Back to Search
First 32 Beneteau
Designer: Jean Berret  ·  Builder: Beneteau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1980
+ Add to Compare
Videos
About the First 32 Beneteau

Designed by Jean Berret and built by Beneteau from 1980 to 1984, this fractional sloop represents the French builder's commitment to creating versatile sailing yachts that balance performance with practicality. The First 32's moderate displacement of 8,390 pounds and fin keel configuration with spade rudder deliver responsive handling characteristics that make her equally suited for coastal cruising and club racing. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 19.4, she offers spirited performance in light to moderate conditions while remaining manageable for short-handed sailing. The boat's 32.50-foot overall length provides comfortable accommodations without sacrificing the nimble feel that characterizes Beneteau's First series. Her fractional rig configuration allows for excellent sail shape control and easier handling compared to masthead designs. The First 32's comfort ratio of 18.6 indicates a relatively stiff, quick motion that experienced sailors will appreciate, though newer sailors might find more forgiving designs preferable for extended cruising. Her capsize screening value of 2.13 falls within acceptable parameters for coastal sailing with prudent seamanship. The fiberglass construction and proven Jean Berret hull design have earned respect among sailors seeking an affordable entry into quality French yacht building, making her popular in the used boat market decades after production ended.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.92 ft / 8.51 m
Beam 10.80 ft / 3.29 m
Max Draft 5.82 ft / 1.77 m
Displacement 8,390.00 lb / 3,806 kg
Ballast 3,310.00 lb / 1,501 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 499.00 ft² / 46.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jean Berret
Builder Beneteau (FRA)
First Built 1980
Last Built 1984
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a First 32 Beneteau? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 19.4
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 39.45
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 172.09
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 18.6
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.13
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.08 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 3.36
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,077.42 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 19.4
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 40.30 ft / 12.28 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.90 ft / 3.63 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 40.50 ft / 12.34 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.80 ft / 3.90 m
SA Fore 239.79 ft² / 22.28 m²
SA Main 259.20 ft² / 24.08 m²
SA Total (100%) 498.99 ft² / 46.36 m²
Est. Forestay Length 42.02 ft / 12.81 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo Penta
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 17
Fuel Capacity 12 gals / 45 L
Water Capacity 53 gals / 201 L
Find a First 32 Beneteau For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace