Beneteau
First 305
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, an estimated 300–400 hulls left the yard — a First-series club cruiser with active racing heritage. With 9.3 m LOA, 3.2 m beam, and about 3,800 kg displacement, the model suits couples and small families cruising the Baltic, Skagerrak, and North Sea. The Beneteau First 305 blends Finot-influenced lines with production efficiency — a formula that keeps French and Nordic club fleets supplied with affordable spares and tuning knowledge. Buyers cross-shop Dufour 30 Classic and Jeanneau SO 32.2 on Blocket. Racing-oriented rigs on cruising-spec boats need standing rigging invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement. Tiller-steered examples need socket and bearing checks on heavily sailed hulls. Annual costs typically run 60,000–145,000 kr for a 9.3 m First in Swedish coastal use. FairHelm tracks First 305 listings because these hulls trade constantly on Blocket, Scanboat, and German brokerage sites. Buyers are rarely choosing between "good" and "bad" boats — they are choosing between documented maintenance and deferred work. A polished teak cockpit or new plotter does not cancel unknown rigging age, keel-bolt corrosion, or moisture at chainplates. That is why survey discipline matters more here than brand romance. For Nordic ownership, First 305 works as a coastal weekender with occasional longer passages when equipped for cold-water sailing: reliable heating, solid ground tackle, and a realistic technical reserve beyond berth and insurance. Compare adjacent models in FairHelm's [model guides](/en/yachts/models/) and read survey notes before committing a deposit. The cheapest asking price on Blocket is rarely the cheapest boat to own over three seasons. When you shortlist a First 305, build a simple survey scorecard: hull moisture, rigging age, drivetrain service, and chainplate integrity. Owner forums and yard quotes from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Helsingør help you separate cosmetic refresh from structural deferral — especially on boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 1992–1996
- LOA
- 9.3 m
- Beam
- 3.2 m
- Model
- First 305
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 9.3 m
- Beam
- 3.2 m
- Production years
- 1992–1996
Typical problems
- What standing rigging fatigue issues appear on First 305?
- Club-raced hulls exceed calendar intervals; negotiate without invoices.
- What chainplate leak issues appear on First 305?
- Chainplate bedding failures show as ceiling stains below deck fittings.
- What tiller steering wear issues appear on First 305?
- Tiller sockets and bearings wear on heavily sailed boats.
- What deck core moisture issues appear on First 305?
- Core moisture at winch bases is common on 1990s First decks.
- What saildrive seal service issues appear on First 305?
- Saildrive and engine mounts need documented service.
Design History
Beneteau and designer Finot developed the First 305 in the early 1990s as a compact performance cruiser — light displacement, efficient rig, and production scale that fed French and Nordic club fleets. Production ran from 1992 to 1996; sailboat registry sources cite approximately 300–400 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 305 between smaller First 27/31 designs and the later First 31.7 — a stepping stone for performance-minded coastal owners who wanted tiller steering and club-race pedigree without moving to a full cruiser-racer.
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 305 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 | 18,000 | 38,000 | 9.3 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 | 56,000 | 158,000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for First 305 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 305
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 305 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.