2014 Elan 400 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2014 Elan 4002013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerElanBeneteau
Year2014–20182013
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySloveniaFrance
DesignerRob HumphreysVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA12.07 m (39.6 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL10.50 m (34.4 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam3.90 m (12.8 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 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)
2014 Elan 400
18.99
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2014 Elan 400
31.71
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2014 Elan 400
0.77
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2014 Elan 400
17.08
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The 2014 Elan 400 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Elan 400 is a modern design by Elan from Slovenia, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 2014 Elan 400 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the 2014 Elan 400 measures 12.07m (39.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.97m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 138% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2014 Elan 400 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.99 and 76.0 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 2014 Elan 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) 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 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2014 Elan 400 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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: 2014 Elan 400 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3