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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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) | - | - |
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