Thoughts on 80's Beneteau First 305

[Alex_V]

Does anyone have any comments or thoughts regarding an older Beneteau First 305. Maybe living aboard for a few weeks at a time on lake Lanier. Potentially some coastal cruising in SC/FL one day.

One thing that is throwing me off is a 5'8' draft. Not an issue on a lake here, but can see having some trouble in shallow coastal waters.

And with a wheel steering, which I presume is aftermarket, space in cockpit is limited.

Anyone have sailed/lived on them before?

[rognvald]

Alex,
We chartered one in the Virgins in the late 80's. It was a tiller boat, deep draught. We tucked a double reef in the main and sailed in conjunction with a 70% reefed genoa for over 2 weeks. It was a great sailing boat: very responsive, tracked well and was very sea kindly when we headed offshore out of the Drake Channel. We never slipped below 6 knots and hit high 7's regularly in a following sea. The interior was roomy for a 30 footer and if I were looking for a smaller boat, it would be on my short list. With some minor modifications, it could make a nice small cruiser for an affordable price. I hope this helps. Good luck and safe sailing.