First 47.7 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the First 47.7 in 2000 built upon Beneteau's extensive experience in fiberglass construction, a material they adopted in the 1960s to revolutionize boat building with more efficient production and lighter hulls. Beneteau, founded in 1884, evolved from building robust wooden fishing trawlers to become a global leader in recreational yacht manufacturing, known for their thoughtful designs and robust build quality. The "First" series, to which the 47.7 belongs, specifically targeted the performance cruiser market, aiming to deliver spirited sailing experiences.

Bruce Farr, known for his innovative and performance-oriented designs, was instrumental in shaping the First 47.7, drawing on the success of its smaller sibling, the First 40.7. The design brief for the 47.7 focused on creating a yacht that was both fast and easily handled, even with a small crew. While often considered a cruiser/racer, its design leans towards being a "fast cruising boat or racing yacht" suitable for club racing rather than purely serious offshore competition. Significant variations during its production included options for a standard rig or a larger "Rapid 1" racing specification rig, which came with an even deeper draft. The standard draft for the First 47.7 is 7.58 feet, with a deeper draft option extending to 9.16 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Beneteau First 47.7 is recognized for its impressive sailing performance and responsive handling. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 19.12, the yacht exhibits strong performance characteristics, particularly in lighter air, indicating a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. Its Displacement to Length ratio of around 160.3 further classifies it as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the yacht's balanced helm and responsiveness, noting its ability to be pushed hard without excessive demands on the helmsman. The yacht is described as being "extremely fast yet with perfect sailing characteristic," showcasing impressive speed and maneuverability. The wide beam of the First 47.7 contributes to its strength, particularly when broad-reaching, allowing it to carry a large spinnaker with ease. While generally easy to handle with a small crew, some owners have noted that the work factor can be higher, potentially making longer shorthanded passages more tiring.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau First 47.7 is designed to offer spacious and comfortable accommodations, making it suitable for extended cruising or even living aboard. While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary data, the yacht typically offers several interior layouts to vary the number of staterooms.

Common configurations include four cabins, often comprising two double cabins and two twin bunk cabins, along with two heads, accommodating up to eight berths in cabins and an additional two in the salon. The owner's cabin is strategically placed forward, spanning the full beam of the yacht just ahead of the mast, and features a large double berth with a settee to port. The interior is characterized by a well-designed layout with ample storage and a good galley. The finishing is generally of high quality, utilizing materials that contribute to a pleasant ambiance below deck. The cockpit is notably wide, offering ample space, though some have found it too wide to brace feet easily.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau First 47.7 frequently commend its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway. The yacht is widely appreciated for its dual capability, serving effectively as a fast cruising boat and a capable club racer. Many owners find the vessel offers excellent value, combining performance with livable spaces.

However, some recurring observations from the owner community include a tendency for the original deck fittings to develop leaks over time, a common issue noted on Beneteau models that are sailed more frequently. While the boat is generally well-regarded for its sailing characteristics, a few owners, particularly those seeking a more rigorous racing or long-distance solo sailing experience, might opt for a different vessel if given the chance to choose again, though this is often balanced against its strengths as a comfortable cruiser. The strong community around Beneteau, supported by a global dealer network, often provides a robust ownership experience with ample opportunities for shared knowledge and support.