1985 beneteau first 24

[Peter. H]

Hi all just wanted to ask if anyone has experiences sailing a 1985 beneteau first 24 yacht as I can't find much info on them regarding build quality, sailing abilities and any problems they have. I been sailing dinghys for a while and have been sailing a 22 foot yacht for 3 years and wanted something slightly bigger. But have been put of a bit as a member has told me that that they are very lively I would appreciate anyone experienc, info regarding these boats thanks

 

[GD_Chi]

Apologies if you have seen it already, but there is some information in the Heritage Sailing Yachts section of the Beneteau web site, rather strangely in the '1977 First Generation of First Yachts' section. See link First 24

I don't have personal experience of the First 24 but I do have a 1985 (so the same generation) First 29 which is well mannered and sails well in light and moderate conditions. It does need reefing fairly early and active sailing in heavier weather but is probably no different to many other modern boats in that respect.

Could your friend be confusing the First 24 with the First Class 8?

As for structure, my 29 has withstood the test of time well but I couldn't see a mast compression post or shroud reinforcements in the photos of the 24. Possibly artistic license, but if they are not fitted I would check the structure carefully.

 

[Elessar]

Hi all just wanted to ask if anyone has experiences sailing a 1985 beneteau first 24 yacht as I can't find much info on them regarding build quality, sailing abilities and any problems they have. I been sailing dinghys for a while and have been sailing a 22 foot yacht for 3 years and wanted something slightly bigger. But have been put of a bit as a member has told me that that they are very lively I would appreciate anyone experienc, info regarding these boats thanks

I used to race one of these and I loved it.
Lifting keel with a handle in the table to lift.
Allows a very shallow draft and you can dry with short legs.
Huge accommodations space for its size. A really comfy boat.
I trailed it too with a Land Rover. Possible but don’t expect to trailer sail - it’s a lump to launch and recover but if you have a big tow car you can relocate easily. Hopefully with a crane each end.
Its a light boat and a dinghy sailor will feel at home. Very responsive and dinghy like when sailing.
Outboard sits in a well. I’d get a 15hp 2 stroke and that would be just the power / weight ticket.
Gets my vote. A good boat.

 

[mrming]

One of these races in our area. It’s well sailed and it usually wins. I had the (relatively) newer First 235 and that was also a great boat.

 

[Peter. H]

Hi everyone thanks for the replies, I am struggling to find a boat that's not over priced around my area theirs a first 24 sitting in yard hasn't been used for years needs a new outboard, and instruments been trying to negotiate a sensible price, I think it's going to sit their for another 5 years, it's a shame same with another yacht I've looked at except its the sail need replacing

 

[Peter. H]

Apologies if you have seen it already, but there is some information in the Heritage Sailing Yachts section of the Beneteau web site, rather strangely in the '1977 First Generation of First Yachts' section. See link First 24

I don't have personal experience of the First 24 but I do have a 1985 (so the same generation) First 29 which is well mannered and sails well in light and moderate conditions. It does need reefing fairly early and active sailing in heavier weather but is probably no different to many other modern boats in that respect.

Could your friend be confusing the First 24 with the First Class 8?

As for structure, my 29 has withstood the test of time well but I couldn't see a mast compression post or shroud reinforcements in the photos of the 24. Possibly artistic license, but if they are not fitted I would check the structure carefully.

Hi its definitely a 24 it's got it written on both sides on the stern