1991 Westerly Seahawk vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

1991 Westerly Seahawk1991 Westerly Seahawk
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Westerly Seahawk2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerWesterlyBeneteau
Year1991–19972013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUKFrance
DesignerEd DuboisVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,123 kg (13,499 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.0 m² (517 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity220 L (58.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths72
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Westerly Seahawk
14.57
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Westerly Seahawk
40.75
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Westerly Seahawk
0.73
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Westerly Seahawk
22.81
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Westerly Seahawk and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk is a 1990s design by Westerly from UK, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk was penned by Ed Dubois. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 1991 Westerly Seahawk measures 10.36m (34.0ft) 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk is 0.26m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk displaces approximately 77% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1991 Westerly Seahawk has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.57 and 48.0 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 40.8% for the 1991 Westerly Seahawk and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1991 Westerly Seahawk provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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