The Beneteau First 38, introduced in 1982, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the modern production cruiser-racer. Designed by Jean Berret, it was conceived as a high-performance 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 38-foot 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 cruising-oriented Idylle 11.5, which featured a modified deck and a skeg-hung 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 mid-1980s.
Beneteau First 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Beneteau
- Model
- First 38
- Builder
- Beneteau
- Designer
- Jean Berret
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 1982 - ??
Below are the most recent Beneteau First 38 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | 1 | $38,000 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | $29,000 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | $53,013 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | $52,424 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | $46,450 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | $44,500 |
| Nov 2025 | 3 | $53,013 |
| Dec 2025 | 5 | $29,000 |
| Jan 2026 | 4 | $27,500 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | $23,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 7 | $35,224 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabre 38 | 37.83' | $49,900 | 30 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 29 | 29.67' | $21,700 | 28 | 3 |
| Beneteau First 38 | $35,218 | 26 | 8 | |
| Dufour Classic 38 | 37.58' | $80,542 | 26 | 12 |
| Beneteau First 375 | 37.08' | $46,000 | 19 | 6 |
| Beneteau First 38 S5 | 38.25' | $47,005 | 15 | 6 |
| Beneteau First 42 | 42.92' | $49,700 | 14 | 3 |
| Beneteau First 305 | 30.5' | $25,244 | 14 | 7 |
| Beneteau First 32 | 32.5' | $21,205 | 11 | 5 |
| Northshore 38 | 37.99' | $56,909 | 11 | 4 |
| Jeanneau First 28 | 28.21' | $28,863 | 9 | 3 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $32,000 | 10 | 2 |
| Martinique | $35,224 | 5 | 5 |
| Puerto Rico | $29,000 | 3 | 0 |
| Portugal | $53,013 | 3 | 0 |
| France | $48,846 | 2 | 0 |
| Spain | $68,917 | 1 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Beneteau First 38 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Beneteau First 38 over the past 12 months is $35,218. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Beneteau First 38 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 26 Beneteau First 38 listings over the past 12 months, with 8 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Beneteau First 38 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Beneteau First 38 has increased by 0.02% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Beneteau First 38?
- Puerto Rico currently has the lowest median asking price at $29,000, while Spain is the most expensive at $68,917 — a 138% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Beneteau First 38?
- Comparable models include the Sabre 38, Beneteau First 29, Dufour Classic 38. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.