First 44.7 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Beneteau First 44.7 in 2004 built upon Beneteau's rich heritage, which began in 1884 with Benjamin Bénéteau's focus on robust fishing trawlers. The company's pivotal embrace of fiberglass construction in the 1960s, spearheaded by Benjamin's grandsons, André and François, allowed for efficient production and lighter hulls, paving the way for recreational sailboats like the First series. Beneteau's consistent collaboration with renowned naval architects has been a cornerstone of its design philosophy. For the First 44.7, Beneteau partnered with Farr Yacht Design, a firm known for its innovative and performance-oriented naval architecture. The design process notably incorporated feedback from over 550 owners of the successful Beneteau First 40.7, a predecessor that demonstrated the brand's ability to create versatile and valuable yachts.

The First 44.7 was conceived as a sleek, balanced vessel, aiming for outstanding performance in racing while still offering easy handling for cruisers. During its production run, Beneteau offered the First 44.7 with three distinct rig options to cater to various sailing ambitions: a standard aluminum mast with wire rigging, a performance-oriented Race 1 version featuring a three-spreader tapered mast and Dyform rigging, and a top-tier Race 2 variant equipped with a three-spreader carbon mast and rod rigging, allowing owners to fine-tune the boat for competitive racing or spirited cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 44.7 truly shines under sail, exhibiting characteristics more akin to a race boat than a traditional cruiser. With a high Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 22.29, she is well-powered and capable of excelling in lighter air conditions, ensuring responsive performance across a wide range of wind speeds. This generous sail plan contributes to her being quick, nimble, and responsive on the water.

Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 0.40 indicates a solid degree of initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze effectively and track well. Complementing this, the Displacement to Length Ratio of approximately 168.03 places the First 44.7 firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category of yachts. This lighter displacement relative to her waterline length translates into impressive speed potential and a lively feel at the helm. Owners and reviewers often laud her easy handling, sensitive steering, and the inherent safety she provides, even when sailed short-handed.

Accommodations and Layout

While built for performance, the Beneteau First 44.7 does not compromise on interior comfort and amenities, offering accommodations described as "comfortable to the point of opulence." The interior layout typically features a well-appointed salon, comfortable cabins, and functional spaces designed for both offshore passages and extended stays at anchor. Owners have frequently noted the generous headroom throughout the interior, a characteristic often emphasized in Beneteau designs.

Although specific details on materials beyond the overall "luxurious" description are scarce in general reviews, Beneteau typically utilized a blend of modern fiberglass liners with warm wood trim in their First series during this era, aiming for a balance of durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. The interior generally includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a practical galley, a dedicated navigation station, and one or more aft cabins, along with a head compartment. Storage solutions are typically integrated throughout the cabins and salon, catering to the needs of cruisers. While explicit details on ventilation are not consistently highlighted, Beneteau models generally incorporate deck hatches and opening ports to ensure airflow.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 44.7, and the First series in general, often express strong satisfaction with their vessels. Many praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to deliver a comfortable motion in a seaway, attributes consistent with Beneteau's reputation for robust build quality. The 44.7 is frequently commended for its versatility, proving itself adept at both competitive club racing and relaxed cruising. Owners appreciate its consistent high resale value and overall value proposition.

While general issues like strange creaking sounds, fiberglass cracking, or deck core rot have been mentioned in broader discussions about used Beneteau sailboats, specific recurring design-related problems for the First 44.7 are not widely reported. The positive feedback, particularly regarding its sailing characteristics and comfortable interior, suggests a high level of owner satisfaction with the design and performance balance achieved by Farr Yacht Design and Beneteau.