beneteau first 305

[sailingjeff]

Hi,
I am new to this and hope I might be able to find some answers or opinions on buying a first boat.

I am quite keen on a First 305 and wondered if anyone had any experience of these as a cruiser. Ive been to look at a couple, they both seem well fitted out and the specs for sailing look good but ive no experience to base my thoughts on.
Other boats ive considered are Jenneau's 29.2, Oceanis 320 and Gibsea 312.

Initial sailing base would be Chichester area, but I wanted somthing to go further afield as my experience grows without the need to change boats and with a family, comfort is also quite important.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Skylark]

Hi Jeff,

I suspect that there's only one person able to answer your questions..........and that's you.

Many have strong and opposing views of the virtues of AWB's versus the Model T Ford (guess you can work out where I stand).

There are many examples of the boats you mention in marinas around the UK so that should send a message.

Progression, experience and budget play important roles, too. Keeping Mrs Jeff happy is often a critical success factor

Longer distance passage making is also about experience, confidence, competence, knowing the capability of your chosen vessel and waiting for the appropriate weather window.

I wouldn't dare answer the question for you but I'm a very satisfied owner of a cruising Beneteau.

Good look in your search!

 

[E39mad]

It's a good sailing boat with iirc 3 keel and two rig options, fin, shallow fin & lifting keels, std rig and rarer taller double spreader rig. Built at a time when the interiors were substantial - usually lots of solid teak around. Early versions prone to osmotic blistering due to wrong/faulty materials.

 

[sailingjeff]

Thanks for the replies.
I have to say I agree that the beneteau seems a more solid boat than the jenneau. The one I was looking at has a shallow draft keel which I thought would make it more suitable for chichester. I therefore guess that it would have the smaller rig ?
I dont think we will be going much further initially; I was thinking well ahead with cruising further afield.
My thinking with the Gib Sea and Jenneau were that they have a few more creature comforts which will make wet/ cold weekends more paletable for all.
We are going to look at the jenneau tomorrow so I will have a better idea then.

 

[BAtoo]

I looked at one when changing the last boat - seemed quite dark inside due to all of the wood and very tight at the saloon table. I would always go for the big rig and deep keel version as they will sail better. Up to 1.8-2.0 m draught OK here on the East Coast and we have alot less water than you......

 

[Monique]

BAtoo has it right!!!

Tall rig and deep keel. They are also quite roomy and IMO the best sailor in your quoted options.

"Osmosis" has never sank a boat and the First is prone to it... like all boats of that vintage. Factor in a correct "fix" for this problem in your purchase price and you should have years of enjoyment.

Most have been raced... check the rigging carefully... some had rod rigging IIRC.

Good luck and fair winds.