1963 Cal 40 vs Bavaria 49 — Comparison

1963 Cal 401963 Cal 40
VS
Bavaria 49Bavaria 49

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1963 Cal 40Bavaria 49
General
ManufacturerCalBavaria
Year1963–19722005–2009
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerBill LapworthJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)14.98 m (49.1 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)13.10 m (43.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)4.49 m (14.7 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,030 kg (15,498 lbs)13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.3 m² (660 ft²)102.0 m² (1,098 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)500 L (132.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths610
Cabins24

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1963 Cal 40
16.97
Bavaria 49
18.74
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1963 Cal 40
38.72
Bavaria 49
32.31
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1963 Cal 40
0.70
Bavaria 49
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1963 Cal 40
21.35
Bavaria 49
14.47

Detailed Comparison

The 1963 Cal 40 and Bavaria 49 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1963 Cal 40 is a classic design by Cal from USA, while the Bavaria 49 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1963 Cal 40 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The Bavaria 49 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 1963 Cal 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Bavaria 49 at 14.98m (49.1ft) with a 4.49m beam. The Bavaria 49 is 2.79m longer than the 1963 Cal 40. The Bavaria 49 displaces approximately 85% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1963 Cal 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 61.3 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 49, with an SA/D of 18.74 and 102.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 49 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1963 Cal 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Bavaria 49 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the 1963 Cal 40 and 32.3% for the Bavaria 49, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1963 Cal 40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Bavaria 49 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 500L water and 280L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1963 Cal 40 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 Bavaria 49 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Bavaria 49 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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Or view individual specs: 1963 Cal 40 · Bavaria 49