Design and Construction
The 36.7 follows what period reviews described as the current generic racing shape: no overhangs, moderately light displacement, a broad stern, and a fine entry forward current generic racing shape. Beneteau built the hull in solid fiberglass while the deck is balsa cored, and the rudder, stock, and blade are composite. The cabintrunk is highly radiused for a low-windage profile, and the brochure itself lists Farr under the heading "hull design," underscoring the design provenance. With a D/L of 185 on light ship displacement and an L/B of 3.1, the hull is beamy yet reasonably moderate in its loading, and buyers could choose a deep keel drawing 7 feet 2 inches and weighing 3,748 pounds or a shoal keel drawing 5 feet 11 inches at 4,034 pounds.
Rig and Deck Layout
Up top, the 36.7 carries a fractional rig with two sets of swept spreaders and an SA/D of 20.6. The deck takes advantage of the wide stern with a large-diameter wheel, and the cockpit coamings are cut away aft so the mainsheet traveler reaches out to within about 10 inches of the rail for clean trim angles. A teak toerail runs the deck, the cockpit seats are veneered in teak, and a handy well in the foredeck houses ground tackle. The overall deck execution favors both race-cockpit function and a finished cruising appearance.
Accommodations
Below, the interior layout is oriented toward the family cruiser rather than the bare racer. Sleeping arrangements include a large double berth aft to port and a single berth opposite to starboard, both enclosed in their own private spaces. The nav station is generous, taking up as much room as the galley, which period reviews noted is on the skimpy side. Water capacity is 79 gallons and fuel is 20 gallons, and the standard auxiliary is a 29-horsepower Volvo diesel saildrive.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 36.7 makes a coherent case as a dual-purpose racer-cruiser: a Farr-derived hull with modern racing proportions, a sailor-friendly deck, and a cabin that still works for family cruising. The quarter-berth plan gives real privacy, and the generous nav station offsets a small galley. Keel options let a buyer trade draft for weight, and the standard Volvo saildrive keeps the machinery simple.
Pros
- Farr-designed hull with efficient, modern racing shape and low-windage cabintrunk
- Broad choice of deep or shoal keel to suit draft restrictions
- Enclosed double and single quarter berths for private sleeping
- Generous nav station paired with wide-stern cockpit and traveler near the rail
Cons
- Galley is on the skimpy side for a family cruiser
- Only 20 gallons of fuel tankage
