "Owner's" version with two large cabins and a "Club" version with three cabins.

In the two-cabin layout, the aft cabin is remarkably spacious for a 37-foot boat of this vintage, featuring a large transverse double berth and ample hanging locker space. This version also typically boasts a larger galley and a dedicated navigation station that would satisfy a professional mariner. The three-cabin variant, while tighter in the aft quarters, became a favorite for families and charter operators who required the extra berths. Headroom is a significant strength of this model, consistently exceeding six feet throughout the main salon. The "U-shaped" dinette provides a social hub that feels integrated with the galley, making the 375 a viable candidate for long-term coastal cruising or "snowbirding" in the Caribbean.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the First 375 with an eye toward the specific structural realities of 1980s production yachts. While the hulls are robust, solid fiberglass, the following areas require scrutiny:

• The Structural Grid: Beneteau utilized an internal fiberglass grid (the "liner") bonded to the hull to provide stiffness. In boats that have suffered hard groundings, this bond can fail. Surveyors should check for any "panting" or separation between the grid and the hull, particularly near the keel bolts.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the First 375 uses a balsa-cored deck. Over decades, moisture can penetrate the core through improperly bedded deck hardware, stanchions, or hatches. A moisture meter and "percussion testing" (tapping with a plastic hammer) are essential to identify delamination.
• Iron Keel Maintenance: Most First 375s were equipped with cast iron keels rather than lead. Unless meticulously maintained with epoxy coatings, these keels are prone to rust "blooms." While usually cosmetic, significant oxidation at the hull-keel joint (the "smile") warrants investigation of the keel bolts.
• Rudder Bearings: The spade rudder is known for developing play over time. Owners often report a "clunking" sensation in the steering, which typically indicates the need for new bushings or bearings.

Community & Resources

The First 375 benefits from a vast and active global community. The Beneteau Owners Association serves as a primary hub for technical drawings and historical documentation. Because the 375 shares many components with the First 345 and the larger First 405, technical advice is plentiful across regional Beneteau owners' groups in both Europe and North America.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 375 is a quintessential "modern classic." It offers a level of build quality and sailing "soul" that is often missing in newer, high-volume production boats, yet it remains modern enough to avoid the cramped, dark interiors of the 1970s. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes performance and sea-kindliness over the massive beam and "floating condo" feel of contemporary cruising designs.

Pros

• Excellent Performance: A true dual-purpose boat that remains competitive in PHRF racing.
• Solid Construction: Heavily built hulls that handle offshore conditions with confidence.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic Berret lines that have aged much better than the "wedge" shapes of later decades.
• Value: Offers significant waterline length and cabin volume for a relatively modest entry price.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensive: Older systems and balsa-cored decks require vigilant upkeep.
• Iron Keel: Requires more frequent haul-outs to manage oxidation compared to lead.
• Aft Cabin Heat: In the three-cabin versions, ventilation in the aft quarters can be restricted without auxiliary fans.