Beneteau
First 45
The Beneteau First 45 (Farr Yacht Design, 2008) is a powerful, elegant performance cruiser that was designed to be the flagship of the First range during the late 2000s. With its sleek lines, low-profile coachroof, and a massive open cockpit, it remains one of the most beautiful boats Beneteau has ever produced. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Grand Soleil and X-Yachts models of the time, it offers a level of sailing performance and interior luxury that makes it a highly desirable 'gentleman's racer' and a fast blue-water cruiser.
From a survey perspective, the primary concern is the integrity of the structural grid and the keel connection. Like other Farr-designed Firsts, the deep keel and high righting moment put significant stress on the hull; check for any signs of movement or cracking in the grid bonding. The teak decks (if fitted) are now approaching 15-18 years of age and should be carefully inspected for wear, thinning, and failed caulking. The electrical systems on these boats were complex for their time, including early digital switching systems; check for any signs of corrosion in the wiring looms or unreliable control panels. The standing rigging, if original, is now overdue for replacement.
Build quality is very high, with a focus on finish and durability. The interior is spacious and beautifully appointed, with three large double cabins and two heads. The use of high-quality wood and modern design elements gives the cabin a timeless feel. The First 45 is a high-liquidity asset for those looking for a large, fast cruiser that still feels modern and performs exceptionally well on all points of sail. It is widely considered one of the 'great' Beneteaus of the modern era.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2008–2018
- LOA
- 14.07 m
- Beam
- 4.19 m
- Model
- First 45
Key takeaways
- Best for: larger families for fast offshore passage making
- Common issue: saildrive service and standing rigging age
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — strong volume resale
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.2/10 — Solid larger cruiser-racer; features a powerful hull and a spacious, elegant interior. Surveyors look for saildrive service records and standing rigging calendar age on older hulls.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 14.07 m
- Beam
- 4.19 m
- Production years
- 2008–2018
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is the First 45 a good boat for long-distance cruising?
Yes, it is a very stable and fast offshore cruiser, though you may want to increase the battery capacity and water storage for extended passages.
- How does it handle in light winds?
Excellent. The Farr hull is very slippery, and with a large overlapping genoa or a Code Zero, it moves well in even the lightest breezes.
- What are the common engine options?
Most are equipped with a Yanmar 54hp or 75hp saildrive, which is well-suited to the boat's displacement.
- Is the cockpit comfortable for guests?
The cockpit is huge and very functional for sailing, but it is less 'lounging' focused than an Oceanis model of the same size.
- What should I look for when buying a used First 45?
Check the condition of the teak decks, the age of the standing rigging, and the integrity of the hull grid bonding near the keel.
Design History
First 45 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 2012 to 2018; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~400–760 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 45 for coastal and offshore use in the 2012–2018 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 45 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 | 13.7 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 45 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 45
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 45 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.