Design and Construction
The First 36 S7 is a moderately lightweight boat whose hullform runs rather full in the ends and carries relatively light displacement, traits that help it perform well enough under sail to make the sailing fun. One owner report described a wide stern that initially raised doubts about rudder authority when heeled, yet the rudder proved to provide good control even when the boat heeled. A transom extension was noted by one owner as an invaluable addition rather than a standard necessity.
Rig and Handling
The boat’s rig is a fractional sloop carrying a quite big mainsail set up with slab reefing, and one owner found the Honcho sails well under main alone with the apparent wind at 40 degrees or more. She is a pretty good upwind boat, and in light upwind conditions an owner could lock the wheel and the boat would sail along for miles with only occasional attention to the traveler. Reports also credit her with handling well in all conditions encountered, giving a good turn of speed reaching and running while staying well balanced and easy to steer.
Accommodations
Beneteau intended the 36 S7 to be elegant, comfortable and welcoming below, and owner reports flesh that out with a large drop-leaf table in the salon that includes built-in wine storage plus an auxiliary wine locker over the port settee. The cockpit as built was fine for a crew of two but gets tight with four or more, a practical limit for those planning larger crews. The galley is equipped with a two burner stove considered adequate for the cooking one owner did, while the icebox held a freezer compartment relied on to make two trays of ice cubes.
Known Issues
One owner report placed the hot water heater under the quarterberth, where it uses engine cooling water to heat freshwater and can make the berth uncomfortably warm when ambient water temperatures climb. The same light-displacement, full-ended hullform that aids sailing also gives the boat a tendency to sail around quite a bit while on the hook. The 24-gallon fuel tank was adequate for local cruising but not enough for longer passages in one owner’s experience.
Refits and Ownership
Owners have added a transom extension as a valued modification, and one boat carried a three bladed feathering prop that proved itself on a long upwind coast passage. The standard fractional sloop rig with slab-reefed main has been sailed simply and effectively, suggesting the platform rewards measured, owner-driven upgrades over wholesale changes.
The Verdict
The Beneteau First 36 S7 blends a Berret-designed racer-cruiser hull with a Starck interior to deliver balanced, fun sailing and a welcoming cabin, though its light, full-ended form and some equipment placements demand buyer awareness.
Pros
- Fast and balanced sailing feel from a racing-derived design
- Moderately lightweight hull that performs well under sail
- Spacious salon table with wine storage and extra locker
- Good rudder control and easy steering when heeled
Cons
- Hot water heater under quarterberth adds heat below in warm conditions
- Light displacement hull tends to sail around at anchor
- 24-gallon fuel tank limited for longer passages
- Cockpit tight for crews of four or more
