Sale Pending
Cleveland, Ohio

1984 Beneteau First 42 | 43ft

$40000
Fast, spacious, and cruise-ready with rare double aft cabins. Lightly sailed, upgraded sails, and rebuilt Perkins diesel. Ready to sail—motivated seller!

IN GOOD CONDITION. READY TO SAIL AWAY!!

“Conviction” is a 1984 German Frers designed  Beneteau First 42, recognized in Ferenc Mate’s “World’s Best Sailboats”. Purchased by second owner in 1997 with 1511 engine hours and lightly cruised on Lake Erie with one trip to Georgian Bay, now with 2211 hours. Rare double aft cabin version sleeps 9.  Never raced. While a fast boat, the First 42 is a true Racer/Cruiser, built with tasteful interior finishes, refrigeration, hot and cold pressure water, 4-burner CNG stove with oven, etc.

Conviction has a double spreader mast-head rig, headstay furling, baby-stay and massive inline shrouds with rod chainplates led deep into the hull structure. Main and Jib halyards are led aft along with most control lines. The spinnaker halyard is are led to a deck-mounted #40 winches, while the reefing and outhaul lines are led internally through clutches on the underside of the boom to a #16 2-speed Lewmar reefing winch mounted on the aft side of the mast. A reliable Barbarossa backstay adjustor and vang help control mainsail shape.

In the cockpit, jib sheets are led to #55 two-speed self-tailing primary winches through fairleads mounted on your choice of two inboard genoa T-tracks and massive Barbarossa double turning blocks. Main sheet led to a self-tailing winch on the port cabin top.  Main and Jib halyards are led aft along with most control lines. There is a large wheel, Richie compass, and single throttle/transmission control. Raymarine ST 60 speed and depth displays are forward, below the bridge deck, and a low mounted, adjustable Raymarine chartplotter sits next to the binnacle to maintain forward visibility.  Raymarine autopilot,  windspeed and direction are easily visible from the helm.

50 hp Perkins 4-108 diesel rebuilt at about 2000 hours. Mainsail upgraded to Sobstab full batten main with low friction Tides Marine Sail Track and lazy jacks. Other sails include 135% Sobstab roller furling genoa, older 100% dacron jib rarely used, cruising spinnaker with sock.  High maintenance teak cockpit seats and select teak elements replaced in 2018 with faux teak. Deck painted with Interlux Perfection and Kiwigrip non-skid in 2019.  Teak grates replaced in 2022.

Accommodations  Galley  Interior

Bow Pullman (sleeps 2), Salon Settees (sleep 2 with pilot berth)

2 Aft Cabins (each sleeps two, with hanging locker and more storage)

Port Galley w/ S.S. double sink and storage

4-Burner CNG Stove with Oven

Top Loading Icebox with Alder barbour refrigeration;

2021 6 Gal. Hot water Heater  (engine or shore power heat)

12VDC Head w/ macerator and 25 gal holding tank.  Y valve disconnected.

Sinks, Storage, and Sit-shower

Electrical  Electronics  Navigation

12V and 120v separate AC/DC panels

30 Amp Shore Power Cord

4 Group 31 wet cell batteries, 1 starting battery

Heart Freedom 25 Charger inverter

4 1/2″ Ritchie Compass on Binnacle

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The 1984 Beneteau First 42 is a highly regarded cruising sailboat that combines strong performance, stylish design, and comfortable living spaces. With a design by German Freres it is part of Beneteau’s First line of yachts, known for their excellent sailing capabilities and durability. Here’s a detailed description of this classic model:

Hull and Construction

The 1984 Beneteau First 42 features a solid fiberglass hull with a deep fin keel, providing excellent stability and upwind performance. The hull design is sleek and modern for its time, with clean lines that contribute to both speed and handling. The boat typically measures 42 feet (12.80 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 12 feet (3.66 meters), offering a good balance of interior space and sailing performance.

The First 42 is known for its solid build quality, which has helped it remain a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts even after decades. Its construction allows for easy handling in both light and heavy winds, and it remains reliable for offshore cruising.

Rigging and Sails

This model is equipped with a fractional sloop rig, which gives it a good balance between performance and ease of handling. The rig typically features a single-spreader mast, with a large mainsail and genoa. The sail plan is designed for a good balance between speed and stability, making it a versatile vessel for both cruising and racing. The boat’s handling is responsive, and it performs well in a variety of wind conditions, whether you’re cruising in coastal waters or racing in regattas.

Interior Layout

The interior of the 1984 Beneteau First 42 offers a spacious, practical, and comfortable layout, with accommodations typically designed for 6 to 8 people. The saloon is bright and open, with large windows allowing plenty of natural light to flood the space.

  • Main Saloon: The main saloon features a large dining table with ample seating on both sides, providing a comfortable space for meals or relaxation. The saloon is also well-ventilated, with multiple hatches and ports for airflow.
  • Galley: Located to port, the galley is equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and plenty of counter space for preparing meals while underway. It’s designed to be functional for long passages but also efficient enough for day-to-day use.
  • Navigation Station: The navigation station is positioned to starboard, designed with space for chart plotting, electronics, and other sailing instruments, making it easy to navigate while offshore.
  • Cabins: The boat typically features three private cabins:
    • The forward cabin offers a spacious double berth with storage space.
    • The two aft cabins are also generously sized, each with double berths and good storage options for personal items and gear.
  • Head and Shower: There is usually one large head, equipped with a marine toilet and shower. Some versions of the First 42 have a separate shower stall, adding to the overall comfort for long trips.

Deck and Cockpit

The deck layout of the 1984 Beneteau First 42 is designed for ease of sailing and comfort. The cockpit is spacious and ergonomically laid out, with plenty of room for crew and guests. It typically features a wheel helm for easy steering and control. There are also multiple winches and well-placed lines that allow for efficient sail handling, making the yacht manageable by a small crew or even a single-handed sailor in favorable conditions.

The deck is often equipped with a dodger and bimini, providing protection from the elements, especially on longer voyages or when cruising in harsher climates.

Engine and Power

The 1984 Beneteau First 42 is usually powered by a diesel engine, typically between 35 to 50 horsepower, depending on the specific model. This engine provides sufficient power for motoring in and out of harbors or when wind conditions are light. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the engine’s longevity, and many owners of older First 42s will have updated or serviced their engines to ensure reliable performance.

Performance

The Beneteau First 42 is known for its balanced sailing performance. It is responsive, fast, and stable, making it suitable for both cruising and racing. The boat’s deep fin keel offers excellent upwind performance, while its design ensures it remains stable in rough seas. With its clean hull shape and efficient rigging, the First 42 is quick to accelerate and handles well in a variety of conditions, making it a great choice for sailors looking for both adventure and comfort.

Summary

The 1984 Beneteau First 42 remains a popular choice among sailing enthusiasts who appreciate its combination of performance, reliability, and comfort. It offers a sleek and capable sailing experience, whether for weekend cruising or offshore adventures, while its spacious and practical interior ensures comfort for extended voyages. This model stands as a testament to Beneteau’s legacy of producing high-quality, versatile sailing yachts that endure through the years.

ENGINE
Perkins
ENGINE HOURS
2211
CLASS
Cruiser/Racer
LENGTH
43ft