The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 vs Beneteau Sense 51 2016 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Sense 51 2016 measures 52,4 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 19,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 at 33,4 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 tips the scales at 34 205 lbs — 26 268 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 80 hp, the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 has a 60-hp advantage over the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003's 20-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 carries 110 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Sense 51 2016 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Sense 51 2016 displaces 34 205 lbs — a 26 268-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.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 7,1 ft and 7,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the Beneteau Sense 51 2016. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 carries a 80-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 9,1 knots for the Beneteau Sense 51 2016 and 7,6 knots for the Beneteau Figaro 2 2003.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Sense 51 2016 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 34 205 lbs displacement and 52 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.