[1][3][4][5] The First 25S is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim.

It has a fractional sloop rig with a square-head mainsail, a plumb stem, a vertical transom, dual transom-hung rudders controlled by a tiller and a centreboard or optional fixed fin keel.

[1][3] The boat is optionally fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 2YM15 diesel engine of 14 hp (10 kW).

[3] In a 2017 review in Sail magazine, writer Zuzana Prochazka concluded, "Beneteau’s marketing material describes the boat as being built for 'spontaneous day-cruising,' but it's clear there is enough performance in this design for the boat to get in some fun and exciting club racing as well.

Equally appealing is the idea that you can trailer the First 25 S pretty much anywhere, launch it and go exploring to your heart's content.