Dufour 36 Classic vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 36 Classic | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 36 Classic and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 0.80m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 80% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 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 Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 Classic 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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: Dufour 36 Classic · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3