The best example Beneteau 44.7 currently available in Europe is now for sale in Hamble
3rd Overall RORC De Guingand Bowl June 2015 (86 entries)
The best example Beneteau 44.7 currently available in Europe is now for sale in Hamble
Nicolle Associates are proud to be representing two of the top five boats in last weekends RORC De Guingand Bowl race. This Beneteau First 44.7 ‘Lisa’ 3rd overall and the 93′ Germán Frers – CNB fast cruising racing sloop ‘Bristolian’ 5th overall.
Designed by Farr Yacht Design this professionally and meticulously maintained three cabin and two heads Beneteau First 44.7 ‘Lisa’ is a large and capable cruiser racer with race pedigree; she is the best example of this model currently available in Europe.
Completed in December 2004 and first launched in 2005, this Beneteau First 44.7 benefits from an extensive and current race and cruising sail inventory, Facnor Roller reefing plus Tuff Luff for racing, numerous custom extras and upgrades and an extensive refit in 2013; is comfortable below, and the sailing qualities and her individual results are exemplary.
She has a Sparcraft Performance mast and boom, IRC optimised carbon spinnaker pole, new rudder bearings, bow ‘Prodder’ and carbon Wheel.
The 44.7 has an enclosed transom, with well-thought-out stowage for life rafts under the helmsman’s seat. The large diameter Carbonnautica Carbon wheel is sunk into the deck and placed so that nearly every position the helmsman might use is accommodated.
Surrounding the cockpit are Harken aluminium winches; the latest in lightweight technology. The mainsheet is led, grand-prix style, along the decks and back to the trimmer, whose position is close to both winches and helmsman. The traveller runs across the cockpit immediately forward of the wheel, in as unobtrusive a place as possible.
Any objections about buying a performance sailboat and sacrificing comfort will be laid to rest at first glance below. Thanks to the long, low deckhouse, there’s headroom aplenty, topping out at an impressive 6’9″ in the aft head and 6’8″ in the ensuite main cabin. Two double cabins sit port and starboard under the cockpit, and immediately forward of the port cabin is a head, which is across from the L-shaped galley.
The nav station is located to port at the center of the boat, across from a C-shaped couch/settee. The nav station couldn’t be in a better place for offshore racing; away from wind and water, close to the center of effort, and facing the only direction a nav station should face: forward. There’s plenty of room for nav displays and even a storage area with cubbyholes for books, signal flags, and binoculars.
The use of light-coloured wood throughout makes the interior of the 44.7 seem even larger than it is, and even if the weather is terrible outside, it’ll be no hardship to spend time down below. The majority of the keel bolts and the lowest part of the bilge are directly underneath a settee bench that faces the large dinette table and sits on center line. Keel bolt and bilge inspections are easily done by lifting the lever-action seat and moving it to port. All fuel and water tanks are on center line, and all bulkheads bonded 360 degrees to hull and deck for structural strength.
Access to the engine is among the best in the Beneteau range. The companionway stairs assembly lifts to reveal an engine with a large shroud covering belts and other moving parts. Because she is one of the later models in the series, this Beneteau First 44.7 benefits from a Yanmar 4JH4CE 55Hp engine powering a sail drive unit. Engine noise below is negligible, which means that the off watch will be able to sleep even during battery-charging sessions. The water pump faces forward, which allows for the impeller to be changed out without removing the entire unit. Access to all the engine filters is also excellent.
The 44.7’s hull is solid fiberglass with a laminated structural hull liner for load bearing and distribution. The deck is fiberglass sandwich with a balsa core and unidirectional weave.
The overall quality of the wood and glasswork below is excellent, reflecting the experience of the boat builders. The ends of all wood floorboards and panels are sealed, which means they won’t absorb water, swell, and not fit where they belong.
The cockpit is easy to work in, with the pitman’s position especially well set up. The solid vang is Sparcraft and its controls lead aft from the rig alongside the halyards and topping lift. The unobtrusive deckhouse provides a wide platform for crew work, as does the wide bow. The moulded non-skid throughout provides good traction.