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PHRF RATINGS

It's relatively clear that a fin keel F235 is the best sailing and handling version. Although the wing keel pointing disadvantage is not as bad as some might think, you do appear to lose 5 to 10 degrees of ability. What is more unclear is exactly how much holding power and stiffness you lose with going to the wing from the fin. From owner comments and from my own observations, the F235 would have been better served by a lead keel with at least 100 more lbs of ballast. While this would slow the acceleration slightly, it would make for a stiffer boat, with better handling in fresh conditions.

Still, the Beneteau First 235 has a very low PHRF that puts it with some mighty stiff competition. With some of the numbers hovering around the 180 area, you are not going to get a lot of help here; this actually is not giving up too much to the J-24 fleet! Based on what I have seen, the 174 is surely not doing the the ole F235 any favors. The wing keel does add some handicap as it should as you are losing that pointing ability. Wing keel cruising brings a 212 which is the most handicap I've seen.

The F235 with the custom Leif Beiley lead bulb keel with an additional foot of length appears to be a real winner when not worrying so much about depth. I believe a fully optimized lead wing keel with a better design would probably be better as well. Although iron is more durable in a grounding, it is both prone to rust if exposed and just does not have the weight of lead. The Leif Beiley keel has less wetted area as well. See page with drawing.

Beneteau First 235 Sail Specs
I
28.61
J
7.87
P
26.41
E
10.30
Sail Area (Main & 100% Jib)
263sq ft

Lake Norman, NC
PHRF
WK
192
FIN
188
Long Island Sound, NY
PHRF
FIN
201
San Fransico Bay
Depth
PHRF
2755 displ
FIN
174
North East Base
PHRF
FIN
192
WK
198
CRUISE
201
Austin Yacht Club
PHRF
FIN
180
Eastern Connecticut Sailing Assoc.
PHRF
RACE WK
195
CRUISE WK
212
Lake Lanier
PHRF
WK
195
BYRA "Inland Average"
PHRF
FIN
188
WK
188
Langley Yacht Club (S. Chesapeake)
PHRF
FIN
174

 

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