Ben First 325 as coastal/channel cruiser?

[chris-s]

In the ongoing search for an upgrade from our Pegasus 700 for south coast and channel cruising we already have a Fulmar at the top of our list but wanted to explore other options.

Size, space, condition etc are fairly easy things to assess and compare but not so much ‘sailing comfort’. We don’t want a boat that insists on sailing with 30degrees of heel whilst drenching us in the green stuff or being an unwieldy stallion when the conditions ‘get up’.

With this in mind, can the collective hive offer any wise words on Ben First 325 as a couples coastal/channel cruiser who avoid F5 conditionshave no interest in racing around the cans.

 

[RupertW]

In the ongoing search for an upgrade from our Pegasus 700 for south coast and channel cruising we already have a Fulmar at the top of our list but wanted to explore other options.

Size, space, condition etc are fairly easy things to assess and compare but not so much ‘sailing comfort’. We don’t want a boat that insists on sailing with 30degrees of heel whilst drenching us in the green stuff or being an unwieldy stallion when the conditions ‘get up’.

With this in mind, can the collective hive offer any wise words on Ben First 325 as a couples coastal/channel cruiser who avoid F5 conditionshave no interest in racing around the cans.

I can only talk about an earlier version of a First of a similar size (the First 30E), and that was almost exactly like your second paragraph. But it flew along, was very comfortable inside and could take a F7/8 in its stride even if the person in the cockpit was having a hairy time. I suspect (20 years on) I would be reefing earlier and not sailing it to its limits all the time so sailed more cautiously that it would be a different boat and probably almost as fast on longer runs.

 

[Ink]

I can only talk about an earlier version of a First of a similar size (the First 30E), and that was almost exactly like your second paragraph. But it flew along, was very comfortable inside and could take a F7/8 in its stride even if the person in the cockpit was having a hairy time. I suspect (20 years on) I would be reefing earlier and not sailing it to its limits all the time so sailed more cautiously that it would be a different boat and probably almost as fast on longer runs.

Likewise I can vouch for Beneteau 345. Very good boat. A lot of them were chartered in Greece. Actually 35' if I remember. Happily cross the Channel in F5

Ink

 

[chris-s]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Bobc]

I had a First345 for a few years. Great boat. Well built, quick, and to handle. A very good choice (325).

 

[Uricanejack]

Sounds perfect for me.
I would enjoy sailing one or similar vintage similar boat in area you describe.
depends what you want to do.
And your budget.
There is a good reason why they are popular.

 

[CPD]

Another First 345 here. Have been happy in horrible stuff !

 

[James_Calvert]

Used to sail in company with a First 32.

Faster than our Sadler 32...and I suspect faster than a Fulmar.

A long time ago now, but as I recall it, by comparison with our boat you sat more on the cockpit than in it, so felt more exposed. The interior was barn-like with a mast support in the middle of the saloon table, narrow saloon berths until you moved the backrests into their leecloth position.

Generally it felt like a boat optimised more for sailing than cruising, and would reward those keen to tweak stuff to keep it sailing at its best.

But it made a great cruiser for all that.

 

[jwilson]

If you look at this photo from our Yachtsnet archives page, reproduced by permission of the photographer https://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/beneteau-first-325/sailing-today-1.jpg you will see the difference between a cruiser-racer and most modern cruisers. When you get a gust it will just heel more and remain in control, something few modern mass production boats can do without rounding up. The owners of that boat in the photo said they would normally reef but the photographer wanted a better picture!

I often say "... you can always slow down a fast boat but you can't speed up a slow one".