The Beneteau First 305 is a French-built sailing yacht produced by the Beneteau Group, part of their popular "First" series of performance cruiser/racer sailboats. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the First 305 was designed by the acclaimed naval architect Jean Berret and quickly gained a reputation for its balanced performance under sail, comfortable interior, and robust construction. It is recognized for offering a harmonious blend of speed, handling, and liveability within a 30-foot package.
Design and Construction
The First 305 reflects the design philosophy of the Beneteau First line, aiming to combine the thrill of sailing performance with the amenities required for comfortable cruising. Jean Berret's design features a relatively wide beam carried well aft, a fin keel, and a spade rudder, contributing to its good upwind performance, responsiveness, and control. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass laminate, while the deck is typically a fiberglass sandwich construction for strength and insulation. Its masthead sloop rig provides a generous sail plan, suitable for both competitive club racing and spirited cruising.Accommodation and Features
Despite its modest length of just over 30 feet, the Beneteau First 305 offers a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed interior, typical of Beneteau's focus on interior volume. The standard layout commonly includes:- A forward V-berth cabin.
- A main salon with opposing settees and a central table, often convertible into an additional berth.
- A functional L-shaped galley, typically equipped with a two-burner stove, oven, icebox, and sink.
- A dedicated navigation station.
- An enclosed head compartment with a marine toilet, sink, and shower.
- An aft quarter berth on the starboard side, providing additional sleeping capacity. The interior joinery is often finished in teak or similar woods, contributing to a warm and classic yachting aesthetic. Power is typically provided by a reliable inboard diesel engine, such as a Yanmar 2GM20.
Specifications (Approximate)
- Designer: Jean Berret
- Manufacturer: Beneteau Group, France
- Production Years: 1984 – 1989
- Length Overall (LOA): 9.27 m (30 ft 5 in)
- Length Waterline (LWL): 7.75 m (25 ft 5 in)
- Beam: 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in)
- Draft (Standard Fin Keel): 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
- Displacement: 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs)
- Ballast: 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)
- Sail Area (Upwind): Approximately 46.5 sq m (500 sq ft)
- Engine: Inboard diesel (e.g., Yanmar 2GM20)