• Slide: The Image of Sailboat on water, 1991 Beneteau First 38s5, scenic coastal background. - 1The Image of Sailboat on water, 1991 Beneteau First 38s5, scenic coastal background. - 1
  • Slide: The Image of Luxurious interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with elegant wood and white seating. - 2The Image of Luxurious interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with elegant wood and white seating. - 2
  • Slide: The Image of Cockpit of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with winches and colorful ropes. - 3The Image of Cockpit of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with winches and colorful ropes. - 3
  • Slide: The Image of Cockpit of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with wooden flooring and steering wheel. - 4The Image of Cockpit of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with wooden flooring and steering wheel. - 4
  • Slide: The Image of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat cockpit with colorful ropes and wooden deck. - 5The Image of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat cockpit with colorful ropes and wooden deck. - 5
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wood finish and modern amenities. - 6The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wood finish and modern amenities. - 6
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and white seating. - 7The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and white seating. - 7
  • Slide: The Image of Luxurious interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and white seating. - 8The Image of Luxurious interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and white seating. - 8
  • Slide: The Image of Control panel of a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with navigation and communication equipment. - 9The Image of Control panel of a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat with navigation and communication equipment. - 9
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with navigation equipment and wooden paneling. - 10The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with navigation equipment and wooden paneling. - 10
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with kitchen and seating area. - 11The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with kitchen and seating area. - 11
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with white sofa and wooden cabinetry. - 12The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with white sofa and wooden cabinetry. - 12
  • Slide: The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and cushioned seating. - 13The Image of Interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht with wooden cabinetry and cushioned seating. - 13
  • Slide: The Image of Bathroom interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht, featuring sink, mirror, and porthole. - 14The Image of Bathroom interior of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 yacht, featuring sink, mirror, and porthole. - 14
  • Slide: The Image of Engine compartment of a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat, featuring mechanical components and hoses. - 15The Image of Engine compartment of a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat, featuring mechanical components and hoses. - 15
  • Slide: The Image of Red PFD bag in storage compartment of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat. - 16The Image of Red PFD bag in storage compartment of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat. - 16
  • Slide: The Image of Storage compartment on a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 with life ring, ropes, and safety gear. - 17The Image of Storage compartment on a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 with life ring, ropes, and safety gear. - 17
  • Slide: The Image of Anchor chain and windlass on a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat deck. - 18The Image of Anchor chain and windlass on a 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat deck. - 18
  • Slide: The Image of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat docked at marina, reflecting on water. - 19The Image of 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 sailboat docked at marina, reflecting on water. - 19
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1991 Beneteau First 38s5

$49,900

Used

Boat in Alameda, CA 94501 US

builtBuilt in 1991
Year the boat was built
model

First 38s5

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Yanmar)

Engine type and count
length

38.3 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material

When Beneteau brought the First Series in the '90's, the initial hype was all about speed. Fin keel, spade rudder, fractional rig, strong and light construction. They looked fast. But when the glossies arrived we weren't sure if we had a boat brochure or a fashion magazine!


French elegance, gorgeous interiors! Beautiful wood selections, comfortable seats and bunks, practical sailing functions laid in with style so easy on the eye.


Marianne is wonderfully kept, it's hard to find a scratch inside. She's rigged for immediate fast fun on the club race circuit, or vacations for a family. Light and responsive, she's easy for a solo sailor. Strong and well designed, a crew of 4 can go racing or camping.


These boats redefined "racer/cruiser." This one does so many things, so well, the price seems rather incredible.

