Beneteau First 31.7 £32500 32ft Sloop. Sleeps 6 Fin

HERBIE

🔍 Overview & Specs

Designer: Finot Conq (Groupe Finot)
LOA: ~9.6 m (31.5 ft); Beam: 3.23 m
Draft: 1.45 m (shoal) – 1.90 m (deep bulb keel)
Displacement: ~3 750 kg with ~1 025 kg ballast
Rig: Fractional sloop, keel-stepped Sparcraft mast, deep bulb keel
Engine: 18–21 hp (Yanmar or Volvo Penta); saildrive configuration

The Beneteau First 31.7 is a celebrated 30‑foot cruiser‑racer designed by Finot Conq and built by Beneteau from 1998 to 2010 . Sold in around 1 200–1 500 units, it’s lauded as “perhaps the best of all” in its line – versatile, fast, and easy to sail

Cockpit

🏅 Performance & Handling

Draws from the Figaro hull: powerful form stability and excellent control upwind, light, responsive but manageable .
Races well against lighter counterparts, even planing downwind with ease under strong breeze .
Solid cockpit layout with twin Lewmar winches, tiller steering, swim platform..

Boat Accessories

🛋️ Interior & Layout

Accommodations: Two cabins (V‑berth forward + aft cabin), saloon converts to accommodate up to 6
Comfort: Headroom ~1.8 m, L-shaped galley with cooker, fridge, sink; nav station to starboard
Systems: Single head with shower, modest tankage (~160 L water, 30 L fuel)

Performance

Rig & cockpit: Competitive deck layout with twin Lewmar winches on coachroof, mainsheet traveller across cockpit, tiller steering
Sailing: Known for quick acceleration and agility; performs strongly upwind, especially when heeled to bring hull shape into play

The Bénéteau First 31.7 is a highly regarded model from the French boatbuilder Bénéteau, designed by Jean-Marie Finot of Groupe Finot (also known for the Figaro series). Introduced in 1997 and based on the hull of the Figaro Solo, the First 31.7 earned a loyal following for its strong performance, ease of handling, and cruising comforts. Here are some unique and standout features of the Bénéteau First 31.7:

⚓ 1.

Figaro Racing Heritage

The hull is directly derived from the Figaro One-Design Class, a legendary offshore racing class in France.
This gives the 31.7 race-bred DNA—with a light and responsive feel, excellent upwind performance, and balanced handling in various sea states.

🌊 2.

Dual Personality: Racer-Cruiser

One of the most versatile boats in its class, capable of winning club races on Saturday and taking a family cruising on Sunday.
Its IRC and ORC handicap potential makes it competitive in club and regional racing scenes.

🛠️ 3.

Robust Construction for Its Size

Built solidly with a solid fiberglass hull and a structural inner liner that gives it rigidity and longevity.
Features like swept spreaders, a deep fin keel, and a well-balanced spade rudder make it durable under pressure.

🛋️ 4.

Efficient and Comfortable Interior Layout

Unlike stripped-out racers, the 31.7 offers real comfort below deck: a proper forward V-berth, aft double cabin, saloon with convertible berth, and a full galley.
Warm woodwork and simple, functional finishes give it a practical cruising feel.

🧭 5.

Tiller Steering with Performance Feel

Most versions are tiller-steered, giving the helmsman direct feedback—a rarity in newer 30–32 ft boats, which often use wheels.
Makes single-handed sailing and tactical maneuvering feel natural.

⛵ 6.

Sail Plan and Deck Layout

Efficient fractional rig (7/8) with a large mainsail and smaller headsails—easier to manage and better performance upwind.
Non-overlapping headsails and an open cockpit layout make it easy to handle short-handed, especially for couples or solo sailors.

🧰 7.

Great Value on the Used Market

The 31.7 often delivers exceptional value—you get racing performance, a proven hull design, and comfortable cruising for a price often under €50,000.
Strong active fleets in France, UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Australia add community and support.

🔧 8.

Active One-Design Fleets and Class Racing

Still raced competitively in one-design fleets in parts of Europe—especially the UK and Ireland.
Strict class rules ensure fairness, and many older boats are still well-maintained and competitive.

🏆 Summary: Why It Stands Out

The Beneteau First 31.7 occupies a rare niche as a true dual-purpose yacht with genuine racing performance and real cruising comfort in a sub-32’ package. Its racing roots, strong construction, and ease of handling make it a standout for sailors who want one boat to do it all—without breaking the bank.