Beneteau First 22 ????

[jacaldo]

Hi, Currently looking at a 1979 Beneteau First 22 for sale at £6750.00 ono. Don't know a lot about this particular type of boat, comes with very good road trailer. Has anyone got information, good or bad?
Thanks

 

[exfinnsailor]

Had a 21.7 very nice .. Bit small for a weekend unless you have facilities ashore .. Enjoyed it but very dingy like .. Suppose thats all it was really .. A large dingy with a top .. No head room below and you did get a bit fed up being on your knees all the while .. Suppose the only other grip is putting the mast up and down .. Everytime we went anywhere it blew .. Put the mast up in 28 knots .. Not a good idea .. You also need to allow for this .. Takes about an hour and a half from arriving to getting it ready for launch and about the same packing it all away .. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[jacaldo]

Will be keeping in a marina in the Lake District, so will not have the problem of mast raising and lowering, just once each season. Currently have a Seawych, so quite used to no space below, the 22 is positively huge in comparison.

 

[arfa]

I sail a first 211 which I would agree is like a big dinghy - OK up to about a force 5 but thereafter you're running for shelter. I am very happy with mine whilst understanding the limitations - i.e. it is a light, responsive boat which is not designed with heavy weather in mind. I think the accomodation for a 21 footer is pretty good (can sleep 4 at a pinch) but no more than a weekender in my opinion.

 

[PatrickB02]

Funnily enough, I made exactly the transition you are looking at – from a Seawych to a Beneteau First 211 (year 2000 model). I also keep mine in a marina, so no problems with getting the mast up and down each time.

The difference between the Seawych and the Benny is marked, to say the least!! The Benny sails so much better, in all wind strengths and on any point of sail, and without the massive weather helm that you have with the Seawych. You can sail the Benny ‘on its ear’ but under complete control (largely thanks to the twin rudders) without any drama at all.

I agree with Arfa, however, that force 5 is as much as you want to be out in – above that it does become a bit of a handful. I bought mine from a keen racer, and he did very well with it, so definitely a plus there if you are thinking of racing. If you are, then you might also want to do as he did and get a set of laminate race sails – I inherited them after about 3 seasons, so probably past their best already, but they are still fantastic, especially for going to windward.

Accommodation, as noted, is limited, but no more so than the Seawych – if you can live with that then you will have no problems with the Benny.

As you have probably gathered, I’m a big fan, so I’d say go for it!! In fairness, though, you are looking at a (much) older boat than mine, so some of what I have said might not apply.

 

[jacaldo]

Not really into racing, but do enjoy a good sail. The accommodation below is important, only two of us and would like to be able to stay on board longer.

 

[exfinnsailor]

[ QUOTE ]
Not really into racing, but do enjoy a good sail. The accommodation below is important, only two of us and would like to be able to stay on board longer.

[/ QUOTE ]

.. Do what we did .. Fell for a Beneteau 323 .. Dont take your SWMBO on one it will be fatal .. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif .. We love ours and spend as much time on board as we can .. Also have twin rudders .. Lift keel ..