Sailboat Bénéteau First 24 for sale

Modern micro-cruising meets practical 24-foot keelboat

The First 24 and First 24 SE are among the most popular keelboats in the 7-8 metre class, renowned for their popularity among both sail racing enthusiasts and fans of small keelboats. Built in Slovenia by Seascape and branded as ‘First’ for BENETEAU, these boats offer the high production quality, robust fittings, and excellent equipment that experienced sailors expect. Most importantly, they deliver top-tier sailing performance, making them a favourite for those who value speed and agility on the water. Since its introduction in 2016, just over 300 units of the First 24 SE have been sold, with the boat attracting a loyal following on the racing circuit. The boat is regularly used in demanding races — including offshore events like the Silverrudder — and is equally appreciated by families sailing on lakes or along the coast for its straightforward, uncomplicated nature. While its cruising capabilities are somewhat limited, the boat’s versatility allows for enjoyable outings on lakes and coastal waters. This level of performance and quality comes at a price: the hulls are manufactured using an advanced vacuum infusion process, and the SE version features a full carbon rig — both of which contribute to a higher cost for new boats in this size range. However, owners will be pleased to know that well-maintained used boats retain their value, with a used boat for sale in good condition commanding a strong price. If you’re seeking a fast, uncomplicated daysailer or a high-performance racing boat, the First 24 SE should definitely be on your shortlist.

The First 24 SE concept: fast, simple and stylish!

The renowned Frenchman Sam Manuard has earned a reputation as a non-conformist yacht designer. His IMOCA and other racing yachts regularly break records and win some of the most prestigious regattas, from the Vendée Globe to world championships in multiple classes. He also has a close relationship with Andraž Mihelin and Kristian Hajnšek - accomplished mini-transat sailors and the founders of Seascape - and has collaborated with them with the design of the First 24 SE. That a yacht designer of Manuard’s stature chooses to create these small yachts underscores how much the offshore racing specialist identifies with the concept and the approach to what the sailing boats should be and what they should convey. By lending his expertise to the First 24 SE, Manuard guarantees one thing for prospective owners: exhilarating speed and the thrill of planing!

Each First (or Seascape) is designed to be easy to steer and safe to control even when planing. The modern designs are fine-tuned for thrilling sailing, particularly excelling when sailing at a TWA greater than 90 degrees - on a downwind course from beam reach to a broad reach. In these conditions, the First 24 SE transitions smoothly into planing mode, allowing it to surge ahead and outpace the competition.

Micro-cruising and regatta sailing

The second reason why you might be interested in First 24 for sale is its surprisingly wide range of uses. As a cabin cruiser, the First 24 is remarkably spacious inside. The 7.29 metre length includes a V-berth in the foredeck area, which can easily accommodate two adults (albeit this will be slightly cosy). The side berths opposite each other can be extended making them suitable for two adults to sleep. There is even space for a folding table in the saloon.

Many First 24 SE owners use the boat for extended weekend trips or for embarking on longer journeys with First 24 SE yachts regularly sailed in the Baltic Sea on classic routes to the Danish South Sea or to the Swedish archipelago. Thanks to its straightforward handling and suitability for solo sailing, the First 24 SE is especially appealing to single-handed sailors seeking the thrill and adventure reminiscent of a mini-transat experience.

The First 24 SE for sale is perfect for cruising sailors who enjoy micro-cruising, thanks to an extensive range of customisation options and creative conversion ideas which can be found online. Whether transforming the cockpit into a comfortable summer sleeping area, adding a compact galley, or fitting a dry WC and cool box, owners can tailor the boat to suit their needs. And as a bonus, these adaptations don’t compromise the boat’s ability to maintain consistently high average speeds.

BENETEAU First 24 for sale - hull, construction, design and sail plan

Easy: high-speed planing with the First 24 SE

Weight is absolutely critical for a yacht’s ability to glide, and the First 24 SE embodies this principle. All GRP components are meticulously engineered with a strict focus on weight reduction, a priority which the SITO-Design optimisers emphasised throughout the design phase. The hull is manufactured exclusively with premium vinylester resin using a vacuum infusion process, which also virtually eliminates concerns about osmosis. The emphasis on lightweight construction extends to the interior, which is intentionally spartan. Aside from brightly coloured upholstery, there are no panels, covers, or decorative elements that don’t serve a functional purpose. Purists will appreciate this approach, though some aesthetes may find the unfinished look less appealing. The cabin’s interior (also known as the ‘B-side’ in boatbuilding) is left unsmoothed and unfilled, revealing the creases from the vacuum film and the inlet and outlet hoses. While this is a feature of the vacuum process, it’s a matter of taste. In addition to the emphasis on a lightweight constructoin, every addition and all the equipment is chosen to maximise the sailing performance and minimise weight. This brings us onto the rig’s design and features…

Buying an SE or not

The BENETEAU First 24 is for sale in two versions: an aluminum version and the SE, which stands for Seascape Edition. It’s important to note that the SE is actually the original concept envisioned by the Seascape creators and yacht designer Sam Manuard. The SE model features a lightweight hull, a full carbon rig — including mast, boom and extendable bowsprit — and a large, fully battened square-top mainsail and jib made from premium North Sails laminate. Even the tiller is manufactured from carbon fibre. The result is a boat that weighs less than 900 kilograms and has nearly 40 m² of sail area. All these high-tech features come at a price: a fully equipped new First 24 SE for sale, complete with outboard motor and quality trailer, costs close to €100,000. While this may seem steep, it’s a fair reflection of the boat’s value.

