1978 Bristol 40 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Beneteau |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Ted Hood | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 2 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 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 1978 Bristol 40 is 2.09m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1978 Bristol 40 displaces approximately 137% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 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 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 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 1978 Bristol 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
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Or view individual specs: 1978 Bristol 40 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3