Bebeteau First 310
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Hi, I have owned a First 310 for the past 7 years and have enjoyed ownership greatly. My boat is a 1990 boat and has wheel steering which is somewhat unusual in the 310's I've seen. I sail in Dublin bay, Ireland. Club racing and a bit of pottering. We have also done some cruising to the South Coast of Ireland. The boat suits these purposes well. She is easy to sail singlehanded or even better with a crew of 4. I think the 310 is a good buy because she is the first of the more modern Beneteau's in this size range. Looking at a current 31/32 footer you get a bit more volume but not much else so the 310 usually represents good value for money.
We PHRF race against one with our 36.7. Some thoughts.
First is it a very pretty boat. Typical J-MF. And being from the 90s, it benefits from the big advances in design and construction techniques that Beneteau made around this time. Rounded deck corners, current-think rigging. Better wiring and electronics. Compare this boat to an older-design First 285 or First 305 and you'll see what I mean. Its much more like current boats in this regard.
Sailing-wise its a mixed bag. Although well mannered, the boat has a reputation for not pointing well. And its not super fast, particularly in lighter airs. Part of the reason its its under-canvased. 400 sqr/feet of sail. Hell, my First 260 has more sail area. It contributes to a SA/D of like 17. Thats really quite low.
But unless you're racing a lot that will matter none. It's a nice boat.
Oh, look at the headliner; the soft nylon material that is used on the walls and (hopefully not) the ceilings of the staterooms. There is a good chance all of that will fall someday. That makes a nasty mess.
First is it a very pretty boat. Typical J-MF. And being from the 90s, it benefits from the big advances in design and construction techniques that Beneteau made around this time. Rounded deck corners, current-think rigging. Better wiring and electronics. Compare this boat to an older-design First 285 or First 305 and you'll see what I mean. Its much more like current boats in this regard.
Sailing-wise its a mixed bag. Although well mannered, the boat has a reputation for not pointing well. And its not super fast, particularly in lighter airs. Part of the reason its its under-canvased. 400 sqr/feet of sail. Hell, my First 260 has more sail area. It contributes to a SA/D of like 17. Thats really quite low.
But unless you're racing a lot that will matter none. It's a nice boat.
Oh, look at the headliner; the soft nylon material that is used on the walls and (hopefully not) the ceilings of the staterooms. There is a good chance all of that will fall someday. That makes a nasty mess.
I'm very interested in the F310 in a few years. I had a F285 and absolutely loved it, but would like a tad more room.
Jackdaw, you said the 310 is undercanvassed -- so are you saying it doesn't sail well to its PHRF? The ratings I have seen seem very low for that size boat anyway, in the 140s!?!?
Another consideration in my price range might be an Oceanis 300 or 321, any idea if they sail better to their ratings? I'd say my pleasure use to racing ratio is about 80/20, but at the same time I'd at least like to have a shot. My 285 sailed pretty close to the 195 that it was given.
Jackdaw, you said the 310 is undercanvassed -- so are you saying it doesn't sail well to its PHRF? The ratings I have seen seem very low for that size boat anyway, in the 140s!?!?
Another consideration in my price range might be an Oceanis 300 or 321, any idea if they sail better to their ratings? I'd say my pleasure use to racing ratio is about 80/20, but at the same time I'd at least like to have a shot. My 285 sailed pretty close to the 195 that it was given.
Hi Mark,
It seems slow in light airs. I don't think that 140 is doing it any favors. The local J-30s (which rate the same) usually beat it boat for boat and creams it when it is light. But the 30 is lighter and has over 100 sqr/ft of sail. Its interesting that the Beneteau Figaro (which shares the exact same hull) rates a 102. The sailplan is just small for the size of it. Like I said our First 260 (which is actually 7.5m or 24.5 feet long) has more sail area! I think its a great design let down by a smallish rig. Too bad they didn't bring the tall 'S' version to the USA.
Its a great off-the-wind boat, beamy and stable, just what you would expect coming from the figaro solo racer. Upwind, the deep keel will help for sure.
Clay
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