Beneteau First 235 Forums

sparrow · Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 2:19 pm Post subject: New Ower First 285

Figured I would wait until the money was moving before I mentioned the purchase of Wind Quest, currently in SC but moving soon to VA. We are excited. Owners Brian and Julie moved up to a larger Beneteau and put their 1991 Beneteau First 285 on Craigslist. I saw it a day or so later, drove down that weekend with the family to take a look. Brian has taken exceptional care of her so it was an easy decision to purchase. Should have her ready and in the water by August.

Cheers,

Dave
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Owner, Sparrow III (First 235, Hull #428, Wing Keel)

tpratchios · Newbie Joined: 28 Mar 2012 Posts: 1 Location: St Johns, FL

Hey Dave, congrats on the new to you 285. I would love to hear your thoughts on moving up from the 235 to 285. I have been searching for a first sailboat and both have piqued my interest. Intended use would be mostly daysailing here in North Florida (most often with wife + 2 young kids), along with the occasional overnight thrown in for good measure.

sparrow · Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

Loved my First 235 Sparrow, but felt that she was too small for our family of four which includes two kids ages 10 and 6. As they are growing, I figured the First 235 would get a little tight. Otherwise, it was a great boat and there are moments when I regret selling her. There are a number of current 285 owners that started out in the 235. You might consider asking the question in the general forum to get a broader perspective.

Cheers,

Dave
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Owner, Sparrow III (First 235, Hull #428, Wing Keel)

sparrow · Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 6:29 am Post subject:

I should add, as a first time sail boat owner either one would be a good decision. As for equipment, on the 285 you get an inboard, oven, and a bit more space. Otherwise they are almost identical in equipment. Obviously boat handling and performance will be different.

There is a First 285 for sale in North FL listed on Yachtworld being sold by Dennis. He has done a lot of work and it would be worth taking a look at. His email is dennishg@me.com. Listing can be found at

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1989/Beneteau-First-285-2462201/FL/United-States

Cheers,

Dave
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Owner, Sparrow III (First 235, Hull #428, Wing Keel)

jackdaw · Posted: Tue May 29, 2012 8:44 am Post subject:

Dave,

This is awesome news. Glad the 285 search finally worked out for the best. She sure looks like a quality boat. And the girls like her too, thats always good. Why did the PO keep the huge danforth on the bow pulpit? Storm hook? I'd keep that in a locker down low.
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Clay Babcock
Blue J - First 260 - Hull 045 - 1996
Jackdaw - First 235 - Hull 75 - WK - 1987 (ex)

knottingham · Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject:

Congrats Dave!

She looks like she is pretty buttoned up. I like the lighter sunbrella.

Do you have a list going of any updates?

I looks like your mainsheet set up is the same as mine, do you plan on keeping it that way?
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John Miller
Loxley - 1990 F285
PWB - 1988 235 WK - Hull #244
(Knottingham - 1992 F235 WK, Hull #445 Ex.)

sparrow · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2012 11:55 pm Post subject:

Clay,

Not sure why the owner mounted the anchor there. Boat was sailed at Hartwell Lake, SC. My guess is mild weather and sailing conditions and ease in anchoring near shore for lunch and a swim. The anchor you see is an aluminum model and very light, another reason I'm sure the PO didn't mind it hanging from the bow pulpit. For the Chesapeake and coastal cruising the anchor will definitely need to be secured either in the anchor locker or below.

BREAK

John,

Not sure what to do about the mainsheet. When test sailing I didn't feel there was sufficient leverage rigged as she is, but with the dodger I'm not sure at the moment how I might change the set up. So I'll leave it rigged as it is for now.

Cheers,

Dave
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Owner, Sparrow III (First 235, Hull #428, Wing Keel)