Design and Construction
The First 20 has a wide, flat stern and modest freeboard. It sits higher than a pure sportboat but lower than a typical cruiser. The retractable keel lifts for trailering or motoring into knee-deep water, while the mast folds down and fits neatly on the trailer.
Twin angled rudders give the boat directional bite when heeled. The outboard hangs between them rather than on a conventional transom bracket, leaving the stern uncluttered for a pocket cruiser of this size.
At less than 3,000 pounds, the First 20 can be towed by typical trucks and SUVs. Its lifting keel and folding mast also allow it to live on a trailer as readily as on a mooring.
Rig and Handling
The rig was all-new for this model and is distinctly modern. A backstay-less layout carries a large square-topped mainsail and a 100-percent roller-furling headsail, which tames the genoa in heavy air. The self-supporting mast eliminates the need for aft stay hardware and reduces rigging complexity for a single-handed owner.
A standard fiberglass bowsprit provides a tidy, on-deck platform for flying an asymmetrical spinnaker. A retracting bowsprit is available to streamline the hull when going to weather, while an optional fold-down mast kit simplifies storage and launching.
With its light displacement and lifting keel, the First 20 is designed for a good turn of speed and to trailer without drama.
Accommodations
Below, the cabin has the basics for a weekend away. A double V-berth can be separated from the saloon by a privacy curtain, and two decent-sized quarter berths provide sleeping space for a small crew.
Two settees, a small sink, and a portable toilet keep the interior simple and clean. An optional folding table and optional water tank make the boat better suited to crews who plan to linger at anchor. The emphasis is clearly on sailing first and shelter second, but the berth count is generous for a boat under 22 feet.
Options and Ownership
Available equipment includes an optional maximum 10-horsepower outboard, optional water tank, folding table, portable toilet, and fold-down mast kit. The retractable keel and folding mast help the First 20 work equally well as a trailer boat or a boat kept on a mooring.
These choices keep it firmly between daysailer and pocket cruiser without pretending to be a miniature coastal cruiser. Tankage remains limited, and the head arrangement is basic, but the boat offers enough shelter and equipment for short getaways.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 20 compresses the First line’s performance ethos into a trailerable 21-footer with modern sailing features and comfortable camping accommodations. Its backstay-less square-top rig, lifting keel, and twin-rudder stern are meaningful upgrades over the First 211 it replaced, while the berth plan is roomy for the boat’s length.
The trade-offs are minimal tankage and a spartan head arrangement. As a light-displacement speedster with a spinnaker bowsprit, however, it meets its brief.
Pros
- Lifting keel and optional fold-down mast for easy trailering behind typical trucks and SUVs
- Modern backstay-less rig with a square-top mainsail and roller-furling headsail
- Twin angled rudders and a wide, flat stern for control when heeled
- Double V-berth with a privacy curtain, plus two quarter berths
Cons
- Portable toilet and small sink only; no built-in head system noted
- The water tank is optional, leaving the standard setup minimal for overnight stays
