Designed as an accessible entry point into performance sailing, this compact Beneteau represents the builder's commitment to bringing racing-inspired design to a broader audience. The First 235 embodies the characteristics that made the First series popular among sailors seeking spirited performance without the complexity of pure racing machines. Built with Beneteau's signature attention to construction quality, this boat features a hull design that balances stability with responsiveness. The cockpit layout prioritizes ease of handling, making it well-suited for both novice sailors learning the ropes and experienced sailors wanting a manageable boat for weekend adventures. The First 235 excels in coastal and protected water sailing, where its size becomes an advantage rather than a limitation. Its moderate displacement and sail plan deliver satisfying performance in light to moderate winds, while remaining forgiving in challenging conditions. The boat's design philosophy emphasizes fun factor over ultimate speed, making it an excellent choice for club racing, sailing instruction, or casual day sailing. This model demonstrates Beneteau's ability to distill larger boat performance characteristics into a more compact, affordable package that doesn't compromise on sailing enjoyment or build quality.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
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What is the First 235 Beneteau's sail area to displacement ratio?
The First 235 Beneteau has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.9. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the First 235 Beneteau's comfort ratio?
The First 235 Beneteau has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 12.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the First 235 Beneteau safe for offshore sailing?
The First 235 Beneteau has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.31. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the First 235 Beneteau?
The theoretical hull speed of the First 235 Beneteau is 6.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a First 235 Beneteau weigh?
The First 235 Beneteau has a displacement of 2,826.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.33 ft.
How much does a used First 235 Beneteau cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used First 235 Beneteau sailboats typically sell for between $7,950 and $12,500, with a median asking price of $10,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the First 235 Beneteau?
The First 235 Beneteau was designed by Group Finot, first built in 1986.