Beneteau First 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of German Frers is immediately evident in the hull form of the First 42. During the early 1980s, Frers was dominant in IOR design, and he brought that performance pedigree to this production model. The boat features a moderate displacement (approximately 18,000 lbs) paired with a high-aspect rig that produces a sail area-to-displacement ratio in the high 17s. This allows the boat to remain lively in light air, a trait often missing in cruisers of this size.

Under sail, the First 42 is known for its exceptional upwind performance. As noted in editorial evaluations by Practical Sailor, the boat tracks with remarkable stability and maintains a balanced helm even as the breeze freshens. The hull incorporates a subtle tumblehome and a deep fin keel (standard at 7' 2"), which provides the lift necessary to point high into the wind. While the large overlapping genoa—a hallmark of its era—requires significant winch work during tacks, the reward is a powerful, sea-kindly motion that handles chop with minimal slamming. Off the wind, the boat is stable and predictable, though the IOR-influenced pinched stern can make it somewhat "active" in a following sea compared to more modern, wide-transom designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the First 42 was a departure from the more utilitarian French boats of the 1970s, leaning heavily into high-quality joinery and a sophisticated layout. Most hulls were finished in rich mahogany or teak, creating a warm, traditional atmosphere. The standard layout typically features a large forward V-berth with an en-suite head, a spacious main salon with a U-shaped settee to port, and a comprehensive navigation station to starboard.

Beneteau offered variations to suit different needs, most notably in the cabin configurations. While the owner's version with two cabins and two heads was the most common, some hulls were produced with a three-cabin layout to accommodate larger crews or the charter market. In the two-cabin version, the aft cabin is notably large for a boat of this vintage, offering a genuine double berth and ample standing headroom. According to the Beneteau Group historical archives, the galley was designed with the offshore sailor in mind, featuring deep double sinks and a secure U-shaped configuration that allows the cook to remain braced while the boat is heeled.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a First 42 should prioritize a thorough structural survey, focusing on the specific construction methods used during the 1980s. While the hulls are solid fiberglass, the decks are balsa-cored. Over four decades, moisture ingress around stanchion bases, chainplates, or retrofitted deck hardware can lead to core delamination.

• Grid and Floor Timbers: Like many Beneteaus of this era, the First 42 utilizes a fiberglass grid system (the "spider") bonded to the hull to distribute rig and keel loads. A surveyor should check for any signs of "tabbing" separation between the grid and the hull, particularly near the mast step and keel bolts, which can occur after a hard grounding.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: The cast iron keel is mated to the hull with steel bolts. These should be inspected for "bleeding" or significant corrosion. It is common for owners to treat the exterior of the cast iron keel to prevent rusting, but the internal attachment points are the primary concern.
• Mast Step Corrosion: On boats with keel-stepped masts, the base of the mast is prone to galvanic corrosion if the bilge has been habitually wet.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original units were equipped with Perkins or Yanmar diesels. While robust, original plumbing and heat exchangers may be nearing the end of their service life if they haven't been meticulously maintained.

Community & Resources

The First 42 benefits from a very active and technically-minded owner community. The Beneteau Owners Association provides a repository of manuals, rig tuning guides, and historical brochures. Owners frequently share documentation regarding the specific Frers-designed components that are unique to this model, such as the rudder bearing assemblies and the original Isomat spar specifications.

The Verdict

The Beneteau First 42 is a "modern classic" that offers a level of build quality and sailing performance that is often difficult to find in contemporary entry-level cruisers. It remains an excellent choice for a sailor who values the aesthetic of a traditional interior and the feedback of a performance-oriented hull.

Pros

• Superior Sailing Pedigree: The German Frers design ensures excellent windward ability and a rewarding helm.
• Substantial Build: Heavily laid-up fiberglass hulls provide a sense of security in offshore conditions.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The combination of a sleek profile and a rich wood interior has aged better than many of its contemporaries.
• Value: Offers significant waterline and interior volume for its current market price.

Cons

• High-Maintenance Deck: The balsa-cored deck requires constant vigilance to prevent moisture issues.
• Dated Rig Logic: The large overlapping headsails require more physical effort to sail than modern fractional rigs.
• Draft Limitations: The standard 7' 2" keel may limit access to some shallow cruising grounds, though a wing-keel version exists.