2003 Beneteau First 27.7 | Extensively Upgraded
New Volvo Penta Engine & Saildrive (2024) | New Mast & Rigging (2022) | Upgraded Sails & Electronics | Lifting Keel
Presenting Play, a beautifully maintained and extensively upgraded 2003 Beneteau First 27.7, offering an impressive combination of performance sailing, practical cruising comfort and ease of handling.
Designed by the renowned Groupe Finot and built by Beneteau in France, the First 27.7 is a highly regarded performance cruiser known for its responsive handling, lightweight construction and impressive sailing capabilities. Featuring a lifting keel and retractable rudder, this versatile yacht delivers excellent sailing performance while also allowing access to shallower waterways.
What really sets Play apart is the significant investment in upgrades and maintenance over recent years. With a new Volvo Penta diesel engine and saildrive installed in 2024, a replacement mast and rigging in 2022, near new sail inventory and modern navigation electronics, many of the major components have already been renewed.
Major Upgrades & Recent Maintenance
2024 Volvo Penta D1-13 diesel engine and 130S saildrive, approximately 120 hours recorded on the vessel specification form
2022 Whalespar mast, with new standing and running rigging
2022 Quantum mainsail and headsail, both reported in excellent condition
2024 Furlex headsail furler, forestay and track
2005 spinnaker, reportedly very lightly used and in very good condition
2022 B&G Vulcan 9-inch chartplotter, B&G displays and wind instruments
2024 Webasto diesel heater with electronic controls
2022 Spinlock XTS clutches and replacement boom cover
October 2026 antifouling, topside and deck polish
October 2026 saildrive service, including replacement anode and drive oil
February 2026 insurance survey completed by On Point Shipwright Group
Performance & Handling
The Beneteau First 27.7 was designed with performance in mind. Its Groupe Finot hull design, generous sail plan, deep lifting keel and responsive tiller steering make it an enjoyable yacht for both spirited sailing and relaxed cruising.
The lifting keel provides a draft range of approximately 0.6m to 2.15m, offering excellent versatility for exploring waterways such as Lake Macquarie.
With a modernised rig, quality Quantum sails, upgraded Furlex furling system and contemporary B&G instrumentation, Play is well equipped for enjoyable sailing.
Accommodation & Comfort
Despite its performance-oriented design, the First 27.7 offers practical accommodation for weekends away and overnight stays.
The interior provides sleeping accommodation for up to four people, a functional saloon, galley and enclosed marine toilet.
Features include:
Accommodation for four
Compact galley with single-burner gas stove and icebox
Approximately 60L freshwater capacity
Jabsco manual marine toilet
Webasto diesel heating system
12V electrical system with two batteries
Shore power connection
Small solar panel
Fusion Apollo RA770 stereo system
A Well Maintained Example
Play has benefited from a comprehensive program of upgrades, servicing and preventative maintenance.
A February 2026 insurance risk evaluation described the vessel as well maintained and cared for, with accessible structural components reported in good condition and no visible signs of fatigue or delamination.
Combined with the recent antifouling, polishing and mechanical servicing, this presents an attractive opportunity to secure a well-equipped example of Beneteau's popular First 27.7.
Whether you're looking for a responsive club racer, an enjoyable weekend cruiser or a capable yacht for exploring the waterways, Play offers an excellent combination of performance, versatility and substantial recent investment.
Contact Buyaboat today to arrange your inspection or request a walkthrough video. Finance and transport can be arranged Australia wide.
For more information or to arrange a private inspection, contact:
Oliver Wrigley
Sales Broker - Buyaboat
Phone:
Email:
Region
New South Wales
Location
Lake Macquarie NSW
Reference
OWBENETEAU27
Usage
Leisure, Cruising, Racing
Launch Year
2003
Hull
Fibreglass/GRP
HIN
FRBEYB5039C303
Designer
Groupe Finot
Builder
Beneteau
Length
29' 0" - 8.85m
Beam
3 m or 9.84 feet
Draft
0.60 - 2.15 m (keel raised/lowered)
Displacement
Approx. 2,200 kgs
Keel / Ballast
Retractable lifting keel with lead bulb, approximately 600 kg ballast
Deck Material
Fibreglass/GRP
Engine Make
Volvo Penta
Engine
New Volvo Penta D1-13 diesel engine and 130S saildrive fitted in 2024. Documented servicing in 2025 and 2026.
2-Blade Folding Propeller
Freshwater-cooled engine with seawater heat exchanger (standard D1-13 configuration)
Number Engines
1
Horsepower
13 Hp
Power Source
Diesel
Engine Hours
Approx 120
Drive Type
Inboard Sail Drive
Fuel
30L
Water
60 L
Accommodation
Practical overnight accommodation with 4 berths, compact galley, icebox, single-burner gas stove, manual marine toilet and Webasto diesel heating installed in 2024.
Cabins
1 cabin
Berths
Sleeps 4
Galley
Compact, functional galley equipped with a single-burner gas stove, icebox and freshwater supply. Suitable for basic meal preparation during overnight stays and weekend cruising.
Freezer
Icebox
Stove
Single-Burner Gas Stove
Shower
Yes
Toilet
Jabsco Manual Marine Toilet
Entertainment
Fusion Apollo RA770 stereo system and Webasto diesel heating system installed in 2024.
Air Conditioning
Webasto diesel heating fitted
Covers
Boom cover replaced in 2022
Ground Tackle
Ropes, winches and fenders
Stainless steel anchor and chain.
Safety Gear
Stainless steel lifelines, bilge pumps, navigation lights and fire safety equipment noted in survey. Flares were recorded as expired in February 2026.
Bilge Pumps
Manual and electric bilge pumps
Epirb
Yes - Expires August 2031
Life Jackets
Yes
Flares
Yes
Electrics
12V electrical system, 2 batteries, shore power connection and small solar panel.
Extensively upgraded Beneteau First 27.7 with replacement Volvo Penta diesel engine and saildrive in 2024, new mast and rigging in 2022, upgraded Quantum sails and modern B&G electronics. Antifouled and polished October 2026. February 2026 insurance survey available.
ABOUT THE DEALER
Buyaboat Oliver Wrigley
1 Nanda Street
Marmong Point
AND
21 Edith St
Marks Point