1992 J/32 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

1992 J/32
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1992 J/322013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBeneteau
Year1992–19972013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerRod JohnstoneVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA9.91 m (32.5 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.13 m (10.3 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area48.4 m² (521 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths62
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1992 J/32
20.00
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1992 J/32
43.52
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1992 J/32
0.80
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1992 J/32
16.59
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1992 J/32 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1992 J/32 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1992 J/32 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 1992 J/32 measures 9.91m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 0.19m longer than the 1992 J/32. The 1992 J/32 displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1992 J/32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 48.4 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 1992 J/32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1992 J/32 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1992 J/32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1992 J/32 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 1992 J/32 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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Or view individual specs: 1992 J/32 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3