Beneteau 265

Indysailor

Indysailor

.
Oct 10, 2009
1,038
Catalina 27 3657 Lake Monroe
Hi all,
I'm looking at a Beneteau First 265 and am wondering if others have experience with this boat. It seems a bit rare and I have not found much in the way of reviews. I have a pretty good sense for the quality of Beneteaus in general and have sailed a First 285. Wondering how this boat might compare, say, to a Catalina Capri 26 or a Precision 27. I know those are wheel steer, where the 265 is tiller (which I prefer); I'm trying to get a better sense of the performance qualities.
 
cb32863

cb32863

.
Jun 29, 2010
1,287
Beneteau First 235 Lake Minnetonka, MN
You found one eh? Damn, nice. When I got my 235 I had considered a 265 that was available in Michigan. Came to the conclusion it would be too big to trailer around and launch at my club. It is a sweet boat, Finot designed. I highly doubt you would be disappointed in it sailing performance. The First 26 is not a 265, still Finot designed but not the same boat. If you found one, I would buy it if it checks out.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

.
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
@Indysailor ,

As you've probably found, the First 265 is a very nice boat. The smallest Beneteau to offer the full complement of 'big boat' feature (see below), it was preceded by the First 26, and succeeded by the First 260. All Finot designs. Beneteau built quality and industrial design gets better over time. The 265 is a better built and designed boat then its earlier counterparts the 235 and 285. It will feel a whole generation newer than a 285. It will also will run circles around the other two boats you mentioned, averaging 180 in PHRF vs 200 for the Precision 27 and a dreadful 220 for the Capri 26.

Pluses:
Driving a Finot tiller boat from the rail is a bucket-list experience. I've done a bunch of them (First 210 to Pogo 40) and I'd never take a wheel over a tiller on any of them.
No headliner to fall!
30 years on still a modern hull design with a fractional rig. Not 260 modern, but still not a masthead from the 80s (like the other 2).

Downsides
Some very custom hardware that is getting old. In particularly the tricky handrail/jib car track.
You have all the work/cost of a big boat (crane, custom moving, winterization, complex systems, etc) in the smallest boat possible. It will have high operational costs for a 26 footer.

Oh, BIG BOAT to me means:
Standing headroom
Private queen stateroom with door.
Propane stove
Refrigerator
Hot/Cold pressure water
Enclosed head with SHOWER
Diesel

The 265 has all of these things. If you are OK with its size (its really a couples boat) you'll probably love it.
 
Indysailor

Indysailor

.
Oct 10, 2009
1,038
Catalina 27 3657 Lake Monroe
Thanks for the replies, folks. I really appreciate the insights. My wife is tired of stooping and I'm although I don't necessarily mind the boat we have, I am certainly attracted to the performance. I've actually been trying to get her to say yes to an S2 Grand Slam for a while but she's sticking to her guns; standing headroom, an enclosed head and a step through transom.
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

.
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Indysailor said:
Thanks for the replies, folks. I really appreciate the insights. My wife is tired of stooping and I'm although I don't necessarily mind the boat we have, I am certainly attracted to the performance. I've actually been trying to get her to say yes to an S2 Grand Slam for a while but she's sticking to her guns; standing headroom, an enclosed head and a step through transom.
Click to expand
Its hard for me to image someone considering a S2 7.9 and a First 265. One look downstairs and its game over. the 7.9 is all 70s-think and mouse-hair walls. The 265 looks like a modern SOHO loft in comparison.
 
  • Like
Likes: FDL S2
FDL S2

FDL S2

.
Jun 29, 2014
479
S2 7.3 Fond du Lac
I looked at one last summer. @Jackdaw gave me the same guidance he's giving you and @cb32863 is spot on. The owner insisted we take it out for a sail and it is GREAT to sail. If your wife wants standing headroom and all the big boat amenities in a 26ft boat and you want a smaller boat that can really get up and go it is perfect.
 
  • Like
Likes: Jackdaw
Indysailor

Indysailor

.
Oct 10, 2009
1,038
Catalina 27 3657 Lake Monroe
I wasn't considering a 265 until this one came into view. There is a very well preserved and well equipped 7.9 available here with a trailer. But I thinks my spouse agrees with you and I can't blame her. We sail and I teach on a little tubby O'Day 23; either of those boats is a huge step up from the performance perspective and I think the S2 is cheaper to keep, due to it's trailerablilty and outboard motor. But that shin breaking traveler and the things you mention put the kabosh on the idea of even looking at it. Frankly, I'm thrilled to have a spouse who wants more/better boat.
Jackdaw said:
Its hard for me to image someone considering a S2 7.9 and a First 265. One look downstairs and its game over. the 7.9 is all 70s-think and mouse-hair walls. The 265 looks like a modern SOHO loft in comparison.
Click to expand
 
  • Like
Likes: Jackdaw
W

WNYSobstad

.
Feb 14, 2015
6
Beneteau First285 Wilson harbor
I sail out of Wilson harbor on Lake Ontario on a first 285 and a good friend I compete with and have crewed for has a first 265. The 265 is (imho) a really nice boat that more often than not has me looking at his transom on Thursday night races. The interior layout is perfect for a couple to cruise with, better, more open, I think than my 285. Like all benny's from that era be aware of the sagging headliner but aside from that it is a well made boat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom