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First 45F5 Beneteau
Designer: Bruce Farr  ·  Builder: Beneteau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1990
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About the First 45F5 Beneteau

Bruce Farr's design expertise shines through in this performance-oriented cruiser from Beneteau's respected First series. Launched in 1990, the First 45F5 represents the French builder's commitment to combining racing DNA with cruising practicality during a pivotal era in sailboat development. With a fractional sloop rig and modern fin keel with bulb configuration, this 46-footer delivers impressive sailing performance while maintaining good stability characteristics. The spade rudder setup provides responsive handling, making it well-suited for both spirited coastal sailing and longer offshore passages. Her substantial sail area relative to displacement indicates strong light-air performance, while the moderate comfort ratio suggests she prioritizes speed over heavy-weather motion comfort. The fiberglass construction follows Beneteau's proven methods, creating a durable platform that has aged well over three decades. Her hull speed of over 8 knots and favorable capsize screening numbers reflect Farr's attention to both performance and safety margins. This combination makes the First 45F5 an appealing choice for sailors seeking a boat capable of club racing, extended cruising, or even offshore adventures. The design strikes a compelling balance between the sportiness expected from the First line and the reliability demanded by serious cruising sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 46.59 ft / 14.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.04 ft / 11.90 m
Beam 13.94 ft / 4.25 m
Max Draft 7.05 ft / 2.15 m
Displacement 23,148.54 lb / 10,500 kg
Ballast 8,377.57 lb / 3,800 kg
Ballast Type Cast iron
Sail Area (Reported) 1,194.79 ft² / 111.00 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce Farr
Builder Beneteau (FRA)
First Built 1990
Related Sailboats ["First 45 Beneteau Farr" · "Beneteau 461" · "First 477 Beneteau" · "Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau" · "X46"]
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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
 23.63
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
 36.19
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
 173.68
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
 25.93
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
 1.96
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. 8.37 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
 3.19
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. 1,944.55 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. 18.18
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 53.15 ft / 16.20 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.09 ft / 4.60 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 55.45 ft / 16.90 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 18.70 ft / 5.70 m
SA Fore 401.02 ft² / 37.26 m²
SA Main 518.46 ft² / 48.17 m²
SA Total (100%) 919.48 ft² / 85.42 m²
Est. Forestay Length 55.25 ft / 16.84 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 42 gals / 160 L
Water Capacity 172 gals / 650 L
LOD 45.60 ft / 13.90 m
How It Compares

vs. Beneteau 461, First 477 Beneteau, Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
46.6 ft
Beneteau 461
46.6 ft
First 477 Beneteau
47.0 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
47.0 ft
LWL
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
39.0 ft
Beneteau 461
39.4 ft
First 477 Beneteau
41.3 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
40.7 ft
Beam
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
13.9 ft
Beneteau 461
14.0 ft
First 477 Beneteau
14.8 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
14.4 ft
Displacement
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
23 lbs
Beneteau 461
20 lbs
First 477 Beneteau
25 lbs
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
28 lbs
Ballast
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
8 lbs
Beneteau 461
7 lbs
First 477 Beneteau
8 lbs
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
10 lbs
Sail Area
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
1 sq ft
Beneteau 461
—
First 477 Beneteau
—
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
1,152 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
23.6
Beneteau 461
—
First 477 Beneteau
—
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
19.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
36.2 %
Beneteau 461
35.8 %
First 477 Beneteau
33.3 %
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
35.4 %
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
First 45F5 Beneteau ★
173
Beneteau 461
153
First 477 Beneteau
160
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
190
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