FIRST 211 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 20.5 ft |
| LWL | 19.68 ft |
| Beam | 8.14 ft |
| Draft | 2.3 ft/ 5.91 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,745 lb |
| Ballast | 771.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.9 kn |
About the FIRST 211 (BENETEAU)
The extremely successful FIRST 21 series includes FIRST 210, FIRST 210 Spirit, FIRST 211, FIRST 21.7, FIRST 21.7S, all sharing the same basic hull design. The swing keel on on the FIRST 211 provides collision protection and ease of trailering. (not intended for use under sail). Class racing exists in France, Britain, Ireland and elsewhere.
The Beneteau First 211 is a compact, trailerable fractional sloop designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau, with production records indicating a build year of 1998. With a displacement of 2745.0 lb and a max draft of 2.3 ft, this vessel prioritizes ease of handling and transport over heavy offshore endurance.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal day-sailing, weekend cruising, and novice sailors seeking a manageable, trailerable package that is easy to single-hand.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2745.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.33, the First 211 is designed for protected coastal waters and is not recommended for extended offshore or bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Beneteau First 20.7 and the O'Day 23, as they share similar trailerable dimensions, fractional rig configurations, and a focus on accessible, low-maintenance coastal sailing.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(17 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.1 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| 60° | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.9 |
| 75° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.8 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.1 |
| 135° | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.6 | 9.0 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.6 |
| Beat VMG | 2.0 | 2.8 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.6 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 211 (BENETEAU) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 20.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 4 systems for the FIRST 211 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 211 (BENETEAU)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your FIRST 211 (BENETEAU)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the FIRST 211 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…