First 27.7 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

The First 27.7 emerged from Beneteau's long-standing "First" range, which since 1977 has represented the gold standard for performance cruisers, catering to sailors who enjoy club racing and spirited sailing. The boat's production began in 2002 and continued through 2015, reflecting a significant run for a vessel of its type. Groupe Finot, known for their innovative and performance-oriented designs, including success in the Mini Transat, aimed to create a yacht with agile maneuverability, lively marine performance, and an innovative design that offered a dynamic sailing experience in a compact format. This design philosophy aligns with Beneteau's broader ethos of balancing performance, comfort, and affordability, a cornerstone of their evolution since embracing fiberglass construction in the 1960s.

A notable design feature of the First 27.7 is its availability with a lifting keel, allowing for a substantial draft of 7.05 feet for performance sailing while reducing to a shallow 2.13 feet for accessing shallower anchorages and transport. A fixed keel version with a 5.91-foot draft was also available. Beneteau later introduced the First 27.7 S, which featured a "new style interior and ever greater comfort," indicating ongoing refinements throughout its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 27.7 is lauded for its spirited sailing performance and responsive handling. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 22.92, she is well-powered, suggesting excellent performance in lighter air. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 122.38 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented hull, further contributing to her agility.

Anecdotal accounts consistently describe the First 27.7 as fast, fun, and capable. She is reported to "fly downwind under its asymmetric spinnakers," achieving speeds of 12.5 knots in 25 knots of wind with ease. Sailors often praise her light and responsive feel, calling her a "delight to sail." While she is agile and can be managed by a single adult, her lively nature means sailors need to be attentive in windy conditions. Some owners note that the boat "tends to lose out upwind a little," but generally performs well across various points of sail.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance-oriented design and compact size, the Beneteau First 27.7 offers a surprisingly spacious and functional interior for its length. The well-designed space combines functionality with comfort, benefiting from clever layouts and a light-filled ambiance.

The interior typically accommodates up to four people with two cabins, suggesting a forward V-berth and potentially a convertible salon settee or a quarter berth. Although specific details regarding maximum headroom are not provided in the specifications, the design aims for comfort within its size constraints. The "S" model brought a "new style interior and ever greater comfort," indicating Beneteau's focus on refining the living spaces. While details on the specific galley configuration or head compartment finishes are not extensively documented in available reviews, a boat of this class generally includes a basic galley with freshwater, a fridge, and a marine toilet, as seen in similar Beneteau First models of the era. 15 from previous search

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 27.7 frequently commend its solid construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. They consistently highlight the boat's fun factor and its ease of handling, making it a popular choice for club racing and day sailing. 5, 13 from previous search The boat's ability to be managed by a single person is also a noted strength, though its lively nature in strong winds requires a degree of alertness. 8 from previous search The lifting keel system, a key feature for many owners, is generally considered successful with few reported problems.

However, some common issues have been observed. A recurring concern among owners is the potential for failure of the welded aluminum rudder stock. Additionally, there have been mentions of water ingress between the hull and the grid pan, leading to drainage issues. 14 from previous search While the First 27.7 is generally a capable performer, some owners perceive a slight weakness in its upwind performance compared to other points of sail. As with many production boats, general maintenance considerations like potential for corrosion on older fittings are points for prospective owners to consider.