When Seascape and BENETEAU formed their partnership in 2018, the French company wanted to make its small boats more accessible by offering them at lower prices to appeal to a broader range of sailors — including novices and less ambitious sailors. The original Seascape models were rebranded as SE (Seascape Edition), while aluminium versions were introduced for those on a slightly tighter budget. This approach was adopted for the First 24, ensuring that both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers could find a suitable option for sale.

The Alu-First 24 comes with a premium aluminium rig from Seldén, including an aluminium mast, boom and bowsprit. The tiller is made of GRP, and the sails are affordable Dacron. While both boats share the same hull design - there’s no weight reduction in this area - the First 24 Alu has a total weight of approximately 1,000 kilograms. Its sail plan is also more modest than the SE model, with a cross-cut mainsail which, when combined with the jib, gives just over 13 m² of sail area.

Dealer surveys indicate that the SE model typically commands a 15 to 20% higher price than the aluminium version which is quite significant. However, within the yachting community, the SE is widely regarded as the better choice. As sailors often joke, “You wouldn’t show up to a Porsche gathering in a Boxster; you’d arrive in a 911.” Both models deliver plenty of speed for fast, fun sailing, but for those seeking the complete experience, the SE should be the preferred option.

Extremely mobile thanks to its trailerability and easy rigging

Imagine being able to take your boat out this morning, load it onto the trailer and tomorrow rig it and then sail on Lake Garda for a weekend – all in just a few hours? This is entirely possible with the First 24 SE: the boat can be rigged and unrigged using an ‘A-frame’, which eliminates the need for a mast crane. Ideally, two experienced people or preferably three, should handle the process. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll be able to prepare the boat for transport in less than an hour. Simply crank up the swing keel, remove the outriggers, and slide the boat onto the trailer. Thanks to its low hull, mast cranes can easily lift the boat in or out of the water using the three-point belt system. The strap is cut to length so the boat tilts slightly forward, allowing the First 24 SE to be craned with the mast upright, minimising any risk of damage.

When searching for a trailer for sale, prioritise branded options — especially those specifically designed for the First 24 SE. Harbeck trailers, custom-built for this model, are recommended and most commonly used. It’s important that the trailer features the GRP hull support manufactured by the shipyard (listed as a ‘cradle’ in the options). If you use a trailer lacking this support, or with incorrectly positioned supports, you risk denting or even permanently damaging the lightweight hull. Always check for this feature when buying a used First 24 SE trailer.

Just as much at home on inland waterways as along the coast

The First 24 SE is CE certified to category C, which means it is officially rated for use by up to eight people in coastal waters, large bays, and lakes in wind strengths of up to Force 6 on the Beaufort scale and waves as high as 2 metres. Force 6 is very strong and 2-metre waves on a boat of this size can feel like you’re sailing around Cape Horn but this boat is built to handle tough environments. Its backstayless rig is designed to withstand significant loads, though, given the boat’s light weight, it’s wise to reef early as the wind picks up. However, when sailing downwind, you can push the limits and let the boat fly under gennaker. The Manuard-designed hull really comes alive in the surf, delivering an exhilarating ride.

The BENETEAU First 24 SE is offered with a impressive 2-metre (draft) performance keel, which delivers outstanding stability and confidence even when sailing under significant wind pressure. The square-top mainsail acts like a natural pressure relief valve letting air escape in the gusts, while in the main body of the sail, every breath of wind is instantly and efficiently transformed into forward motion. So even in light winds, you will be able to continue sailing where others will need to turn on their engines.

While the First 24 SE is optimised for planing in offshore winds and calm waters, it handles waves surprisingly well. However, it’s best to avoid approaching waves that are too steep or abrupt — remember the notorious Baltic Sea chop! For those interested in inland sailing, the First 24 SE is also available for sale with a shorter, 1.15-metre keel, which adds 130 kg to the boat’s weight.

