1990 Beneteau First 45F5 | Proven Offshore Cruiser & Performance Racer

The 1990 Beneteau First 45F5 “Octopodes” is a Bruce Farr-designed performance cruiser that has earned her reputation through thousands of offshore miles, competitive racing, and extended liveaboard cruising. Combining the renowned sailing characteristics of the First series with thoughtful upgrades and proven reliability, Octopodes is equally at home racing around the buoys, crossing oceans, or serving as a comfortable cruising yacht.

Originally campaigned in the Pacific Northwest racing circuit—including the Vic-Maui Race, Van Isle 360, Swiftsure, Southern Straits, and numerous regional regattas—she later became a capable liveaboard before completing an extensive voyage down the Pacific Coast through Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. Her upgraded Sparcraft rig, rod standing rigging, hydraulic backstay, custom rudder bearings, epoxy-coated hull, and numerous structural improvements make her an exceptional example of the sought-after First 45F5.

Whether you’re searching for a capable bluewater cruiser or a fast offshore passagemaker with pedigree, Octopodes represents an outstanding opportunity.

Vessel Specifications

Year: 1990
Builder: Beneteau
Model: First 45F5
Designer: Bruce Farr
Vessel Name: Octopodes

Dimensions

• Length Overall: 46′ 7″

• Beam: 13′ 11″

• Draft: 7′ 1″

• Displacement: 23,150 lbs

Construction

• Composite hull

• Composite deck

• Gelcoat finish

• Bolted fin keel

• Single helm station

• Last antifouled: 2023

Tankage

• Fuel: 42 gallons

• Fresh Water: 198 gallons

Engine & Mechanical

Powered by a dependable 45 HP Yanmar 4JH2E diesel, this vessel offers economical cruising and proven reliability.

• Yanmar 4JH2E diesel

• 45 HP

• Under 6,000 engine hours

• Shaft drive

• Single propeller

• Cruise Speed: 6 knots

• Maximum Speed: 7 knots

• Fuel consumption: approximately 0.5 GPH

• Cable and quadrant steering

• Engine-driven hot water system

• No bow thruster

Electrical System

• Two 270Ah AGM house batteries

• AGM engine starting battery

• Xantrex inverter/charger

• 1,500-watt inverter

• 12V electrical system

• 120V shore power

• Espar diesel hydronic heating system

• Battery switches located in aft port stateroom

• Honda EU2200 portable generator included

Electronics & Navigation

Well-equipped for offshore navigation with modern sailing essentials.

• Chartplotter

• GPS

• Radar

• Autopilot

• Depth sounder

• Wind instruments

• Stereo system

• Two VHF radios

• Custom navigation station

• Custom companionway instrument pods

• Helm instrument pod

• Custom radar and antenna mast

Accommodations

The First 45F5 offers a spacious interior suitable for cruising couples or families.

• Three double cabins

• Four permanent berths plus additional saloon berth

• Approximately 6’6″ headroom

• Comfortable salon

• Excellent ventilation

• Custom navigation station

Galley

The practical galley is well-equipped for extended cruising.

• Stove and oven

• Double sink

• 12V refrigeration

• 12V freezer

• Gas alarm with automatic shutoff

• Standard galley equipment

• Approximately 6’6″ salon headroom

Heads

• Two manual marine heads

• Two interior showers

• Transom swim shower

• Electric and engine heat-exchange hot water system

• Holding tank beneath forward berth

Rigging & Sail Handling

Fractional sloop rig designed for both performance and offshore reliability.

Rig

• Sparcraft aluminum keel-stepped mast (2009)

• Aluminum boom

• Double spreaders

• Rod standing rigging (2009)

• Hydraulic backstay

• Removable Solent stay

• Carbon fiber 18.6′ spinnaker pole

• Additional 15′ spinnaker pole

• Aluminum genoa tracks

• Harken cabintop traveler

• ProFurl roller furling system

• Lazy jacks and Stack Pack

• Boom vang and preventer

• All control lines led aft beneath deck

• 16 line clutches

Winches

• Electric Lewmar halyard winch

• 2 Lewmar 52 ST primary winches

• 2 Lewmar 44 ST secondary winches

• 2 Lewmar 43 ST cabintop winches (one electric)

• 2 Lewmar 30 ST mast-mounted winches

Sails

• Mainsail (sun damaged)

• Genoa (serviceable but aging)

• Storm jib

• Trysail

• Symmetrical spinnaker

• Additional headsails and spinnakers included

Deck Equipment

Built for offshore sailing and easy handling.

• Hardtop helm bimini

• Dodger

• Walk-through transom

• Stainless swim ladder

• Dual stainless bow rollers

• Teak cockpit floor grates

• Pedestal steering with aluminum wheel

• Multiple cockpit lazarettes

• Propane locker

• Stainless propane BBQ

• Outboard motor mount

• Mooring lines

• Fenders

• Boat hook

Ground Tackle

Ready for extended anchoring.

• 65 lb Mantus anchor

• 300′ ACCO 5/16″ G43 high-test chain

• 33 lb Bruce secondary anchor with chain and rode

• Muir dual-gypsy anchor windlass (serviced 2021)

Tender

• 10′ Apex inflatable dinghy

• Mercury 8 HP outboard

Safety Equipment

• Manual bilge pump

• Electric bilge pump

• Five fire extinguishers (expired)

• Life raft (inspection expired)

• First aid kit

• Life ring

Some safety equipment requires recertification or replacement prior to offshore use.

Major Improvements

• New Sparcraft mast and standing rigging (2009)

• Running rigging upgraded

• Keel removed and professionally rebedded (2009)

• Hull structure reinforced with epoxy/vinyl ester tabbing

• High-load deck areas reinforced

• Bottom faired and epoxy coated (2012)

• Aluminum toe rail installed (2014)

• Custom zero-drag rudder bearings with grease fittings

• Custom navigation station

• Custom helm electronics installation

• Custom radar arch/mast

Sailing History

Octopodes has an exceptional history that demonstrates both performance and seaworthiness.

Highlights include:

• Southern Straits Race

• Tri Island Series

• Round Whitney Race

• Swiftsure International Yacht Race

• Two Vic-Maui races

• Van Isle 360

• Round the County Race

• Extensive Pacific Northwest cruising

• Southeast Alaska cruising

• Liveaboard in British Columbia and Washington (2019–2021)

• Offshore voyage through California, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama (2021–2022)

In 2022 the keel lightly contacted a submerged rock in Costa Rica, damaging the epoxy coating. Repairs were professionally completed during the next haul-out at Shelter Bay Marina.

Broker’s Remarks

Bruce Farr’s Beneteau First 45F5 remains one of the most respected performance cruising yachts ever produced. Octopodes stands out thanks to her extensive offshore experience, significant structural upgrades, upgraded Sparcraft rig, and proven race pedigree. She has demonstrated her capabilities in demanding offshore events while also serving comfortably as a liveaboard cruising yacht.

If you’re searching for a fast, capable, and well-prepared offshore cruiser with an impressive history and outstanding sailing performance, Octopodes deserves serious consideration.