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Yachtsnet's archive of boat details and pictures
 

The following information and photographs are displayed as a service to anyone researching yacht types. HOWEVER THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND TEXT ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT, AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF YACHTSNET LTD. Details and photographs are normally based on one specific yacht, but could be a compilation. No reliance should be placed on other yachts of the same class being identical.  Where common variations exist, we have endeavoured to indicate this in these archive details. 

Bènèteau First 38s5

Brief Notes

Builder

Bènèteau, France

The First 38s5 is one of the larger and newer of the Bènèteau First range of cruiser-racers, with  the emphasis on performance, but with fully fitted cruising interiors to a high standard of fit-out.  The "S" in the model designation refers to the interior design by Phillipe Starck, which is very much a 'love it or hate it' question.  

Length OA

38' 4"

Sail Area

872 sq ft

Length WL

30' 25"

Rig

Sloop

Beam

12' 4"

Cabins

3 or 4

.Draught

5' 1" shallow fin, 6' 3" standard fin, or 6' 10" deep fin

Berths

6/8 plus saloon settees

Displacement

14,550 lbs

Engine type

Volvo 2003 (may vary)

Ballast

4,840 lbs

Engine bhp

28

Keel type

Fin keel and spade rudder

The Bènèteau The First 38s5 was introduced in 1990 and continued in production until 1995. The design resulted from the collaboration of designers Jean Berret, who was responsible for the hull and rig, and Philippe Starck, who designed the interior.  The hull of the 38s5 is constructed of solid GRP laminates with a GRP grid system bonded to the hull to withstand stresses generated by the rig and keel. The decks are composite with a variety of core materials in different areas, and the interior makes extensive use of GRP liners and pre-cut and fabricated modules.

The First 38s5 was built with three keel variations, having draughts of from 5' 2" to 6' 11".  The yachts also came in "owners" or "charter" versions: the "charter" version has twin smaller aft cabins and only one heads, whilst the owners version has a single aft cabin, and a second heads aft

Yachts seen here are no longer for sale - the data is online as a free information service for buyers researching boat types. THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT, AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF YACHTSNET LTD.

Go to our brokerage section for boats currently for sale

All halyards and sail controls are led aft to the cockpit concealed under fibreglass panels so that there is nothing to foul or trip over. The grab rails are recessed into the cabin top, giving exceptionally clean lines, although perhaps not as functional as grabrails as conventional 'handles'

The interior is in highly polished dark mahogany veneers, contrasting with polished stainless steel and aluminium fittings, and upholstery in pale peach and grey fabric.  The overall effect, once you get used to the dramatic modernity of the design, is light and airy, with a good galley to port, a chart table to starboard, with swivel seat, and conventional settees either side of a drop-leaf table.

A lighter teak interior was an option, though most boats appear to have this mahogany finish
Beneteau First 38s5

 

Right: Forecabin:

Below: aft cabin

 

Yachts seen here are no longer for sale - the data is online as a free information service for buyers researching boat types. THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COVERED BY COPYRIGHT, AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF YACHTSNET LTD.

Go to our brokerage section for boats currently for sale

The chart table (right) has an unusual sliding worktop/chart table, which probably works better as an adjunct to the galley opposite than for chartwork

In the twin aft cabin version the two doors leading aft from the companionway each lead to a mirror-image aftcabin. In the single aft cabin version a second heads (seen left) is aft of the chart table
Beneteau First 38s5

The deck is cleverly designed, with recessed roller-furler, and halliards and control lines led aft under removable panels
Beneteau First 38s5

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