Bénéteau First 38 for sale

Beneteau First 38 (1983)

Classic Spirit and PerformanceDesigned by Jean Berret, the Beneteau First 38 is a recognised icon in the classic performance cruiser segment. This sailboat combines sporty sailing qualities—notably thanks to its high-performance fractional rig and deep keel—with the comfort of a large family cruiser. Its practical layout, with three double cabins and two heads (one of which has been converted into storage), remains particularly sought after in this length category. With a beam of nearly 4 metres, the yacht offers a spacious saloon with remarkable living and storage space. Built at a time when Beneteau laminated its hulls very robustly, this rigid boat provides a stable and reliable platform for offshore sailing.
Major Technical Upgrades and Recent RenovationsThis particular example is in good overall technical condition thanks to several significant and costly structural renovations. While many vessels of this build period still have the original Perkins engine, this boat was fitted in 2015 with a reliable Volvo Penta D2-55 engine. That same year, the entire standing rigging was replaced, the hull repainted, the head changed and the electrical system modernised with, among other things, a Victron charger. In 2020, new navigation tools were installed (except for the autopilot), along with a new refrigerator and two new batteries. Very recently, in 2025, the mainsail and the genoa were renewed, which immediately spares the future owner significant start-up costs.
A Realistic BaseCosmetically, the sailboat requires some particular attention; the interior is complete and functional but shows obvious signs of wear. Localised traces of past water infiltration near the chart table are visible, which is why the starboard portlights were entirely replaced and professionally resealed in 2020. In addition, some simple technical aspects still need attention, such as the wiring of the forward navigation lights and a slow bilge pump, probably blocked. Offered at a competitive price of €32,500—well below the market value of examples with a recent engine and recent sails—this First 38 is an excellent and stable base for a hands-on sailor. The boat will be available from August.

💰 Price: €32,500 or financing possible
⚙️ Engine: VOLVO PENTA D2-55 (2015) – 55hp (440 h)
3 cabins / 8 berths / 1 shower rooms

⛵ Main features: Overall length: 12.25 m
Overall beam: 3.9 m
Draft: 2.1 m
Fuel tank: 130 L
Fresh water tanks: 2 x 200 L
Light displacement: 7,100 kg
Year: 1983
Flag: BE

⛵ Sails: Classic semi-battened mainsail in Dacron, good condition
Roller-furling genoa in Dacron, good condition
Symmetrical spinnaker with its pole, good condition, with its bag
Asymmetrical spinnaker, good condition, with its bag

⚓ Exterior equipment: Lazy jacks
Lazy bag

🛋️ Interior layout: 1 manual toilet
Refrigerator
2 burners
Oven

🔌 Electronics / Electrical: Raymarine Axiom 7 multifunction display
Raymarine ST6002 autopilot
Raymarine anemometer
Raymarine speedo / log
AdvanSea FX400 fixed VHF radio
Icom IC M25 handheld VHF radio
Digital Yacht AIS transponder
Barometer
Radio
Interior speakers
Exterior speakers
Battery 2x 120Ah (2020)
Victron Blue Power 12/30 battery charger
Compass

🛡️ Safety / Equipment: Liferaft in container – 6 persons
Tender with its outboarder
Anchor, chain + line
Navigation lights port-starboard-stern (to be checked forward)
Masthead lights
Anchor light (to be checked)
CE 100N life jacket per person (cartridges to be checked, automatic life jacket)

💰 Financing + insurance possible
(Subject to acceptance by SGB Finance. A loan is a commitment: check your repayment capacity before committing.)

📞 Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to arrange a viewing. We support you throughout your project right up to the full handover of the boat.

🚤 Our other brands available new and used: Beneteau, Bavaria, Dufour and many more…