Beneteau First 210 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for a Beneteau First 210 Spirit means considering a 1992-launched Jean-Marie Finot design built nearly 900 times as a sporty yet unsinkable trailer-sailer, with a fixed-keel Classic from 1993 and a 1998 centreboard update as the 211. This pocket cruiser is the smallest Beneteau ever made and remains the only design endorsed for sailing instruction by a national body such as ASA or US Sailing, which tells you something about how forgiving a used example can be for a growing family moving up from dinghies.
Layouts on the Used Market
Used 210 Spirits appear in the original centreboard form and the fixed-keel Classic version launched in 1993; the centreboard was further updated as the 211 in 1998, so you may encounter that later derivative as well. All share the same hull size and shape, a small interior divided by the trunk carrying the top of the swing keel, with a hinged leaf table attached. The GRP-lined interior is cavernous but sparsely fitted-out, offering bunks for four adults, a small sink, one burner stove, and a portable head under the V-berth. The bubblelike deck and varnished mahogany toerail are consistent across the breed.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
A spinnaker is commonly fitted to these boats, matching the big, powerful rig that gives plenty of performance. Lithium batteries and teak decks are less common, appearing as occasional owner upgrades rather than standard equipment. On deck, the swim ladder and outboard bracket fit neatly between the twin rudders, and two cockpit lockers hold a space specifically for the outboard fuel tank — owners often add modest galley or storage improvements given the sparse factory interior.
What to Inspect
The ballasted swing keel is housed in an odd shaped nacelle below the hull, and the trunk that carries its top divides the cabin — inspect the trunk and nacelle for structural cracking or water intrusion where the mechanism penetrates the molding. The twin rudders are canted outboard at 15 degrees and linked through the member at the top of the open transom; check that linkage and the rudder blades for ground wear, since the boat is designed to sit upright when grounded. The varnished mahogany toerail should be examined for rot or failed brightwork, and the one-piece GRP interior for crazing around the sink and stove mounts.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Typical markets for used First 210 Spirits include the United States, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland. For a buyer, the checklist is short and documented: confirm keel trunk and nacelle integrity; verify twin-rudder linkage and blade condition; assess toerail brightwork; and expect a sparsely fitted interior needing your own upgrades.
- Inspect swing-keel trunk and nacelle for cracks or water ingress
- Check twin-rudder linkage and ground wear on blades
- Review varnished mahogany toerail for rot
- Budget for interior upgrades; spinnaker likely present, teak or lithium less so
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Beneteau First 210. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 10 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25 | 1 | $ 7,500 | — |
| Aug 25 | 1 | $ 12,000 | +60.0% |
| Sep 25 | 5 | $ 10,865 | -9.5% |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $ 15,955 | +46.8% |
| Nov 25 | 1 | $ 18,013 | +12.9% |
| Jan 26 | 1 | $ 18,013 | 0.0% |
| Mar 26 | 5 | $ 10,293 | -42.9% |
| Apr 26 | 3 | $ 10,293 | 0.0% |
| Jun 26 | 1 | $ 13,713 | +33.2% |
| Jul 26 | 1 | $ 10,396 | -24.2% |
Where they're listed
Beneteau First 210 listings appear across 7 countries. Netherlands has the most listings with 5 (26.3%), followed by Ireland and United States.
Country view
19 listings · 7 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $ 18,013 | 5 | 0 | 26.3% |
| Ireland | $ 10,293 | 4 | 0 | 21.1% |
| United States | $ 10,250 | 4 | 0 | 21.1% |
| Germany | $ 8,858 | 2 | 1 | 10.5% |
| Portugal | $ 10,865 | 2 | 0 | 10.5% |
| Belgium | $ 16,012 | 1 | 0 | 5.3% |
| Switzerland | $ 10,396 | 1 | 1 | 5.3% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
7 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneteau First 25.7 | 24.57' | $ 38,338 | 34 | 4 |
| Beneteau First 211 | 20.5' | $ 14,727 | 33 | 9 |
| Beneteau First 21.7 | 21' | $ 22,247 | 28 | 9 |
| Beneteau First 24 | 24.61' | $ 70,338 | 25 | 9 |
| Beneteau First 210You are here | — | $ 10,865 | 19 | 2 |
| Beneteau First 25 S | 24.58' | $ 49,990 | 13 | 5 |
| Beneteau First 25 | 24.61' | $ 8,921 | 11 | 1 |