Beneteau
First 21
The Beneteau First 21 series (encompassing the 21.0, 21.1, and 21.7) is arguably the most influential small cruiser of the last 30 years. Designed by Groupe Finot, it brought 'Mini 6.50' thinking to the mass market, featuring a wide beam, twin rudders, and a sophisticated lifting keel. It is positioned as the ultimate starter yacht for those who want a boat that is both forgiving for beginners and rewarding for experienced sailors. Thousands were built, creating a massive global community and a very stable brokerage market.
From a survey perspective, the cast-iron lifting keel and its lifting mechanism are the most critical areas. The keel pivot bolt and the lifting screw should be inspected for corrosion and wear; many owners forget to service these, leading to expensive repairs. The twin rudders are prone to moisture ingress if the gelcoat is damaged, so a moisture meter check is recommended. Additionally, the bonded windows on earlier 21.0 models can suffer from adhesive failure, leading to cabin leaks that are often hidden by the interior liners.
Build quality is solid and reliable, with a monolithic GRP hull and a bonded structural inner grid. The interior layout is a masterclass in small-space design, offering a double V-berth and two single berths that double as saloon seating. The market context for the First 21 is incredibly strong; these boats are often the first thing a surveyor recommends to a buyer looking for a safe, fast, and easy-to-sell first boat. They are considered the 'Volkswagen Golf' of the sailing world.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2000–2010
- LOA
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 2.48 m
- Model
- First 21
Key takeaways
- Best for: couples and solo sailors for coastal archipelago trips
- Common issue: lifting keel cable wear and window seals
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — high market liquidity
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.8/10 — A beloved small cruiser with a surprisingly spacious interior; offers safe and fun sailing. Key survey points are the lifting keel cable wear and window seals for potential leaks.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 6.4 m
- Beam
- 2.48 m
- Production years
- 2000–2010
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Which version is better: the 21.0, 21.1, or 21.7?
The 21.7 and 21.7S are the most refined, featuring more interior wood and slightly better finishes, but the hull and sailing performance remain identical across the range.
- How does the lifting keel affect performance?
It allows for a very deep draft (1.80m) when down, giving the boat excellent upwind performance and stability comparable to a fixed-keel yacht.
- Can the First 21 cross the Channel or open water?
Yes, many have completed cross-Channel passages and coastal hops in significant weather; it is a very seaworthy Category B design.
- What are the typical 'upgrades' for a used First 21?
Common upgrades include adding a dedicated battery charging system, upgrading to a 4-stroke engine, and replacing the original foam cushions.
- Is it easy to rig the First 21 by yourself?
The mast is relatively light, but it usually requires two people to step it safely unless a dedicated A-frame or mast-lowering kit is used.
Design History
First 21 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. French production shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2000 to 2010; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~400–760 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 21 for coastal and offshore use in the 2000–2010 production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a First 21 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 18,000 | 38,000 | 6.4 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for First 21 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: First 21
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 21 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.