FIRST 21.7 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 21 ft |
| LWL | 19.68 ft |
| Beam | 8.14 ft |
| Draft | 5.91 ft/ 2.3 ft min |
| Displacement | 2,745 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.9 kn |
About the FIRST 21.7 (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.
Designed by Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau starting in 2004, the First 21.7 is a compact, performance-oriented daysailer with a fractional sloop rig. With a displacement of 2745.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 12.94, it prioritizes speed and agility over heavy cruising comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal day sailing, racing, and trailerable cruising, appealing to single-handers or couples seeking a low-maintenance, high-performance package. Its light displacement and manageable size make it suitable for those with limited storage or launch facilities.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.33 and a low displacement of 2745.0 lb, this boat is not designed for offshore bluewater cruising and is best restricted to coastal and protected waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 21.5 and the J/24, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs, light displacement characteristics, and a focus on performance sailing. The Hunter 22 is also a relevant comparison for trailerable daysailing, though with different hull form priorities.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(16 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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| 60° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.1 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| 90° | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.9 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.9 |
| 150° | 3.6 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 7.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.7 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 21.7 (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 21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 7 systems for the FIRST 21.7 (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 21.7 (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 12 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 21.7 (BENETEAU)?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 21.7 (BENETEAU)
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