The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 vs Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 at 33,4 ft versus Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 at 33,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 tips the scales at 10 582 lbs — 2 645 lbs less than the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 at 7 937 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 20 hp for the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 and 27 hp for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 carries 21 gallons versus 11 gallons in the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 10 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 displaces 10 582 lbs — a 2 645-lb difference over the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 at 7 937 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 draws 7,1 ft, compared to 5,1 ft for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985. That 2,0-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 uses a 1 tiller versus a 1 wheel on the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 carries a 27-hp engine against 20 hp on the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 7,6 knots for the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 and 7,3 knots for the Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 350 1985 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 10 582 lbs displacement and 33 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 at 7 937 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.