1988 Beneteau First 285
$17,900
Boat in Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 US
Built in 1988
First 285
--
28.2 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
1988 Beneteau First 285
Hull # 85
Powered by a Yanmar 2GM20F (Rebuilt in 2023)
Very responsive and fun to sail. Perfect for Key's and Bahamas.
Sails:
- Sobstad battened main with reef points
- UK roller furling genoa
- UK Flasher (asymmetrical cruising spinnaker)
- Harken roller furling
- Whisker pole
Electronics & Mechanicals:
- Garmin 478
- Raymarine Wheel Autopilot
- Navisound Depth sounder
- Compass
- VHF radio and cockpit handset; extra handheld unit
- Cockpit table
Mechanicals & Additional Features:
- Yanmar 2GM20F (rebuilt in 2023)
- Two main self tailing winches
- Cabin top standard winch
- Adjustable outhaul, vang, & backstay
- Bimini; Wheel cover; Captain's seat cushion
- Swim ladder
- Automatic float switch bilge pump & manual bilge pump
- Dual water heater - electric dock power & engine heated
- Transom Shower
- Down-the-hatch wind scoop
- Windex wind vane with bird spike
- AGM house and starting batteries
- Shore power & solar power battery chargers with controller
- LED lights throughout
- Leather bound wheel w/ emergency tiller
- Pedestal compass and table
- 12V & USB power at steering pedestal
Interior Accommodations:
- 6'-2" headroom
- Sleeps 4
- Double V-berth forward
- Aft cabin with a double berth
Vessel Walkthrough:
Main salon has varnished teak bulkheads, port/starboard settee, centerline table with drop leaves, wood hull panels & ceiling
The galley to port includes island sink, electric pump hot & cold fresh water, two burner propane stove with gas detector/alarm, ice box
Chart table with VHF radio is opposite galley to starboard
Aft to starboard is the enclosed head with marine toilet, sink, vanity, mirror
3 cabin storage lockers; numerous under berth & settee storage areas
large cockpit storage locker. Fans throughout entire salon.
Construction:
· Hull is solid fiberglass (not cored)
· Engine Model: Yanmar 2GM20F
· 20 gal water, 10 gal holding, 10 gal fuel
**Preliminary listing with additional Details & Photos to follow***
Contact us today for additional details, to schedule your personal inspection or video walkthrough.
The Beneteau First 285 is a French sailboat designed by Group Finot and built by Beneteau in France and the United States. It's a small recreational keelboat, known for its solid build quality and comfortable accommodations, making it suitable for both weekend getaways and club racing. The First 285 is a racer/cruiser with a wing keel, which gives it a shallow draft, allowing it to access more shallow waters.
Key Features:
Design: Designed by Group Finot.
Build: Predominantly fiberglass construction with wood trim.
Rig: Fractional sloop rig with internal halyards.
Keel: Shoal draft wing keel with spade rudder, offering good shallow water access and performance.
Engine: Usually powered by a Volvo Penta diesel engine.
Accommodations: Features a comfortable interior with sleeping for six, a galley, and head.
Electronics: Often equipped with electronic navigation and communication equipment, including chartplotters, autopilots, VHF radios, and more.
Sails: Typically comes with a main, jib, and spinnaker.
Additional Features: May include features like a dodger, bimini, and a cockpit table for added comfort and protection.
Versatility:
The First 285 is a versatile sailboat, suitable for various sailing activities, including:
Cruising:
Its comfortable interior and good sailing characteristics make it suitable for overnight cruising and coastal exploration.
Racing:
The boat's design and performance qualities make it suitable for club racing and other competitive sailing events.
Weekend Getaways:
Its relatively small size and manageable sail plan make it easy to handle for weekend trips.
Water Sports:
The "sugar-scoop" transom and swim ladder provide easy access for water sports activities.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/5/26 | Price decreased | $17,900(-10.5%) |
| 6/23/25 | Price decreased | $19,999(-20.0%) |
| 5/16/25 | Initial price | $24,999 |
1988 Beneteau First 285 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1988 Beneteau First 285
Customers consistently praise the 1988 Beneteau First 285 for its excellent blend of performance and comfort
Many highlight its responsive handling and solid build quality, making it a reliable choice for both cruising and club racing. Owners appreciate the spacious and well-designed interior for a boat of its size, noting ample storage and a comfortable layout that suits extended trips. The boat's classic styling and ease of maintenance also receive positive remarks, with several users mentioning the strong community and availability of parts. Overall, the Beneteau First 285 from 1988 is regarded as a versatile and enjoyable sailboat that balances speed, comfort, and practicality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1988 Beneteau First 285 is a classic cruiser-racer sailboat that offers a blend of performance and comfort. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Performance-Oriented Design: The First 285 features a sleek hull and efficient sail plan, making it responsive and enjoyable to sail, especially for those who appreciate a bit of speed.
Comfortable Interior: Despite its compact size, the interior layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize space, offering comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to four people, a functional galley, and a head.
Build Quality: Beneteau is known for solid construction, and the First 285 benefits from durable fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring longevity with proper maintenance.
Ease of Handling: The boat’s size and sail handling systems make it manageable for short-handed crews or couples, ideal for coastal cruising.
Good Value: As a used boat, the First 285 often represents an affordable entry point into sailing with a reputable brand.
Cons
Limited Space: While the interior is well laid out, the 28.5-foot length means living quarters can feel cramped for extended cruising or larger groups.
Aging Systems: Being a 1988 model, many boats will require updates or maintenance on rigging, electronics, plumbing, and engine systems to meet modern standards.
Performance Trade-offs: While sporty for its class, it may not match the speed or agility of more modern racer-cruisers with advanced materials and designs.
Maintenance Considerations: Older boats often demand more upkeep, including potential issues with deck core, rigging wear, or gelcoat condition.
Limited Tankage: Freshwater and fuel tank capacities are modest, which can restrict longer passages without frequent resupply.
Made For
The 1988 Beneteau First 285 is ideal for sailors seeking a versatile and reliable cruiser-racer that combines performance with comfort. It’s perfect for weekend adventurers, small families, or couples who want a manageable sailboat for coastal cruising and club racing. Its design offers a great balance of speed, handling, and onboard livability, making it suitable for both newcomers to sailing and experienced sailors looking for a responsive and enjoyable vessel.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Professional Yacht Sales about 1988 Beneteau First 285
18395 Gulf Blvd, Suite 202, Room 5, Indian Shores, FL, 33785
Contact Professional Yacht Sales
18395 Gulf Blvd, Suite 202, Room 5, Indian Shores, FL, 33785
Login with Google
