Beneteau First 31.7

Escapade, a Beneteau First 31.7, is a well-maintained example of one of Beneteau's most successful models. A joy to sail, she is easily handled, and her Finot Conq hull has a surprising turn of speed. Beneteau sold over 1200 First 31.7s, making them the most successful 30 foot production boat ever built.

Set up for harbour cruising, she has her stacking mainsail on slides and her 105% genoa on a furler. This arrangement means one person can get the sails up and down with minimal fuss. The same hull design was used for the Beneteau Figaro 1, and her short-handed pedigree is visible, with car and backstay adjustments leading to the helm. Add to this her comfort in a seaway, and the attraction of the 31.7 becomes obvious.

Inside she has been well looked after, and her cherry interior effuses warmth. Her clever layout has a chart table and large bathroom to starboard, which allows for an extremely big deck locker. There is a deep double berth and an L-shaped galley to port with a gimballed Eno gas stove and recently serviced fridge. Her forward vee berth has ample room for a 6 foot tall occupant.

Escapade presents a great opportunity to own a quality harbour cruiser and racer at a very affordable price. The owner has taken pride in her and serviced her as necessary, with receipts available.