1996 Hunter 290 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison
1996 Hunter 290
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1996 Hunter 290 | 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Beneteau |
| Year | 1996–2000 | 2013 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 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 | 3,493 kg (7,701 lbs) | 3,450 kg (7,606 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 38.9 m² (419 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | 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 | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1996 Hunter 290 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1996 Hunter 290 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1996 Hunter 290 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.
In terms of size, the 1996 Hunter 290 measures 8.84m (29.0ft) 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 1.26m longer than the 1996 Hunter 290. The 1996 Hunter 290 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1996 Hunter 290 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 38.9 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 1996 Hunter 290 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 39.0% for the 1996 Hunter 290 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1996 Hunter 290 provides 6 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 1996 Hunter 290 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 1996 Hunter 290 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: 1996 Hunter 290 · 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3