Beneteau
First 33
The Beneteau First 33.7, designed by Berret-Racoupeau, is a sophisticated cruiser-racer that prioritizes interior volume and cruising amenities more than its smaller 31.7 sibling. While still possessing a performance-oriented hull and a powerful rig, the 33.7 offers a level of comfort below deck that rivals dedicated cruising yachts. It is positioned as the ideal choice for the sailor who wants a 'proper' boat for extended coastal cruising but still enjoys the thrill of a responsive helm and a competitive handicap for club regattas.
Surveyors should focus on the hull-to-deck joint, which is a critical structural element in the Berret-Racoupeau designs of this era. Check for any signs of movement or weeping, particularly around the chainplate area. The rudder stock and bearings should be inspected for play, as the deep spade rudder exerts significant leverage. If the boat has a teak cockpit or decks, check for any thinning of the wood or failure of the caulking that could lead to core saturation. The standing rigging on these boats is often reaching the end of its useful life if it hasn't been replaced in the last 10 years.
Build quality is excellent, with a focus on finish and durability. The interior is available in both two-cabin and three-cabin layouts, with the two-cabin version being particularly spacious for a boat of this length. The use of traditional cherry or mahogany veneers gives the cabin a warm, classic feel. In the market context, the 33.7 is considered a 'modern classic'—a boat that has aged gracefully and continues to offer a high level of utility and prestige on the secondhand market.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2000+
- LOA
- 9.98 m
- Beam
- 3.4 m
- Model
- First 33
Key takeaways
- Best for: families seeking a faster production cruiser
- Common issue: saildrive service and deck hardware bedding
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — strong used market value
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.9/10 — A refined cruiser-racer; offers a good balance between interior comfort and sailing pace. Survey findings frequently include saildrive service neglect and leaking deck hardware bedding.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 9.98 m
- Beam
- 3.4 m
- Production years
- 2000+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Which layout is better: 2-cabin or 3-cabin?
The 2-cabin version is much more popular for private use, as it offers a larger heads compartment and a better galley, while the 3-cabin version is better for large families or groups.
- How does the 33.7 perform in heavy weather?
It is a very stiff and seaworthy boat that handles a blow with confidence, settling nicely on its lines when reefed.
- What is the typical engine size?
Most are equipped with a Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesel in the 20hp to 30hp range, providing plenty of power for motoring against tide.
- Is the mast deck-stepped or keel-stepped?
The First 33.7 features a deck-stepped mast, which simplifies the interior layout and reduces the risk of mast-step leaks.
- Can a 33.7 be converted for solo sailing?
Yes, many owners fit an autopilot and lead the reefing lines aft to make it a very capable solo or double-handed cruiser.
Design History
First 33 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 2005 to 2012; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~240–960 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 33 for coastal and offshore use in the 2005–2012 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 33 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 | 22,000 | 48,000 | 10 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 33 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 33
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 33 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.