The Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 vs Beneteau First 28 1980 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 Figaro 3 2019 measures 36,0 feet overall (2019), giving it roughly 7,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 28,1 feet (1980). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 tips the scales at 7 000 lbs - 4 795 lbs more than the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 2 205 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 - 24 hp for the Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 and 15 hp for the Beneteau First 28 1980. 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 Figaro 3 2019 carries 11 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Beneteau First 28 1980. 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 Figaro 3 2019 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Beneteau First 28 1980 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 displaces 7 000 lbs - a 4 795-lb difference over the Beneteau First 28 1980 at 2 205 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 3 2019 draws 8,2 ft, compared to 5,7 ft for the Beneteau First 28 1980. That 2,5-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 3 2019 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Beneteau Figaro 3 2019 carries a 24-hp engine against 15 hp on the Beneteau First 28 1980. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.