1965 Pearson Vanguard vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
1965 Pearson Vanguard
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1965 Pearson Vanguard | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Beneteau |
| Year | 1965–1972 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Philip Rhodes | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.83 m (32.3 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 0.27m longer than the 1965 Pearson Vanguard. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard displaces approximately 18% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.32 and 36.0 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 1965 Pearson Vanguard offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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: 1965 Pearson Vanguard · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3