The Beneteau First 435 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Beneteau First 435 is a 44-foot cruiser-racer sailboat that was designed by the renowned naval architect German Frers and built by the French company Beneteau between 1984 and 1987.

A Beneteau First 435

Published Specification for the Beneteau First 435

Underwater Profile: Fin keel with spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 43'6" (13.3m)

Waterline Length: 36'1" (11.0m)

Beam: 13'1" (4.0m)

Draft: 7'5" (2.3m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 23,809lb (10,800kg)

Designer: German Frers

Builder: Beneteau (France)

Published Design Ratios for the Beneteau First 435

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 18.6

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 38.9

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 188

4. Comfort Ratio: 31.3

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.8

Some frequently asked Questions & Answers about the Beneteau First 435 are:

Based on the published Design Ratios for the Beneteau First 435, how would you expect the boat to perform under sail?

The Design Ratios are numerical values that indicate how a sailboat will perform in different aspects, such as speed, stability, comfort, and seaworthiness. Some of the common Design Ratios are the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D), the Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L), the Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D), and the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF). Based on these ratios, the Beneteau First 435 can be expected to perform well under sail, as it has a high SA/D of 18.6, which means it has a lot of sail power relative to its weight; a moderate D/L of 188, which means it is neither too light nor too heavy for its length; a high B/D of 39%, which means it has a lot of ballast to counteract the heeling force of the wind; and a low CSF of 1.8, which means it has a low risk of capsizing in rough seas.

Is the Beneteau First 435 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The Beneteau First 435 is no longer in production, as it was discontinued in 1987 after three years of manufacturing. According to Bénéteau heritage, there were 187 units of the Beneteau First 435 built during this period.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Beneteau First 435 were built?

As mentioned above, there were two versions of the Beneteau First 435 built: a standard (or owner's) version with three cabins and two heads, and an optional (or charter) version with four cabins and two heads. The main difference between these versions was the layout of the aft cabins, which were either split into two smaller cabins or kept as one large cabin. The standard version also had more storage space and a larger navigation station than the optional version.

How did the sailing press review the Beneteau First 435?

The sailing press gave positive reviews to the Beneteau First 435, highlighting its performance, comfort, and quality. For example, Sail Magazine described it as "a fast cruiser that can also race" and "a well-built boat that offers good value for money". Cruising World praised it as "a handsome yacht that combines speed and comfort" and "a boat that can take you anywhere". Sailing Today complimented it as "a classic cruiser-racer that still looks good today" and "a boat that can handle any weather".

How many people can sleep on board a Beneteau First 435?

The Beneteau First 435 can sleep up to eight people on board, depending on the version. The standard (or owner's) version has three cabins and two heads, with a double berth in the forward cabin, two single berths in the starboard aft cabin, and a double berth in the port aft cabin. The optional (or charter) version has four cabins and two heads, with a double berth in the forward cabin, two single berths in each of the two starboard aft cabins, and a double berth in the port aft cabin. In addition, the saloon can be converted into a double berth if needed.

What sailplan and rig options, if any, are available for the Beneteau First 435?

The Beneteau First 435 has a standard sloop rig with a masthead rig configuration, which means it has a single mast with a single mainsail and a single headsail. The boat also has a spinnaker pole for flying a spinnaker or a gennaker when sailing downwind. The boat has a fractional rig option, which means it has a shorter mast with a larger mainsail and a smaller headsail. The fractional rig is more suitable for lighter winds and easier sail handling.

What is the difference between the standard version and the optional version of the Beneteau First 435?

The main difference between the standard version and the optional version of the Beneteau First 435 is the layout of the aft cabins, which are either split into two smaller cabins or kept as one large cabin. The standard version also has more storage space and a larger navigation station than the optional version. The standard version is more suitable for those who want more privacy and comfort, while the optional version is more suitable for those who want more sleeping capacity and flexibility.

What keel options, if any, are available for the Beneteau First 435?

The Beneteau First 435 has two keel options: a deep draft version with a 2.4 m fin keel, and a shoal draft version with a 1.8 m wing keel. The deep draft version offers better performance and stability, especially upwind, but limits access to shallow waters. The shoal draft version offers more versatility and accessibility, but compromises some speed and pointing ability.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Beneteau First 435?

The average cost of a secondhand Beneteau First 435 depends on various factors, such as the year, condition, equipment, location, and market demand of the boat. According to YachtWorld, the current listings of Beneteau First 435 boats for sale range from £50,478 to £68,731, with an average price of £59,605.