Beneteau Figaro 3 vs Hughes-Columbia 36
How do the Beneteau Figaro 3 and Hughes-Columbia 36 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau Figaro 3 
Hughes-Columbia 36 | Beneteau Figaro 3 | Hughes-Columbia 36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 35.7 ft10.89 m | 35.8 ft10.92 m |
| Waterline length | 31.0 ft9.46 m | 28.0 ft8.53 m |
| Beam | 11.4 ft3.48 m | 10.2 ft3.10 m |
| Draft | 8.2 ft2.50 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 6,393 lb2,900 kg | 15,000 lb6,804 kg |
| Ballast | 2,449 lb1,111 kg | 6,300 lb2,858 kg |
| Sail area | 753 ft²70.0 m² | 525 ft²48.8 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 34.98 | 13.81 |
| Displacement / Length | 95 | 305 |
| Comfort ratio | 11.9 | 34.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.46 | 1.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.5 | 7.1 |
Beneteau Figaro 3 vs Hughes-Columbia 36: the short version
- The Beneteau Figaro 3 and Hughes-Columbia 36 are close in length (35.7 ft10.89 m vs 35.8 ft10.92 m ).
- The Hughes-Columbia 36 is heavier, displacing about 135% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Beneteau Figaro 3 carries the more powerful rig (35.0 vs 13.8), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hughes-Columbia 36 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hughes-Columbia 36 rates better for offshore work (1.65 vs 2.46).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.