Beneteau First 285

Magnificent First 285 from 1988 renovated between 2022 and 2024! In incredibly impeccable condition, this sailboat designed by the famous Jean-Marie Finot is meticulously maintained by its owner who loves well-done work.

Ready to sail and visible in Hyères (Var - France - Côte d'Azur)

List of recent work/installations/renovations:

Hull/Underwater:

• hull fairing with sanding, application of 5 layers of Nautic p1 (anti-osmosis preventive), 2 layers of hard Nautix matrix and 2 layers of erodible Nautix matrix
• new stuffing box (2024)
• line shaft end nut (2024)
• propeller shaft (2024)
• hydraulic bearing (2024)
• Anodes (thruster, hull, shaft) (2024)
• a pass with hull polishing product completed the fairing (2024)

Engine:

• engine oil change (2024)
• oil filter (2024)
• fuel filter (2024)
• water pump reconditioning kit (2024)
• exhaust elbow (2024)
• alternator belt (2024)
• anode and block anode holder (2024)
• Vetus anti-siphon (2025)
• diesel hoses (2024)
• complete diesel decanter (2024)
• diesel fittings (2024)
• diesel tank (2024)
• diesel tank level probe (2024)
• diesel filler (2024)
• diesel tank vent (2024)
• filling hose (2024)
• vent hose (2024)
• engine block descaling (2024)
• alternator (2024)
• removal and refurbishment of injectors (2024)
• block anode (2024)
• belt (2024)

Sails:

• Hood sails (main and genoa): checked - good condition

Electrical side:

• service battery bank (2024)
• engine battery bank (2024)
• windlass/thruster battery bank (2024)
• battery cuts on the ground and positive (2024)
• installation of a remote-controlled battery cut on the windlass/thruster part (2024)
• Replacement of all engine, windlass, thruster power cables (2024)
• replacement of the entire boat wiring (2024)
• Replacement of the service dashboard (2024)
• Replacement of the fuse box (2024)
• Replacement of the 220v onboard installation (2024)
• Replacement of the shore extension (2024)
• Installation of a transformer for the fridge (2024)
• Replacement of the battery charger (2024)
• Replacement of cabin lighting (2025)
• installation of a 700w electric windlass (2024)
• installation of a solar system (1x215W) with new port regulator panel (07/2025)
• new mast wiring (2025)
• new VHF antenna (2025)
• used VHF/FM splitter but in great condition
• Bow thruster (2022)

Electronic side:

• new fusion head unit (2024)
• new fusion speaker (2024)
• new VHF (2024)
• new Garmin GPS map 92 sv (2024)
• new depth sounder (2024)
• 2 new GMI 20 repeaters (2024)
• new Garmin wind pack (2024)
• new NMEA network (2024)
• Raymarine ST 1000+ tiller pilot revised in 2025

Equipment side:

• New oak descent step (First 285 logo engraved): 2024
• Plastimo compass (2024)
• 4 Anderson self-tailing winches (regularly serviced)
• new running rigging (2024)
• new standing rigging (2025)
• new and/or serviced chainplate feet (2024)
• new lifelines (2025)
• new delta anchor (2024)
• articulated anchor swivel (2024)
• new mooring cover (2025)
• new lazy bag (2025)
• new lazy jack (2025)
• replacement of the roof canopy crystal (2024)
• new interior upholstery (2024)
• custom curtains (2025)
• new portside cabin porthole (2025), one spare cut to size in stock on the boat
• cockpit table integrated into the floor
• shower head, shower head box (2025)
• electric toilet (2022)
• black water tank (2022)
• custom auxiliary engine door plate (2025)
• custom lettering on the boat (2025)
• oak descent steps in the cabin above the engine (2025)
• wind vane, new masthead light (2025)
• new deck stuffing boxes at the foot of the mast (2025)
• complete coastal safety equipment up to date
• freshwater tank cleaned and disinfected with level probe (2025)

Here is a copy of the text from the official Bénéteau brochure at the launch of the First 285:
"For the First 285, Bénéteau, the world leader in sailboat construction, submitted a project to the Finot Group that was a real challenge. In 8.77 m overall length, it was necessary to remain true to the First spirit while gaining in performance and comfort. Implemented using powerful computer tools, the First 285 program illustrates a new concept. It belongs to this very recent generation of sailboats whose speed capabilities and cruising qualities have been transcended. Its waterline length (7.40 m), its low wetted surface, and its sail plan explain its speed in all weather and its liveliness in light airs. Everything facilitates sail handling and life at sea: 9/10 rigging, large cockpit where all the sheets, halyards, and regular maneuvers are led back.
Everything is designed to offer exceptional comfort: two real independent double cabins, a large saloon, and a real toilet compartment. A realization worthy of the Bénéteau tradition.
From the construction of the hull reinforced by a structured mold according to the areas of effort to the superb finish of the fittings, everything is taken care of in the smallest details. The robustness of construction, the quality of finishes, and the reliability of the fittings are up to the international reputation of the shipyards. And Bénéteau's recognition by Bureau Veritas is an additional guarantee of safety and longevity.

The First 285 combines the pleasure of family cruising and the pleasure of speed. Generously sail-clad, its 9/10° rigging allows for finer adjustments and better sail control.
Well balanced, it has remarkable course stability and extreme sensitivity at the helm, thanks in particular to its suspended elliptical and balanced rudder. You can immediately get the most out of it, in all points of sail.

Settle into the generously sized cockpit, the largest for a sailboat of this category and era, settle into the slatted teak benches: this is truly the command post of the boat. With all the sheets, halyards, and halyards at your fingertips. You can't help but notice the quality of the fittings, the power of the winches, and the convenience of the clutches on the roof. Then your gaze is guided by the pure line of the roof, the famous First line, which descends without interruption to the foredeck.

On board the First 285, a boat safe in all circumstances, you will only experience happy stories.

Inside the First 285, the first impression: space.
Located at the rear, the owner's cabin: 1.80 m under the beams. With its double bed, its bench, its storage unit, its wardrobe, and its separating door that guarantees privacy. A porthole in the rear bulkhead lets in light. To starboard, equally astonishing in proportions, with 1.77 m under the beams, a real toilet compartment. Shower tray, WC, sink, wardrobe.

At the foot of the descent, the saloon opens up to you, spacious, bright, and well-ventilated. It integrates the kitchen and the navigation station. The kitchen, to port, has everything to satisfy gourmets and gourmands. Stove, cooler, sink, pressurized water, large cupboard above the worktop, and other well-thought-out storage.
The chart table framed in glued laminated wood is located to starboard. Just above, within reach, a superb electrical panel groups all the circuits on board. It is in this kind of detail that Bénéteau's perfection imposes itself. In the saloon, what an atmosphere: a sober and warm alliance of woodwork and the blue velvet of the benches and curtains. The same comfort elements are found in the second independent double cabin, located at the front. And to make your cruise truly synonymous with ease and relaxation, storage is arranged everywhere.
On board the First 285, the sweetness of life at sea truly takes on its meaning."