The Beneteau First 44.7, designed in collaboration with Bruce Farr, is an interesting alternative for those seeking a balance between comfort and performance in the Crociera-Regata class. Presented in 2004, the 44.7 is a thirteen and a half meters fast and well equipped, with three cabin interiors and two bathrooms. It was born as an ideal link between the two sports models of Beneteau, offering a level of comfort greater than that of the 40 feet, but maintaining the sporting prerogatives of the project.
Design and ergonomics: a smooth navigation experience
The ergonomies of the First 44.7 are a strong point: the lowered paramares of the cockpit and the large passers-by facilitate the circulation in the bow-poppa and transversal sense. The corridor that gives access to the interior allows to work standing at the winchs on the tuga, both equipped with detour pulley to use the winch on the opposite side. The same tuga, which extends well beyond the tree, offers a sure support to the prodiere with sea formed. The size of 44.7 was designed to offer a good relationship between stability and maneuverability, with a straightening moment of 243 kgm, confirmed by the Stix.
The test took place on the Atlantic coast in a day of wind varying between 5 and 11 knots and long wave. The boat was slightly discharged with wind under the 8 royal knots, but just an extra air knot to turn and take that step that allows you not to rest on the wave. The screws must be carried out with the usual slowness required to this type of hull, but the manoeuvrability is good.
Interior and storage: space and functionality
The First 44.7 features only one version with three cabins and two bathrooms, with a classic but innovative layout. A storage area made in square on the opposite side of the dinette is ideal for the galley and can also be used as a “machinery”. The dinette offers seven comfortable seats and, lowering the table, two additional beds. The central bench can slide into the interior to free up space for sails in racing. The storage volumes are above the average, with an excellent organization of the spaces. The kitchen in L has no free work plans, but the walled volumes and those under the sinks are well exploited.
The stern twin cabins are separated by an intercapedine used as a stipetteria: a good solution for privacy, which goes however to the detriment of the width of the bunks. In the bow the shipowning area opens, which is the best success: the walled bunk offers a trample as long as the cabin, which continues in the comfortable toilet for glare; the housing of the tree narrows a little the head of the bed, but at the height of the shoulders the width is sufficient; for the dressing, two drawers, two stipes and a scarve, besides the closet.
As a motor, the test specimen mounted the Volvo 55 cv with S-Drive and three-wheel propeller, while the standard version is provided with the Volvo 38 cv. At the cruising system you navigate to 8 knots, while at the most you pass comfortably 9. Noise levels are very low, especially in stern cabins. The manoeuvrability in the back is easy, even with the foldable propeller. The First 44.7 is one of the most interesting models of the Beneteau range, with a well-designed design, spacious interiors and high performance. Although it is not a radically innovative model, the First 44.7 offers a smooth and comfortable navigation experience, suitable for those who want to have fun in the boes without sacrificing comfort.