Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsExplore the First 38.5fromBeneteau— a versatilesail yachtpresented within oursloops for saleportfolio. With 38 ft (11.66 m) LOA, a single Volvo engine, and a hull infiberglass, it offers straightforward ownership and enjoyable sailing. For availability and expert guidance, contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Selecting a First 38.5
If you’re seeking a manageable, proven sail yachtwith simple systems and broad market support, theFirst 38.5byBeneteauis a smart candidate. As part of oursloops for saleselection, it balances size and capability, making it attractive to sailors who value ease of handling and practical upkeep. Andrey Shestakov and the Shestakov Yacht Sales team can help you compare options, review records, and align a purchase to your plans.
Features of the Model
- LOA of 38 ft (11.66 m) keeps marina and haul-out logistics straightforward.
- Propulsion: 1 x Volvo engine for dependable maneuvering under power.
- Hull in fiberglassfor durability and ease of maintenance.
- Deck built in Fiberglass for strength and resilience.
- Listed in our sloops for salelineup among performance-mindedsail yacht.
Technical Specifications
- Builder: Beneteau
- Model: First 38.5
- Classification: sail yacht;sloops for sale; Hull class:fiberglass
- Length overall (LOA): 38 ft (11.66 m)
- Engines: 1 x Volvo
- Hull material: fiberglass
- Deck material: Fiberglass
Pricing and Ordering
To request current pricing, on-market opportunities, and private viewings for a First 38.5, connect with Andrey Shestakov and Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our brokerage coordinates offers, surveys, documentation, and delivery. Whether you’re comparing similarsail yachtsor focusing on oursloops for salelistings, we’ll guide you through selection and negotiation.
Questions and Answers
- Q: What type of yacht is the First 38.5? A: It’s asail yachthighlighted in oursloops for salecollection and built byBeneteau.
- Q: What are the key dimensions? A: The model’s LOA is 38 ft (11.66 m), offering a practical footprint for slips and service yards.
- Q: What engine is installed? A: It features 1 x Volvo— asingle enginesetup that keeps operation and maintenance straightforward.
- Q: What are the hull and deck materials? A: The hull is in fiberglass, and the deck isFiberglass.
- Q: How do I arrange a viewing or make an offer? A: Contact Andrey ShestakovatShestakov Yacht Salesto discuss availability, pricing, and next steps for acquiring aFirst 38.5.
Owner Experience Review
Owners report that the First 38.5serves well across a wide range of use: club racing and medium‑ to long‑distance events (Chicago/Mac examples are cited), family coastal cruising and weekend trips, and the occasional passage. They consider it offshore‑capable, while noting its performance‑oriented brief means less interior volume and comfort than dedicated cruisers or Oceanis‑type models fromBeneteau.
Underway, multiple owners call it “reasonably quick” with a solid, sea‑kindly motion, and some describe it as “confident and safe in any sea and wind.” One owner put it succinctly: “Downwind the boat reached like a bandit.” Upwind performance depends heavily on keel configuration; shoal/wing‑keel boats are reported to point poorly with reduced performance, whereas deep‑fin versions are noticeably better to windward.
On board, the cockpit and controls are arranged for efficient sailing, and the interior shows real teak veneer with a classic 1980s feel, but headroom is lower than on modern cruisers and the foam‑backed headliner/sideliner can be a pain to renew. Maintenance commentary focuses on older‑boat realities: verify keel/ballast with a magnet (iron vs lead), some owners fit a Mars cast ballast bulb (500 lb) to boost stability and upwind bite, stay alert to osmosis on aging hulls, and budget realistically for refits—forum figures cite engine (£8–10k), sails (£4k), and rigging (~£2.5k). Surveys should also scrutinize engine heat/cooling systems due to past winterizing lapses reported on some boats.
Pros and Cons
- Respectable club and offshore race performance with notably strong downwind speed and handling.
- Described by multiple owners as reasonably quick with a solid, sea‑kindly and safe feel.
- Attractive real‑teak veneer and classic 1980s interior appeal to many owners.
- Interior volume and headroom are tighter than modern cruisers, and the cockpit prioritizes sailing over lounging.
- Shoal/wing‑keel versions have poorer upwind pointing and reduced performance versus deep‑fin boats.
- Older examples demand careful surveys for osmosis and engine/cooling issues, with sizable refresh costs and a need to verify keel composition with a magnet.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 38.5 | 38' 0" (11.66 m) | - | - | - | - |
| Swift Trawler 42 | 44' 0" (13.49 m) | 14' 0" (4.24 m) | 11' 3" (3.42 m) | - | - |
| Swift Trawler 41 Sedan | 44' 0" (13.44 m) | 13' 0" (4.19 m) | 12' 4" (3.75 m) | - | - |
| Swift Trawler 41 Fly | 44' 0" (13.44 m) | 13' 0" (4.19 m) | - | - | - |
| 473 | 47' 0" (14.33 m) | 14' 0" (4.32 m) | 18' 4" (5.58 m) | - | - |
| Swift Trawler 41 | 44' 0" (13.44 m) | 13' 0" (4.19 m) | 12' 4" (3.75 m) | 12 kn / 18 kn | - |
| 40 | 39' 0" (12.14 m) | 12' 0" (3.91 m) | 20' 6" (6.25 m) | - | - |
| Oceanis 58 | 59' 0" (18.01 m) | 16' 0" (5.11 m) | 27' 11" (8.50 m) | 10 kn | - |
| Oceanes 46 | 49' 0" (14.94 m) | 13' 0" (4.24 m) | 18' 10" (5.75 m) – 21' 1" (6.42 m) | - | - |
| Oceanis 461 | 46' 0" (14.02 m) | 13' 0" (4.24 m) | 18' 10" (5.75 m) | - | - |
Learn more on the “Beneteau - First 38.5”
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