2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 vs 1977 Cal 33 — Comparison
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 | 1977 Cal 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Cal |
| Year | 2013 | 1977–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 and 1977 Cal 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1977 Cal 33 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was penned by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost. The 1977 Cal 33 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 measures 10.10m (33.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1977 Cal 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 0.04m longer than the 1977 Cal 33. The 1977 Cal 33 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 28.93 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1977 Cal 33, with an SA/D of 14.53 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The 1977 Cal 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 and 41.7% for the 1977 Cal 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 provides 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1977 Cal 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1977 Cal 33 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 1977 Cal 33 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 · 1977 Cal 33