Beneteau
First 31.7
The Beneteau First 31.7 is perhaps the most successful racer-cruiser of all time, with over 1,500 units built. Sharing its hull with the original Figaro Solo, it was designed by Finot-Conq to provide a perfect balance of IRC racing competitive and family cruising comfort. It is positioned as the definitive 'all-rounder,' capable of winning a national championship one week and taking the family on a comfortable coastal cruise the next. Its massive production run has created one of the most stable and liquid secondary markets in the yachting world.
When surveying a 31.7, the keel-to-hull joint and the internal structural grid should be the primary focus, especially on boats with a heavy racing history. Look for any 'smile' cracks at the keel joint or evidence of grounding-induced stress in the grid bonding. The rudder bearings on these boats often develop play and may need replacement every 5-7 years. The mast step area should be checked for compression, and the deck-stepped mast itself should be inspected for any corrosion at the base. Bonded windows are also a common area for leaks if the original sealant has reached its end-of-life.
Build quality is robust and predictable, utilizing Beneteau's proven solid-glass hull and bonded liner construction. The interior is a classic two-cabin layout that has become a benchmark for the 31-foot class, featuring high-quality Alpi wood veneers and sensible sea-going ergonomics. The 31.7's value remains remarkably resilient; it is the 'blue chip' stock of the brokerage market, favored by surveyors for its honest construction and by sailors for its forgiving yet rewarding handling.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 1997–2010
- LOA
- 9.61 m
- Beam
- 3.23 m
- Model
- First 31.7
Key takeaways
- Best for: active club racers and families who enjoy fast cruising
- Common issue: fin-keel joint moisture and standing rigging age
- Typical price: see FairHelm Market Index — high liquidity performance tier
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.2/10 — One of the most popular cruiser-racers ever; offers exceptional performance and a very practical interior. Survey typically checks the fin-keel joint for moisture and standing rigging calendar age.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 9.61 m
- Beam
- 3.23 m
- Production years
- 1997–2010
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is there a difference between the GTE and standard versions?
Yes, the GTE (Grand Tirant d'Eau) version has a deeper 1.90m keel, which is preferred for serious racing, while the standard version has a 1.45m shallow-draft keel.
- How does it compare to the Oceanis 311?
They share the same hull, but the 31.7 has a taller rig, a deeper keel, and higher-quality deck hardware, making it significantly faster and more responsive.
- What are the common engine options?
Most are fitted with a Volvo Penta MD2020 or D1-20 saildrive, both of which are reliable if the saildrive seal is maintained.
- Is the First 31.7 still competitive in IRC?
Yes, it remains a very competitive boat in IRC Class 3 and 4, especially in light-to-medium airs.
- Can the 31.7 be sailed shorthanded?
Yes, it is a very balanced boat with all controls led to the cockpit, making it a popular choice for double-handed racing.
Design History
Beneteau launched the First 31.7 in the mid-2000s as a compact performance-cruiser bridge between the yard's Oceanis volume line and the sharper First racing heritage. Finot-Conq shaped the hull for responsive manners in Baltic chop while keeping enough interior volume for short coastal cruises. Production ran from 2005 to 2010; registry and club sources suggest approximately 150–500 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the First 31.7 for club sailing and coastal ownership rather than charter fleets — explaining mixed maintenance histories on today's secondary market.
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 31.7 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 | 9.63 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 31.7 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 31.7
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on First 31.7 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.