1963 Cal 40 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

1963 Cal 401963 Cal 40
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1963 Cal 402013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerCalBeneteau
Year1963–19722013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerBill LapworthVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.3 m² (660 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths62
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1963 Cal 40
16.97
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1963 Cal 40
38.72
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1963 Cal 40
0.70
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1963 Cal 40
21.35
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1963 Cal 40 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1963 Cal 40 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1963 Cal 40 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 1963 Cal 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1963 Cal 40 is 2.09m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1963 Cal 40 displaces approximately 104% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1963 Cal 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 61.3 m² of sail area. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, with an SA/D of 28.93 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1963 Cal 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 1963 Cal 40 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1963 Cal 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1963 Cal 40 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1963 Cal 40 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1963 Cal 40 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3