1989 J/35 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 J/35 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Beneteau |
| Year | 1989–1993 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 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 | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 J/35 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1989 J/35 is 0.57m longer than the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3. The 1989 J/35 displaces approximately 51% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 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 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins 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 1989 J/35 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 1989 J/35 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: 1989 J/35 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3