1972 Morgan 34 vs Bavaria Vision 42 — Comparison

1972 Morgan 341972 Morgan 34
VS
Bavaria Vision 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1972 Morgan 34Bavaria Vision 42
General
ManufacturerMorganBavaria
Year1972–19782013–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerCharley MorganFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.99 m (42.6 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)11.20 m (36.7 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)4.06 m (13.3 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)
Ballast2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)80.0 m² (861 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1972 Morgan 34
15.63
Bavaria Vision 42
18.12
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1972 Morgan 34
41.53
Bavaria Vision 42
31.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1972 Morgan 34
0.72
Bavaria Vision 42
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1972 Morgan 34
24.55
Bavaria Vision 42
16.39

Detailed Comparison

The 1972 Morgan 34 and Bavaria Vision 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Morgan 34 is a 1970s design by Morgan from USA, while the Bavaria Vision 42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1972 Morgan 34 was penned by Charley Morgan. The Bavaria Vision 42 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1972 Morgan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Bavaria Vision 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria Vision 42 is 2.63m longer than the 1972 Morgan 34. The Bavaria Vision 42 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1972 Morgan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Bavaria Vision 42, with an SA/D of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Vision 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1972 Morgan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Bavaria Vision 42 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1972 Morgan 34 and 31.6% for the Bavaria Vision 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1972 Morgan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Bavaria Vision 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Morgan 34 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 Vision 42 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 Vision 42 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: 1972 Morgan 34 · Bavaria Vision 42