Beneteau First 24 vs 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 — Comparison

Beneteau First 24
VS
2013 Beneteau Figaro 32013 Beneteau Figaro 3

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 242013 Beneteau Figaro 3
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBeneteau
Year2008–20122013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerJean BerretVPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost
Dimensions
LOA7.20 m (23.6 ft)10.10 m (33.1 ft)
LWL6.45 m (21.2 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
Beam2.50 m (8.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.40 m (4.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)3,450 kg (7,606 lbs)
Ballast460 kg (1,014 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area27.0 m² (291 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine6 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity20 L (5.3 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths42
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 24
21.93
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
28.93
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 24
32.86
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
43.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 24
0.89
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
0.90
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 24
14.25
2013 Beneteau Figaro 3
11.16

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 24 and 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 24 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The Beneteau First 24 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 was designed by VPLP / Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 24 measures 7.20m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 at 10.10m (33.1ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 is 2.90m longer than the Beneteau First 24. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 displaces approximately 146% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 24 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 21.93 and 27.0 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 Beneteau First 24 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 has a comfort ratio of 11.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.90. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the Beneteau First 24 and 43.5% for the 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 24 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The 2013 Beneteau Figaro 3 offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau First 24 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 Beneteau First 24 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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