Beneteau First– Med-Ready Bluewater Cruiser-Racer, Never Chartered1987 Beneteau First 405 Spirit III is a proven cruiser-racer, carefully prepared for Mediterranean and bluewater sailing. British-owned and never chartered, she offers an appealing balance of performance, strength, and long-range comfort.Her deep fin keel and powerful triple-spreader rig deliver fast, confident sailing with easy short-handed control. A Beta 50hp diesel installed in 2013, with under 1,500 hours, drives through a Gori folding prop for efficient motoring and reduced drag. The keel was removed, epoxy treated, and re-bolted in 2002, with a structural survey completed in 2025.The deck layout is practical and secure. Teak decks were replaced in 2012 and professionally refinished in 2025, presenting well and offering excellent grip. Standing rigging was renewed in 2011, and the sail inventory includes quality Sanders sails, a cruising chute, and twin spinnakers for versatile passagemaking.Below, the interior is bright and welcoming, with accommodation for eight to nine in three double cabins plus the saloon. Upholstery was renewed in 2017, with new foam fitted in 2021, and there is approximately 1.9 metres of headroom. The layout supports comfortable living aboard for extended periods.A major electrical upgrade underpins true cruising autonomy. Victron inverter and charging systems, E-xpert monitoring, and substantial solar capacity, including a 340W panel, support modern energy demands. Three 100Ah lithium house batteries are scheduled for installation in April 2026, completing a capable off-grid setup.Comfort systems include Eberspacher heating, pressurised hot water via calorifier and immersion, a Katadyn watermaker, and an efficient seawater-cooled fridge and freezer. LED lighting, fans, and a well-considered entertainment and IT installation further enhance life aboard.Navigation and safety equipment are comprehensive. A Raymarine navigation suite from 2013 is supported by AIS, autopilot, Iridium satellite communications, and extensive safety gear, making her well prepared for serious offshore passages. A brand-new 2.4-metre tender from 2025, with Honda 2hp outboard, is included.Cruised from the UK through Biscay into the Mediterranean, she is currently lying in Greece and ready to continue her adventures. EU VAT is paid. Offered exclusively by Williams & Smithells International, specialists in liveaboard and bluewater cruising yachts, this Beneteau First 405 represents an excellent opportunity for sailors seeking performance with genuine passagemaking capability. Construction Built by Beneteau Yachts, France 1987Designed by Jean BerretAft cockpit cruiser/racerWhite GRP hull (balsacore) deck & structureTeak decks (replaced 2012, refinished 2025)Deep fin keel (cast iron)Spade hung rudderWheel steering Keel removed in 2002 to have full epoxy treatment, new keel bolts fitted (by previous owner).Last structural survey 2025 Machinery Beta 50 - 50hp engine (new 2013)<1500 engine hoursShaft drive to Gori folding prop.Seal changed 2022Engine currently freshwater flushed and winterisedVarious spares for engine & watermaker Electrics 12v/240v systems & shore powerCharging by mains, engine & solar3x EPEVER 100ah Lithium Batteries (to be fitted April 2026)1 x Bosch 80 amp engine start battery (2018)Sterling Pro charge ultra charger 60 amp2000W Victron Inverter/ChargerVictron MTTP Solar Charger 150/100Solar charger – Blue Solar MPPT 70/15Solara Solar panels - 2 x 34W, 2 x 45W, 1 x 340WAlternator to battery charger – digital – 80/130 ampE-xpert Pro battery monitor Tankage 130ltrs Stainless steel fuel tank3 x Fibreglass water tanks 400ltrs (total)Plastic holding tank with waste pumpProfile digital tank monitors for water & holding tank Accommodation Accom for 8/9 throughout in 3 double cabins and saloon (possible 3 berths)2 x Double aft cabins1 x V berth forward cabin1 Jabsco heads (heads seacock replaced – Blakes 2022)Wood joinered interiorUpholstery renewed 2017All foam cushions replaced (2021)Approx 190cm headroom throughoutInsulating foam floor tiles for winter Domestic Watermaker – Katadyn Power Survivor 80E 12.9 ltrs/hrEberspacher hot air diesel heatingEberspacer calorifier/hot water (hot and cold pressurised water system with immersion heater (240v) or heated via engine)4 x Caframo-sirocco fans Eno 0420 oven with 2 burner hobFrigomatic fridge with small freezer/ice box unit (fridge sea water cooled)2 S/S sinksFreshwater foot pump (whale)Salt water foot pump (whale)All interior lights LED with night vision lights in all areasPioneer CD/Radio new 2022 with 4 x Fusion speakersTV screenMonitor with swivel wall mount Deck Horizontal electric Lewmar windlass (with foot pedals)Rocna 20kg anchor (2020) with 75m 10m chain + ropeSprayhood & biminiPasserelle with additional wooden plankVarious and plenty of warps/lines & many fendersSwim ladderDeck shower facility though window from heads Navigation Predominantly Raymarine nav equipment (upgraded 2013)Raymarine E7 plotterRaymarine DST Smart deck speed/logRay 125 GPS (send & receive)Raymarine P70 Autopilot (linear drive M811325 x I70 displays on deck (2 @ helm, 3 on mast – Scanstrut pods new 2013)3 x Plastimo compass’s Wireless network – Red box with batterySatcoms – Iridium 9922AIS Raymarine AIS650Navtex – ICS Navtex 6SPX core packVHF splitterLED nav lights Tenders BTM MS 240 2.4m Inflatable Floor (brand new 2025)Honda 2hp 4 stroke (with Alpha outboard lock and cover) Safety Ocean Safety liferaft – 4 person (last serviced April 2022)EPIRB (out of date battery to be replaced)1 x electric bilge pump2 x manual bilge pump4 x fire extinguishersCoastal flare packEmergency tillerLife buoysDan buoyRadar reflectorGas alarmFire blanket The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated following the survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear. Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours. Rig & Sails Sloop riggedStanding rigging (2011)Z-SparsBaby stay & triple spreadersFixed bowspritSpinnaker/Cruising gearCascade Mainsheet systemAdjustable jib sheet cars controlled from cockpit Mainsail – 3 reefs, white in Dacron by Sanders (2012)Stack pack & Lazy jacks fitted newGenoa – Roller reefing, white by Sandersserviced by Waypoint 2017), New UV strip requiredFurlex rolling system new 2011Spinnaker – light weight/heavy weightcurrently in the UK)Cruising chute – Sanders (2013)Spare Jib (#12) 2 x Lewmar Genoa winches ST542 x Lewmar Spinnaker/cruising winches 40’s2 x Lewmar Halyard winches ST40’s2 x Dynema runners
Details
ManufacturerBENETEAU
ModelFirst 405
Year (Build / Refit)1987
Length3.8m
Total Power50 hp
Beam1.2m
Specifications
Dimensions
Length3.8m
Beam1.2m
Hull
MaterialGRP
Weight
Displacement8.7 t
Accommodation
Guest Cabins3
Berths3
Bathrooms1
Features
Autopilot
Compass
Depth Instrument
GPS
Navigation Lights
Plotter
VHF
Anchor
Battery
Battery Charger
Inverter
Solar Panels
Windlass
Freezer
Fridge
Heating
Hob
Oven
Watermaker
CD Player
TV
Fenders
Bimini
Spray Hood
Bilge Pump
Fire Extinguisher
Propulsion
Engine 1
Engine MakeBeta
Engine Hours1500
Drive TypeInboard Direct-Drive
Fuel TypeDiesel
Power50 hp
Listing details on this page are provided by Williams & Smithells Yacht Brokers as marketing material. Please contact the broker directly for full details.