1985 BENETEAU FIRST 38

SPECIFICATIONS

Name
ALIBI
Year
1985
Mfr
BENETEAU
Model
38
Type
SAILBOAT
Price
$34,900
LOA
40.2 ft
LWL
33.11 ft
Beam
12.10 ft
Draft
4.5 ft
Air Draft
52.6 ft
Location
ST AUGUSTINE, FL

CONTACT A BROKER

Name
Rose Ann Points
Phone
(904) 501-1532

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This 1985 Beneteau First 38, hull #324, “Alibi,” is a beautifully crafted French sailboat with a history of care and thoughtful upgrades. With an overall length of 40’ 2” and a beam of 12’ 10”, this vessel offers exceptional space and performance. Equipped with a reliable Perkins 4-108 engine (2,530 hours) and a ZF 15M transmission installed in 2020, it ensures smooth operation.
 
The deck features a Mantus anchor, Quick Windlass, and dual B&G Triton displays for confident cruising, complemented by a well-maintained Isomat rig with self-furling Genoa and spare sails, including a never-used storm sail. Living aboard is comfortable with a three-burner stove, double sink, and functional water system, plus solar panels and a Renogy charge controller for sustainable energy. Recent updates include antifouling paint and anode replacement (Feb 2023), with no significant hull issues during current ownership. This is an ideal boat for those seeking adventure and reliable performance on the water.
LAYOUT

This three-cabin, one-head Beneteau First 38 is designed for comfortable family adventures on the water. The well-thought-out layout includes a spacious L-shaped galley equipped with a gimbaled Eno 3-burner stove with oven, a double sink, a manual foot pump for freshwater, and a soap dispenser. While the Frigibar refrigerator requires attention, the galley provides ample functionality for meal preparation during extended cruising. The main saloon is illuminated by three double-color LED light bars, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cabins offer private accommodations for family or guests, while the two heads, one forward and one aft, ensure convenience for all aboard.

Unlike modern designs with wide aft sections, the First 38 features a tapered stern that delivers exceptional balance and handling, even when sailing to windward. With its light and responsive helm, this vessel is a joy to sail on any point of wind, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and performance for memorable journeys.

CONSTRUCTION
 

The hull of the 1985 Beneteau First 38 is constructed with a solid fiberglass laminate, known for its durability and resistance to osmosis. Manufactured in France, the hull features a tapered stern that enhances balance and performance, particularly when sailing upwind, unlike many contemporary designs with wider aft sections. The displacement of 15,653 lbs and ballast weight of 6,614 lbs contribute to its stability and seaworthiness.

Antifouling paint and anode replacements were last completed in February 2023, ensuring the hull remains in excellent condition. No hull blisters have been reported during current or prior ownership, although a previous survey noted unidentified blister repairs of an unknown date. This robust hull design is ideal for long-distance cruising or coastal exploration, offering a reliable and smooth ride in varied conditions.

MAST & RIGGING

The 1985 Beneteau First 38 features an Isomat aluminum mast and boom, known for their strength and durability. The mast stands at 52’ 6” above the design waterline, providing excellent sail area for strong performance in a variety of conditions.

Rigging includes a Quickvang B-12 for convenient mainsail control, a Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster for fine-tuning sail shape, and adjustable running backstays for added support and flexibility. The self-furling Genoa enhances ease of handling, while spare sails, including a storm sail and hank-on jib (both new in 2020 and unused), offer versatility for different wind conditions.

The rigging’s exact age is unknown, but all 10 Lewmar two-speed winches are operational, ensuring smooth and efficient sail adjustments. A spinnaker pole adds further options for downwind sailing. This rigging setup is designed for both performance and reliability, ideal for coastal cruising or extended voyages.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Three Group 27 Duracell lead acid house batteries (2022)
  • West Marine 24 starter battery (2019)
  • Renogy Rover 20-amp MPPT solar charge controller
  • Four 100-watt Renogy solar panels
  • 30-amp shore power connection and cable
  • Xantrex Truecharge 20-amp multistage battery charger
  • DC digital meter E-Meter battery monitor
  • Blue Sea Systems automatic charging relay SI-ACR7610
  • GFIC grounded outlets in each room
  • Blue Sea Systems Safetyhub 150 fuse box for 24-hr equipment
  •  
ENGINE
  • Perkins 4-108 (50 HP), hours ~2,530
  • ZF 15M transmission installed in 2020
  • 3-blade folding prop
  • Engine aligned, shaft and cutless bearing (Volvo) replaced in Nov 2020
  • 30-gallon diesel fuel tank
  • Racor 500FG turbine fuel filter
  • Balmar 100-amp alternator
  • Jabsco self-priming pump 3270
  • Primary bilge pump: Jabsco 36960 pump (240 GPH) with Surflo 35A switch
  • Secondary bilge pump: Johnson Pump SPX Flow pump (1600 GPH) with Ultima switch
  • High-water alarm with Ultima switch
ELECTRONICS
  • Two B&G Triton 2 multifunction displays
  • B&G 608 wind sensor
  • B&G ZG100 GPS antenna
  • Raymarine ST4000 Autohelm autopilot
DECK EQUIPMENT
  • 35-pound Mantus anchor, 100 feet of chain, 200 feet of rode double nylon snubber with chain hook
  • Quick Windlass G600 with toe switches
  • Emergency tiller
  • Magma outdoor grill A10-801
  • Bimini would need to be replaced
SAILING EQUIPMENT
  • 10 Lewmar winches (all two speed and working)
  • Quickvang B-12 working main with two reef points
  • Sailtec Hydraulic backstay adjuster
  • Adjustable running backstays
  • Self-furling Genoa sail
  • Spare storm sail (New 2020 never used)
  • Spare hank on jib (New 2020 never used)
  • Two winch handles
  • Spinnaker pole
  • New jib and main sheets
WATER SYSTEM
  • 25-gallon freshwater tank
  • 10-gallon black water tank (never used)
  • 6 Gallon water heater (shore and engine heated)
  • Shurflo Aqua King Deluxe freshwater pump
  • Katadyn Powersurvivor 40e watermaker
  • Raritan Marine PH2 manual head with rebuild kit
  • Sink faucet with shower head
TENDER
  • 2015 9-foot Ultra-Light AB tender with aluminum hull
  • 2002 Tohatsu 9.8 HP two-stroke with 3-gallon gas tank

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