The First 24 SE as a small cruising boat

We’ve already mentioned it: the interior of the First 24 SE is surprisingly light and spacious, with a few comforts. While the boat is typically sailed by one or two people, there is space for up to four people to sleep on board. With the right accessories — such as a cool box or dry toilet — the First 24 SE transforms into a true micro cruiser. There is a large space for storage under the cockpit area which is accessible via two large, watertight hatches. Covers on the boom provide sun protection and shade when moored in a harbour, and a variety of anchoring equipment and other useful items are available to buy, further highlighting the boat’s cruising capabilities. Although the comfort factor does not yet match that of a Bente 24, which offers even more amenities, the First 24 cannot be beaten in terms of its exceptional sailing performance and practicality.

The retractable keel makes it possible to find berths in harbour and marina areas that are inaccessible to other sailing boats or keelboats. The retractable keel has enabled sailors on Lake Constance to secure coveted berths that were previously inaccessible to traditional keelboats. Beyond mooring advantages, the lifting keel is also invaluable while underway as it allows you to venture deep into protected anchor bays to avoid storms or reach secluded spots that fixed-keel boats could never access.

BENETEAU First 24 for sale - all the information for skippers/sailors

Versatile, stylish and high-quality manufacturing

The First 24 SE is truly a standout boat attracting attention from fellow sailors and curious onlookers wherever it’s docked. Its design, courtesy of Manuard, combines a playful yet assertive balance: it’s both compact and unmistakably sporty, reminiscent of a scaled-down IMOCA racing yacht. Many owners embrace the yacht’s personality by adorning their boats with racing graphics or upgrading the standard 55-watt solar module with additional solar power. In every sense, the First 24 SE is distinctive — styish, full of character, and unfailingly unique.

The First 24 SE’s exceptional build quality and premium fittings ensure lasting enjoyment on the water. However, proper care is essential to preserve its performance and value. Always pack the North Sails laminate sails carefully, as they can crease easily. The lightweight hull should be protected from damage, especially during transportation or regatta starts. Annual inspection and greasing of the keel mechanism are recommended. It’s important to avoid dropping the full carbon rig wherever possible as a sharp knock can cause damage. These precautions will help your investment maintain its condition and performance for years to come.

Looking for a used First 24 SE for sale? What you should know

With just 300 units sold in ten years, the First 24 SE stands out as a mass-produced boat that still retains a sense of exclusivity. While these boats occasionally appear on the used market, most owners retain their boats for many years - a testament to their high-quality and the enjoyment they provide. If you come across a used First 24 SE for sale locally, it’s essential to inspect several key areas during your visit. Check the sides of the hull (freeboard) and under the hull for signs of storage or transport damage. Examine the keel and its mechanism for smooth operation and pay close attention to the rudder attachments at the stern for evidence of prior repairs. The mast is deck-mounted, with loads transferred internally via a steel tube, which is generally reliable. Also ensure the bowsprit’s launch tube in the cabin is still watertight — the seals may need replacing to maintain its integrity.

When inspecting a used First 24 SE, pay close attention to the running rigging — the lines for sale with a new boat are usually high-quality products from Robline or Maffioli. It’s also important to thoroughly examine all carbon components, with a particular focus on the spreaders and their mounts on the mast. If you notice white discoloration on the clear carbon coating, don’t be alarmed; this is a normal effect, as the paint absorbs and dissipates aggressive UV radiation to protect the underlying material. If the coating begins to flake off, it’s essential to have it professionally renewed to maintain the integrity and appearance of the carbon parts.

Prioritise newer models when searching for a used First 24 SE for sale. Boats that have been extensively used for racing in regattas — like all racing yachts — may lose some of their structural stiffness over time due to repeated hard use. Additionally, as previously noted, it’s important to carefully inspect the trailer to ensure it is in good condition.

Summary and conclusion

Why a First 24 SE for sale could be for you

Do you enjoy active sailing and seek excitement on the water, even in a light breeze? If you’re keen to unfurl the gennaker and chase exhilarating planing speeds well into double digits, the First 24 SE deserves a spot at the top of your list. If you want to beat larger yachts in Wednesday racing or lead the pack at the Silverrudder, this is the boat for you.

The First 24 SE is an excellent choice for families seeking a versatile boat for exploring lakes. The boat is suitable for overnight trips for up to four people, providing a swimming platform together with comfortable accommodation, making short getaways or extended journeys, such as trips to Bornholm or along the Adriatic coast, entirely possible. Beyond its easy handling and safe operation, the First 24 SE stands out for its ingenious simplicity to rig and exceptional mobility, thanks to its retractable swing keel and trailability.

First 24 for sale - we particularly like these features:

• Excellent sailing performance with simple operation and a large safety margin.
• Very high quality workmanship, top fittings, lines and sails.
• Suitable for touring and cruising in micro-cruising mode.

First 24 for sale - you should take a close look at:

• Some of the components and carbon equipment in the SE version can be brittle.
• The yacht can only be transported using a road trailer and stored ashore on a high-quality custom cradle.
• Comparatively high - but justified - purchase price.

Further reviews and test reports: