Beneteau
First 44
The Beneteau First 44 (the 2022 Biscontini/Nauta design) is the latest evolution of the 'Performance' line, blending extreme sailing potential with superyacht-inspired luxury. Designed to sit between the First 36 and the First 53, it offers a sophisticated platform for owners who want a fast, stylish boat that can handle both the racecourse and high-end Mediterranean cruising. It is available in two versions: the standard First 44 for performance cruising and the stripped-out First 44 Performance for dedicated racing.
Surveyors should focus on the advanced technical systems of the First 44. The ballast tank system (on the Performance version) should be checked for pump functionality and tank integrity. The vacuum-infused hull and structural grid represent the highest level of production boatbuilding; check for any signs of bonding issues in the complex internal structures. The steering system, with twin pedestals and high-load cables, should be inspected for tension and alignment. The extensive use of LED lighting, digital switching, and advanced power management systems requires a modern approach to electrical surveying to verify network integrity and battery health.
Build quality is top-tier for Beneteau, with a focus on interior finish and material quality. The Nauta-designed interior is exceptionally bright and modern, using high-end veneers and fabrics. The First 44 is a high-value, high-prestige asset; its market context is defined by a discerning buyer who wants the latest in design and technology. It is a boat that makes a statement in any marina and offers a level of refinement that was previously only available in semi-custom yachts.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2022+
- LOA
- 14.15 m
- Beam
- 4.25 m
- Model
- First 44
Key takeaways
- Best for: upscale performance cruising and offshore passages
- Common issue: complex electronics and hydraulic system maintenance
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — premium modern First tier
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.6/10 — Modern luxury performance cruiser; offers a high level of finish and incredible pace under sail. Survey typically focuses on complex electronics and hydraulic system maintenance history.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 14.15 m
- Beam
- 4.25 m
- Production years
- 2022+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What is the main difference between the 44 and the 44 Performance?
The Performance version is lighter, has a deeper keel, features water ballast tanks, and has a more aggressive deck layout for racing, whereas the standard version is optimized for luxury cruising.
- How do the ballast tanks work?
They allow the boat to take on up to 300 liters of water on the windward side, significantly increasing righting moment and allowing for a smaller crew when racing.
- Is it easy to handle for a couple?
Yes, the standard version features furling sails and all lines led to the helm, making it a very manageable boat for two people despite its size.
- What engine is standard on the First 44?
It typically features a Yanmar 57hp or 80hp engine with a saildrive, providing excellent power and reliability.
- Does it have a garage for a dinghy?
While it doesn't have a full garage, the transom folds down to create a large swim platform and provides easy access for stowing a deflated dinghy in the lazarette.
Design History
First 44 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 2018 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~400–1210 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 44 for coastal and offshore use in the 2018–ongoing 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 44 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 | 13.4 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 44 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 44
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 44 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.