Beneteau First 40 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 40 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 2 |
| Cabins | 3 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 40 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 40 measures 12.16m (39.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.06m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 103% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 40 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.55 and 74.0 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 Beneteau First 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) 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 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 40 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L 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 Beneteau First 40 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 Beneteau First 40 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: Beneteau First 40 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3