Beneteau First 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the First 38 is a "thoroughbred" that benefits from a balanced, Jean Berret-designed hull with a tapered stern and a deep fin keel. Unlike modern wide-stern designs that can be prone to rounding up when overpowered, the First 38 maintains a predictable, light helm even when pressed. Technical evaluations from Yachting Monthly indicate that the boat is exceptionally "close-winded," capable of tacking through 90 degrees or better in racing trim.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 42%, the vessel is remarkably stiff and sea-kindly. In moderate conditions of 18–20 knots, the boat easily maintains speeds over 7 knots upwind without the aggressive "pounding" characteristic of flatter-bottomed modern boats. Downwind, its symmetrical hull allows it to track straight with minimal effort, and it has been reported to surf at speeds exceeding 13 knots when handled by an experienced crew. The balanced spade rudder provides high maneuverability, allowing the boat to literally turn in its own length, though buyers should note the lack of a protective skeg means the rudder blade is exposed to impact.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The First 38 was revolutionary for being one of the first production monohulls to successfully integrate a three-cabin, two-head layout into a sub-40-foot frame. The interior is characterized by warm teak finishes and a functional, seamanlike arrangement. The main saloon features a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, which can double as sea berths. An interesting era-specific feature is the inclusion of narrow pilot berths outboard of the settees, though many owners have since converted these into additional storage lockers.

The "S" version of the rig was often paired with a more performance-oriented interior, while standard versions focused on maximizing occupancy, theoretically sleeping up to ten people. The galley is a classic U-shape, optimized for use at sea, with deep stainless steel sinks and a top-loading refrigerator. Variations of this hull, specifically the First 405, offered a more refined two-stateroom layout with higher-end woodwork, catering to owners who prioritized private space over total berth count.

Popular Mentions & Media

The First 38’s reputation for offshore durability is perhaps best cemented by the voyage of Bagheera. Owners Andy and Liza Copeland famously completed a circumnavigation aboard their First 38, logging over 70,000 miles and visiting 88 countries. Their experiences, often cited in technical blue-water cruising circles, highlight the boat's ability to serve as a legitimate long-distance home for a family of five while maintaining competitive passage times of 150 to 170 miles per day.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the First 38 with a checklist focused on its 1980s construction methods.

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many fiberglass hulls from this era, the First 38 is prone to osmosis. Many hulls underwent professional peeling and epoxy treatments in the late 80s or 90s, often at the manufacturer's expense, but a moisture meter survey is essential.
• Headliner Failure: The interior features a foam-backed vinyl headliner. Over time, the foam oxidizes and crumbles, causing the fabric to sag or detach entirely. This is a labor-intensive aesthetic repair common to early Beneteaus.
• Deck Core Moisture: The deck is balsa-cored for stiffness. Inspect for soft spots or elevated moisture levels around high-load hardware, such as the chainplates and the genoa track, where sealant may have failed over decades.
• Engine Maintenance: Most units were originally fitted with the Perkins 4108 diesel. While legendary for its longevity (often exceeding 10,000 hours), it is known for minor oil leaks and requires specific parts that are becoming rarer. A major advantage of this model is the removable cockpit sole, which allows the engine to be hoisted straight out for major overhauls.

Community & Resources

Owners of this model are supported by the Beneteau Owners Association, a prominent organization that maintains technical archives and provides a forum for discussing era-specific maintenance. Detailed historical brochures and original sail plans can still be accessed through the "Heritage" section of the official Beneteau website.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 38 is a robust, fast, and elegantly designed cruiser-racer that offers significant value for sailors who appreciate traditional handling characteristics over modern "caravan-style" volume.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and sea-kindly motion in heavy weather.
• Innovative interior layout that remains practical for large families.
• High build strength with a structural grid system glassed to the hull.
• Large, seamanlike navigation station and galley.

Cons:

• High likelihood of osmotic blisters if not previously treated.
• Propensity for "falling" vinyl headliners in the cabins.
• Lack of a skeg to protect the spade rudder.
• Narrow V-berth and aft doubles compared to contemporary designs.