1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year1993–19982013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerBruce FarrVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths72
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 2.67m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 156% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 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 1993 Beneteau First 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.9) 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 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 1993 Beneteau First 42 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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