First 305 vs Oceanis 37
Compact Beneteau cross-shop: First 305's sport bias against Oceanis 37's charter-market layout. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
First 305 vs Oceanis 37 — sport bias vs social layout. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | First 305 | Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 9.3 m | 11.48 m |
| Beam | 3.2 m | 3.91 m |
| L/B | 2.91 | 2.94 |
| LWL | unknown | 10.39 m |
| Designer | unknown | Jean-Marie Finot, Pascal Conq |
| Production years | 1985-1989 | 2006-2012 |
| Overview | The Beneteau First 305 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Designed by Finot and built by Beneteau from 1992 to 1996 — a First-series club cruiser with active racing heritage. | In a saloon finished in the early Nauta era on a Finot/Conq hull, you try to see how one form can be the "owner" Oceanis 37, the US Beneteau 37, and the charter Moorings 37.2 at once. Three board badges are not three different mid-2000s hulls. |
| Typical issues | Q: What standing rigging fatigue issues appear on First 305? A: Club-raced hulls exceed calendar intervals; negotiate without invoices. Q: What chainplate leak issues appear on First 305? A: Chainplate bedding failures show as ceiling stains below deck fittings. Q: What tiller steering wear issues appear on First 305? A: Tiller sockets and bearings wear on heavily sailed boats. | Q: Why is the name "Oceanis 37" alone not enough for a shortlist? A: Boards carry Oceanis 37, Beneteau 37, and charter Moorings 37.2 side by side. One Finot/Conq form appears in different seller words. Match the badge to the yard plate and build year. Q: How is this boat not an Oceanis 37.1? A: 37.1 is Marc Lombard from 2023. Length and era differ. |