I'm presently sailing a Hunter 30 - great boat, but I'm ready to go much smaller and do some singlehanded sailing. I also would like to trailer from my club to some of the lakes in the area. Questions 1)What is the headroom in a 235? 2)Is it easy to step the mast? 3)What about short cruises (overnight to 3 days) for me and my wife? 4) Overall thoughts on the boat. Obviosley as I get closer to making a decision I will visit a dealership and sail one, but thought I'd start with the guys and gals that sail them. thanks Joe M.
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My favorite topic (tell me about your boat 
First the questions (pun intended): 1) headroom is 5'4" 2) Stepping the mast is a breeze. Setting up the rigging is another matter. I'm still working on the best way to store the stick for transport and ease of rerigging. 3) 3 days would probably be max if you have the built in head (13 gals doesn't hold too much...uh... stuff) 4) Overall, I'd say the boat is one of the best small boats on the market (used that is). Not too many other 23 -24 ft. boats out there with an enclosed head, large chart table, full galley, sleeping for 4 adults, a good turn of speed, and the security of a fixed keel (controversial topic amongst trailersailors, but I prefer the KISS method and fixed means less moving parts). I'm still working through the 'getting-to-know-you' phase with mine, but so far I love it!
First the questions (pun intended): 1) headroom is 5'4" 2) Stepping the mast is a breeze. Setting up the rigging is another matter. I'm still working on the best way to store the stick for transport and ease of rerigging. 3) 3 days would probably be max if you have the built in head (13 gals doesn't hold too much...uh... stuff) 4) Overall, I'd say the boat is one of the best small boats on the market (used that is). Not too many other 23 -24 ft. boats out there with an enclosed head, large chart table, full galley, sleeping for 4 adults, a good turn of speed, and the security of a fixed keel (controversial topic amongst trailersailors, but I prefer the KISS method and fixed means less moving parts). I'm still working through the 'getting-to-know-you' phase with mine, but so far I love it!
Beneteau First 235
Head Room: 5' 4" sounds about right. Stepping Mast: We keep the boat in the water and the yard deals with that so I can not help you there. Cruise Length: My wife and I plus our Dog, a 60 lb. Pointer, took a 9 day cruise last year on the Chesapeake Bay. We are going to take a week again this year. We did about two nights on the hook and then two nights at a marina. I would say the only draw back with cruising on this boat is the lack of a shower. There is a lot of stowage space and our inflatable dink even fits in the cock pit locker. Performance: She points well to wind but not quite as well as a J 24. Going to wind she gets overpowered at about 13-15 knots with a full main and the 155 Genoa. You will now when it is time because she will start to round up. This is not a problem, just have to reduce sail a little earlier than most boats. When racing and a few dudes on the rail 15 knots with full sail is no problem. In 20-25 knots she goes to wind under a full main alone very well. Put up the small jib and she points very well in these conditions. Off the wind for her size she is a very fast boat, in 15-18 knots I have seen 9 knots on the GPS with full sail wing on wing with the Genoa poled out. Very fun point of sail and she handles very well in these conditions. We have just started racing with the spinnaker this year so don't have a lot of heavy weather experience with that bad boy but once we do I am sure double digit speed is possible. In light winds she does 5 knots under spinnaker with no problems. She is a really fun boat to sail and is a nice mix between cruiser and racer. Hope this helps and good luck in your search.
Head Room: 5' 4" sounds about right. Stepping Mast: We keep the boat in the water and the yard deals with that so I can not help you there. Cruise Length: My wife and I plus our Dog, a 60 lb. Pointer, took a 9 day cruise last year on the Chesapeake Bay. We are going to take a week again this year. We did about two nights on the hook and then two nights at a marina. I would say the only draw back with cruising on this boat is the lack of a shower. There is a lot of stowage space and our inflatable dink even fits in the cock pit locker. Performance: She points well to wind but not quite as well as a J 24. Going to wind she gets overpowered at about 13-15 knots with a full main and the 155 Genoa. You will now when it is time because she will start to round up. This is not a problem, just have to reduce sail a little earlier than most boats. When racing and a few dudes on the rail 15 knots with full sail is no problem. In 20-25 knots she goes to wind under a full main alone very well. Put up the small jib and she points very well in these conditions. Off the wind for her size she is a very fast boat, in 15-18 knots I have seen 9 knots on the GPS with full sail wing on wing with the Genoa poled out. Very fun point of sail and she handles very well in these conditions. We have just started racing with the spinnaker this year so don't have a lot of heavy weather experience with that bad boy but once we do I am sure double digit speed is possible. In light winds she does 5 knots under spinnaker with no problems. She is a really fun boat to sail and is a nice mix between cruiser and racer. Hope this helps and good luck in your search.
We sailed a large dinghy for years. Stepping the mast is intimidating, but with a winch mounted on your trailer (or other stationary object), it's a 2-person job. Muscling it up is for the birds, believe me! Use the jib or spinnaker halyard hooked to the winch and a safety line on the other halyard so that a slip doesn't spell disaster. Have the stronger of the pair back to guide the mast (not muscle--just guide) up. Hoist the mast with the winch and use the winch to hold it while it is made fast. Shower? Try a "sun shower" sold at most camping and marine stores. We have a 35s5, but often use one. These things really work on a warm day. Use the main halyard to hoist aloft for a shower. Fill daily at the marina, and you'll have plenty of water for two adults or more to shower. I have sailed a 235 and I think it's one of the nicest pocket cruisers around.
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