1985 Beneteau First 285 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Beneteau |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Jean Berret | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,100 kg (2,425 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 | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 measures 8.65m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 1.45m longer than the 1985 Beneteau First 285. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.99 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 1985 Beneteau First 285 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Beneteau First 285 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 1985 Beneteau First 285 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: 1985 Beneteau First 285 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3