Beneteau
First 40
The Beneteau First 40 (Farr Yacht Design) is the legendary successor to the 40.7, designed to be a dominant force in IRC racing while offering a more refined and spacious interior for cruising. It famously won the Sydney Hobart overall on its debut, cementing its reputation as a world-class racer-cruiser. Positioned as the 'professional's choice' in the 40-foot market, it offers a level of build quality and sailing balance that makes it a favorite for both offshore racing and high-speed coastal cruising.
From a survey perspective, the keel and mast step are the primary areas of interest. The deep fin keel (2.45m on the racing version) puts significant loads on the hull, so the internal grid should be checked for any signs of movement or 'crazing' near the keel bolts. The mast is a tall, high-tension rig; inspect the mast step for compression and the chainplate attachments for any signs of stress. The deck core, typically balsa, should be moisture-tested around the winches and the mainsheet track, as these are subject to high loads and may have developed leaks over time. Rudder bearings should also be checked for play, as a precise helm is critical to the boat's performance.
Build quality is robust, with a solid-glass hull and a reinforced structural liner. The interior is spacious and well-finished, featuring three double cabins and a large saloon that works well both at sea and in harbor. The First 40 is a 'gold standard' asset on the brokerage market; it is highly liquid and holds its value exceptionally well due to its proven racing record and its status as one of the best-balanced Farr designs ever put into production.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2007–2016
- LOA
- 12.24 m
- Beam
- 3.89 m
- Model
- First 40
Key takeaways
- Best for: offshore racing teams and fast passage makers
- Common issue: deck hardware wear and standing rigging status
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — strong performance liquidity
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.3/10 — A racing icon; known for its impressive trophy cabinet and robust, fast Farr design. Survey points focus on high-load deck hardware wear and standing rigging certification status.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 12.24 m
- Beam
- 3.89 m
- Production years
- 2007–2016
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- How does the First 40 compare to the 40.7?
The First 40 is wider, has a more modern T-shaped keel, and a more comfortable interior, making it both faster and better for cruising than the 40.7.
- Is there a cruising version of the First 40?
Most were delivered with a performance-oriented 'Carbon' or 'Race' package, but a 'Cruising' version with a shallower keel and simpler rig was also available.
- What is the biggest maintenance item?
The keel-to-hull joint and the standing rigging are the most critical maintenance areas, especially on boats that have been raced hard offshore.
- Is it a good boat for shorthanded sailing?
It is a large, powerful boat that requires significant effort to handle solo, but with a good autopilot and a furling headsail, it is a very capable double-handed cruiser.
- Does it have a saildrive or a shaft?
Most First 40s are fitted with a Yanmar or Volvo Penta saildrive for reduced drag and better motoring efficiency.
Design History
First 40 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. French production shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2010 to 2016; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~200–830 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 40 for coastal and offshore use in the 2010–2016 production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a First 40 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 12.2 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for First 40 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: First 40
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 40 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.