Beneteau First 42

CBinRI · #1 (**permalink**) 05-02-2006

We are presently considering moving up in size from a late 70s C&C 36 to something in the 42 foot range. We are looking for something similar in character: reasonably fast, deep-keeled (we sail primarily in deep water), a little roomier and maybe slightly stiffer. We have been very happy with the C&C.

There are several Frers designed Beneteau First 42's from the early to mid eighties available in my area. Does anyone have any experience with these boats? Although there seem to be a fair amount of them around, I have not been able to find many reviews, even on Sailnet.

Many thanks in advance.

vsteveh · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

I guess I am a bit late answering, but this is a great boat. We have had ours for 15 years, and love it. I started by going thru our entire San Francisco Bay Area Membeship roster, and calling everyone who oned a First 42....The response was amazing, everyone loved their boat, no one was interested in selling. I looked in the Great Lakes area, but luckly found one in southern California.

chef2sail · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

2006 post...just about 4 years late

vsteveh · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

Did you buy a new boat?

smackdaddy · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2010

No big deal. It's good getting your opinion on the boat vsteve. Thanks.

marksaviation · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2010

That is a great boat! and on my short list for the next boat. My dads friend bought one the same time we bought a Newport 41 MK2 in the early 80's. I sailed on the First 42 allot as a kid/teenager as well as some racing as an adult . Any one that owns one have any more comments? I am looking for the keel stepped tall rig with lead keel. I know they had quite a few variations on the 42 some had deck stepped masts and iron keels.

SeaFever2000 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010

Hi vsteveh,

How much did you buy yours at? What year is it? Just curious. Now that you have had it for some time, what do you feel? Good, Bad?

marksaviation · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010

did not own a First 42 I had a Newport 41MK2 for 23 years that was bought new in 1982.

CBinRI · #9 (**permalink**) 08-25-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsteveh

Did you buy a new boat?

If you are asking me, the answer is yes. Wound up with a Swan 41 fro the late 70s that is in very nice shape. Have sailed a lot on a friend's First 42, though, since that time and it is a great boat.

Kaptajnseb · #10 (**permalink**) 09-27-2010

Anyone have an opinion about the deck stepped version vs. keel stepped for a First 42 for trans Atlantic / Pacific passage, considering that there could be a 20k (USD) price difference (It seems like the prices differs a lot at the moment, maybe because of the unstable market )…? Is the keel stepped version a must or..?
Thanks in advance