Catalina 34 MkII vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

Catalina 34 MkII
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 34 MkII2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBeneteau
Year1995–20042013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths62
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 34 MkII and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Catalina 34 MkII was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the Catalina 34 MkII measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Catalina 34 MkII is 0.26m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The Catalina 34 MkII displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 34 MkII has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.08 and 52.0 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 Catalina 34 MkII offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 34 MkII provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 Catalina 34 MkII 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: Catalina 34 MkII · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3