BoatsBeneteau First 265

Beneteau First 265

Fractional Sloop · Fin keel, spade rudder · 1990–1997

A Group Finot-designed fractional sloop that served as the performance-oriented hull foundation for the Oceanis 281

Designed by Group Finot & Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot).

LOA
Beam
Draft (max)
Displacement
Ballast
Hull type
Fin w/spade Rudder

Is it for you?

Character

Where this design lands on the numbers a shopper trusts — read straight from her own ratios.

LivelySea-kindly

Her light displacement on a beamy beam gives 15 — a quick, lively motion that feels every wave.

Comfort ratio 15
CoastalBluewater

2.24 — right around the 2.0 line, the edge between coastal and offshore.

Capsize screening 2.24
LightHeavy

152 — light for her waterline, so she is easily driven and quick to accelerate.

Displacement / length 152
EasygoingPowered-up

18.2 — plenty of sail for her weight; lively and quick to respond.

Sail area / displacement 18.2
TenderStiff

30% of her weight is ballast — on the tender side; she'll heel readily and want a reef sooner.

Ballast 30%

Light and lively — happiest day-sailing and coastal-hopping in settled weather.

The record

Full specifications

The complete reference set — tap any figure to switch between metric and imperial.

Dimensions
Weights
Ballast / displacement
29.8%
Rig & sail area
Rig
Fractional Sloop
Ratios
SA / displacement
18.2
Displacement / length
151.8
Comfort ratio
15.1
Capsize screening
2.24
Hull speed
6.6 kn
Pounds / inch immersion
814
Hull
Hull type
Fin w/spade rudder
Construction
Fiberglass
Ballast type
Iron
Production
Years built
1990–1997
Units built
520
Designer
Group Finot, Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot)
Builder
Beneteau

Boats like this, on the water

Nobody has filmed this one — but these are close.

Comparable boats the fleet has on camera: same type, within a quarter of her length. Open the boat, or watch the video — a timestamp means she only appears in passing.

Albin Marine AB Vega 278.25 mSame hull family0.3 m longerScandinavia's most popular production yacht of her size, this 8.25-metre masthead sloop defined coastal cruising from 1965 to 1979
Jaguar 257.62 mSame hull family0.3 m shorterA Frank Butler-designed masthead sloop with a deep fin keel, offering a similar layout to the popular Catalina 25
Maxi Yachts 777.70 mSame hull family0.2 m shorterThe most popular model in the builder's history, offering both inboard and outboard engine options for versatile cruising
Dehler Yachts 25CR7.50 mSame hull family0.4 m shorterA Van de Stadt-designed fractional sloop with a high sail area-to-displacement ratio built for spirited performance
Martinique 257.70 mSame hull family0.2 m shorterA Brazilian-built masthead sloop with a 44% ballast ratio, offering a stiff and stable platform for coastal cruising
Maxi Yachts Fenix 8.58.50 mSame hull family0.6 m longerA 1980s cruiser with a 1.5-metre bulb keel and spade rudder, designed for a balanced, stable coastal experience

The family

Related models

The designs closest to hers — usually the rest of the builder's range, sometimes the same hull sold under another name.

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