1970 Bristol 32 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
1970 Bristol 32
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Bristol 32 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Beneteau |
| Year | 1970–1977 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Halsey Herreshoff | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 7.16 m (23.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.97 m (9.7 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.2 m² (433 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Bristol 32 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Bristol 32 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1970 Bristol 32 was penned by Halsey Herreshoff. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1970 Bristol 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 0.35m longer than the 1970 Bristol 32. The 1970 Bristol 32 displaces approximately 31% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Bristol 32 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.91 and 40.2 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 1970 Bristol 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 26.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1970 Bristol 32 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Bristol 32 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Bristol 32 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 1970 Bristol 32 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: 1970 Bristol 32 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3