The Beneteau First 31.7 has earned an excellent reputation as a quick, versatile, and successful compact cruiser-racer. "XRAY" offers the perfect balance of cruising comfort and racing performance, with a well-proven design that is equally suited to family adventures and competitive sailing. With just three owners from new, she has been well maintained throughout her life. Demonstrating this on the racecourse, "XRAY" won the RORC East Coast Race in 2018 and has enjoyed further success with victories in the EAORA Holland Week in both 2022 and 2024, highlighting her continuing competitiveness. Viewing by appointment only through the Essex officeor email:
Accommodation Offering up to six berths across two cabins and the saloon. The forward cabin has a V-berth suitable for two adults to sleep in comfort along with side stowage and an opening hatch to foredeck. Coming aft is the saloon you will find two cream upholstered settees to port and starboard surrounding a central folding table. To starboard is a forward-facing navigation station with chart table, positioned opposite the L-shaped galley. The galley is equipped with an Eno two-burner gas hob and grill, a single stainless-steel sink, and a refrigerated cool box. Also to starboard is the heads compartment, fitted with a Jabsco manual marine toilet, vanity wash basin and shower facility. Aft to port, the spacious aft cabin offers a comfortable double berth. The interior is finished with attractive cream and blue striped upholstery, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. For comfort in all seasons, "XRAY" is equipped with Webasto heating throughout the accommodation. Hot and cold pressurised water throughout. Mechanical Systems Located behind the companionway is an insulated engine bay to a Volvo Penta MDmarine diesel engine producing 19HP from its naturally aspirated three-cylinder configuration. The engine is fitted with a indirect cooling system and a plastic 30 litre fuel tank . Power is transmitted via a Saildrive to a two-bladed folding propeller, with the Saildrive diaphragm having been replaced in 2022. Electrical Systems One 12v domestic battery One 12v engine start battery 240v shore power with battery charger, immersion heater and ring mains Inverter Sails and Spars Fractional Bermudan Sparcraft sloop rig with a keel-stepped double spreader alloy mast and alloy boom, discontinuous stainless steel standing rigging (age unknown). Halyards and sail control lines are led aft to the cockpit. Sail handling is assisted by two Lewmar 30 self-tailing halyard winches and four Lewmar 40 self-tailing sheet winches. The mainsail is fitted with a slab reefing system and the headsail with a Profurl furling system. Additional equipment includes a spinnaker pole mounted on a mast track, adjustable backstay purchase system, and a Lewmar mainsheet traveller. Lines led aft to Spinlock clutches. Mainsail - Laminate/Taffeta - North Sails 2007 Jib - Code 1 - Laminate/Taffeta - Quantum - 2007 Jib - Code 3 - Mylar - Quantum - 2007 Spinnaker - Nylon - North Sails - 2022 Various older sails Deck Equipment Danforth Anchor with chain and warp Various fenders and warps Bathing platform Boarding ladder Navigation Equipment Techmarine GPS chartplotter at chart table and Clipper repeater Autopilot Raymarine Tridata speed and depth Plastimo bulkhead mounted compass Digital Yacht AIS Transponder Raymarine ST60 wind instrument Icom IC-M323 DSC VHF with fist mike Fusion stereo and saloon speakers Safety Equipment One electric and one manual bilge pump Jackstays Horseshoe lifebouy Radar reflector Navigation lights Fire blanket Construction Built in 2000 by Beneteau, this First 31.7 features a white GRP hull and moulded non-slip deck construction. The deck is fitted with stainless steel pulpit rails, guard wires, and a boarding ladder, providing both safety and convenience. The self-draining open cockpit is arranged with tiller steering, offering excellent feedback and precise control under sail. Below the waterline, the yacht is fitted with a cast iron fin keel with bulb and a spade-hung rudder, contributing to the First 31.7's renowned performance and handling characteristics. In 2026, following survey recommendations, the keel matrix was professionally rebuilt and the keel area substantially reinforced and the keel bolts replaced, providing added structural strength and long-term confidence in this critical load-bearing section of the yacht. The hull was last antifouled in 2024, at which time the anodes were also replaced.