Beneteau First 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Jean Berret·1982·Beneteau
Beneteau First 38 drawingBuilder drawing
Hull type
Monohull · fin
Rig
Masthead Sloop
LOA
40.2' · 12.25 m
Displ.
17,636 lbs · 8,000 kg
First year
1982

The Beneteau First 38, introduced in 1982, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the modern production cruiserracer. Designed by Jean Berret, it was conceived as a highperformance flagship for the "First" range, succeeding in a market that demanded both silverware on the racecourse and luxury at the anchorage. While its official designation suggests a 38foot boat, it actually measures over 40 feet in overall length, a fact noted by editorial reviews like those at Wave Train. The hull was so successful that it served as the foundation for several siblings; Beneteau utilized the same tooling to create the First 405 in 1986 and the more cruisingoriented Idylle 11.5, which featured a modified deck and a skeghung rudder for greater stability. According to official historical records from Beneteau, the model was specifically engineered to offer a level of finish and functionality that set it apart from its contemporaries during its production run through the mid1980s.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
$ 34,790
Ask, not sold · 31 listings
Recent listings · 90 d
14
31 tracked · 12 mo
3-month price trend
0.0%
vs. 12-mo median
Countries with listings
7
United States (40.7%) · Martinique (18.5%) · Portugal (14.8%)

Recent Listings

28 for sale · sampled 10 newest

Where they're listed

Beneteau First 38 listings span 7 countries. United States leads with 11 listings (40.7%), followed by Martinique and Portugal.

Median ask by country
USD · past 12 months
Share of listings
Count · past 12 months

Country breakdown

27 listings · 7 countries
CountryMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 dShare
United States$ 32,00011440.7%
Martinique$ 34,7905518.5%
Portugal$ 52,3604114.8%
Puerto Rico$ 19,9003011.1%
France$ 48,586207.4%
Spain$ 68,068103.7%
United Kingdom$ 53,165113.7%

Comparable models

Similar length overall, displacement, and era. Click a row to jump to that model's market page.

Peer cross-shop

11 designs · same segment
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Sabre 3837.83'$ 49,9004017
Beneteau First 30 (Mauric)29.36'$ 67,2303919
Dufour Classic 3837.58'$ 78,5403918
Beneteau First 38You are here$ 34,7903114
Beneteau First 38 S538.25'$ 47,9632413
Beneteau First 37537.08'$ 40,839226
Beneteau First 4242.92'$ 49,500189
Beneteau First 30530.5'$ 23,155189
Beneteau First 3232.5'$ 20,944136
Northshore 3837.99'$ 56,958113
Jeanneau First 2828.21'$ 11,577105

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a used Beneteau First 38 cost?+
The median asking price for a used Beneteau First 38 over the past 12 months is $34,790. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
02How many Beneteau First 38 sailboats are for sale?+
14 Beneteau First 38 listings have gone live in the last 90 days, and 31 have been tracked across the past 12 months.
03Are Beneteau First 38 prices going up or down?+
The median asking price for the Beneteau First 38 has remained stable over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month median.
04Where are Beneteau First 38 sailboats for sale?+
The top markets for used Beneteau First 38 listings over the past 12 months are United States (40.7%), Martinique (18.5%), Portugal (14.8%).
05What should I look at instead of a Beneteau First 38?+
Comparable models include Sabre 38, Beneteau First 30 (Mauric), Dufour Classic 38. See the peer cross-shop table above for pricing and availability.