Please note that some links on this website are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners. See our Affiliate Disclosure for more details.
Rocket is ideal as a fast family
coastal cruiser/racer. The previous owner provided a full suite of laminate
racing sails, but we have only cruised Rocket around the Solent for the past 2
years. She benefits from brand new standing rigging, Furlex 104S furler and
fully battened mainsail by Doyle Sails, all purchased in 2023. We would love to keep Rocket, but changing family commitments mean that we no longer have the time to make the most of this amazing yacht.
The stub keel and twin rudder
arrangement provides excellent drying out opportunities. The robust twin rudder
construction gives confidence in the safety of the yacht. The swing keel
provides excellent upwind performance when needed. She handles well under
engine in close manoeuvres in forward or reverse.
She is a quick yacht under sail
and engine (slipping through the water at 5.5kts at 2000rpm). The GRP hull and
deck are thick and strong, typical of a late 80s early 90s build. The 6’ plus
headroom means that Rocket makes for a very comfortable and liveable cruising
yacht.
The Beneteau First 285 was years ahead of her time, with the rear double cabin and rear heads arrangement, a large wide cockpit and roomy saloon. All the lines are fed back to the cockpit, so she is easily handled alone or short-handed.
With the keel up she only draws 0.8m, so ideal for shallow anchorages like Keyhaven and Newtown Creek. With the keel down she points and tracks really well, with much reduced leeway. We added a 10kg Delta anchor and 15-20m of 8mm chain, so that we could anchor with confidence anywhere along the south coast.
Rocket benefits from pressurised hot and cold water to the sink and basin (and cockpit shower).
She is currently moored on the Beaulieu River and comes ashore at Swanwick for her annual maintenance on 18th March.
A full inventory and more photos are available on request (nwells987@yahoo.co.uk) via a dropbox folder. She is also being advertised on the Apolloduck portal
Current Price: £23750.00
This Beneteau First 285 Swing Keel For Sale – Excellent Sail Away Condition may be available on ebay