1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerWauquiezBeneteau
Year1988–19982013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean-Marie FinotVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA10.21 m (33.5 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.0 m² (506 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths62
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s design by Wauquiez from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was penned by Jean-Marie Finot. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur measures 10.21m (33.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 0.11m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.43 and 47.0 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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: 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3