Nominal Length
38.33ft
Length Overall
38.25ft
Beam
12.33ft
Max Draft
6.42ft
Cabins
2
Heads
2
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Yanmar
Engine Model
4JHE
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1991
Depthsounder
✓
Radar
✓
Log Speedometer
✓
Wind Speed And Direction
✓
Navigation Center
✓
Plotter
✓
Autopilot
✓
Compass
✓
Gps
✓
Vhf
✓
Shore Power Inlet
✓
Inverter
✓
Steering Wheel
✓
Fully Battened Mainsail
✓
Spinnaker
✓
Furling Genoa
✓
Additional Information

ELECTRONICS


  • Autopilot

  • GPS

  • Plotter

  • Radar

  • VHF w/remote

  • Depth/speed/wind displays


INTERIOR


  • 2 Cabins

  • 2 Heads

  • Navigation center

  • Main salon bench seating w/dining table

  • Pressure hot and cold water to galley and showers

  • 120VAC outlets, shore and inverter

  • 12VDC cabin lights and pumps

  • Force 10 3 burner propane stove and oven

  • Frigoboat 12VDC refrigeration


SAILS


  • Full batten main w/lazy bag

  • Furling genoa and jib

  • Nylon spinnaker


GROUND TACKLE


  • Electric windlass

  • Stainless steel chain w/ nylon rode

  • Fortress primary anchor

  • Second anchor with s.s. chain, nylon rode

Price History

DateEventPrice
2/28/26Initial price$49,900

1991 Beneteau First 38s5 Video Tours

Overview from around the web 1991 Beneteau First 38s5

Customers praise the 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 for its excellent combination of performance and comfort

Many highlight its responsive sailing characteristics, making it a favorite among those who enjoy both competitive racing and leisurely cruising. The boat's spacious and well-designed interior receives positive remarks for providing ample living space and practical amenities, ideal for extended trips. Owners also appreciate the solid build quality and reliable construction typical of Beneteau vessels from this era. Overall, the First 38s5 is valued for its versatility, ease of handling, and timeless design.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 is a well-regarded cruiser-racer known for its blend of performance and comfort. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Performance-Oriented Design: The First 38s5 offers responsive handling and good sailing performance, making it enjoyable for both cruising and club racing.

Spacious Interior: For a 38-foot boat, it provides a comfortable and well-laid-out interior with ample headroom and practical living spaces.

Solid Construction: Built by Beneteau, it features a sturdy fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship typical of the brand.

Versatile Layout: The interior arrangement often includes multiple cabins and a functional galley, suitable for extended cruising.

Good Value: As a used boat, it offers an attractive balance of performance and comfort for its size and age.

Cons

Age-Related Wear: Being a 1991 model, some components may require updating or maintenance, such as rigging, electronics, or plumbing systems.

Moderate Upkeep Costs: Older boats often need ongoing care to maintain performance and safety.

Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to newer models, it may lack some of the latest conveniences or advanced materials.

Potential for Outdated Systems: Electrical and navigation equipment might need upgrading to meet current standards.

Made For

The 1991 Beneteau First 38s5 is designed for sailors who seek a versatile and performance-oriented cruiser-racer. Ideal for those who enjoy competitive racing as well as comfortable coastal cruising, this boat appeals to both experienced sailors and enthusiasts looking for a well-balanced yacht. Its combination of speed, handling, and spacious accommodations makes it perfect for weekend getaways, club racing, and longer passages. Whether you’re a couple, a small family, or a group of friends, the First 38s5 offers a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1991 Beneteau First 38s5. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sloop cost in today's market, or how much does a Beneteau cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$566.35/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 49,900
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1991 Beneteau First 38s5. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sloop cost in today's market, or how much does a Beneteau cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$566.35/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 49,900
OR
%

Contact West Coast Multihulls

955 Harbor Island Dr, #180, San Diego, CA, 92101

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Address

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#180
San Diego, CA 92101

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Contact West Coast Multihulls about 1991 Beneteau First 38s5

955 Harbor Island Dr, #180, San Diego, CA, 92101

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from West Coast Multihulls at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Contact West Coast Multihulls

955 Harbor Island Dr, #180, San Diego, CA, 92101

By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring marketing text messages, phone calls, and emails from West Coast Multihulls at the number and email provided, including messages sent using an autodialer or prerecorded voice. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase. We'll also send helpful email updates about your boat search. You can unsubscribe whenever you like. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

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