FIRST 27 SE (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 26.21 ft |
| Beam | 8.33 ft |
| Draft | 6.56 ft/ 3.12 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,086 lb |
| Ballast | 1,323 lb |
Rig & Sails
| Jib (100%) | 209.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 850.35 sq ft |
About the FIRST 27 SE (BENETEAU)
In 2018 Beneteau purchased a controlling stake in the Slovenian builder Seascape, bringing all Seascape models into the fold of its First range. SE=Seascape Edition. Same hull as the First 27 but lighter with a carbon mast, boom and bowsprit. Also more sail area. Called the FIRST 27 from 2018 - 2020. Swing keel w/dual rudders. Main sail: 26.2 m² / 282 ft² Jib: 19.5 m² / 210 ft² Gennaker: 79 m² / 850 ft² Optional Tohatsu 9.8HP engine
The Beneteau First 27 SE is a compact, performance-oriented fractional sloop designed by Sam Manuard and built by Seascape (SLO) in 2011. With a displacement of 3086.0 lb and a beam of 8.33 ft, this model represents a specific, limited-production entry in the sub-30ft market, characterized by its lightweight construction and racing pedigree.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailors and club racers who prioritize speed and agility over heavy cruising amenities, as well as single-handers seeking a manageable, trailerable package with a max draft of 6.56 ft.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 3086.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.29, the First 27 SE is not designed for serious offshore bluewater cruising but is capable of protected coastal passages given its stable fin keel and moderate SA/D ratio of 37.23.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 26 and the J/24, as they share similar fractional sloop rigs, lightweight displacement profiles, and a focus on short-handed racing and coastal cruising.
Direct variant of the FIRST 27 SE (BENETEAU)
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(7 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° | 5.5 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| 60° | 5.8 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 75° | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| 90° | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| 110° | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.7 |
| 120° | 6.0 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.3 | 10.2 |
| 135° | 5.4 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 10.3 | 11.7 |
| 150° | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.6 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 9.3 | 12.4 |
| Beat VMG | 3.6 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8.0 | 10.7 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the FIRST 27 SE (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 26.21ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 7 systems for the FIRST 27 SE (BENETEAU), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a FIRST 27 SE (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 27 SE (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?
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Used sails that fit the FIRST 27 SE (BENETEAU)
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