1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs Bavaria C42 — Comparison

1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
VS
Bavaria C42Bavaria C42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 Columbia 34 Mk IIBavaria C42
General
ManufacturerColumbiaBavaria
Year1975–19802018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerWilliam Crealockcossutti yacht design
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.88 m (42.3 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.5 m² (501 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
15.71
Bavaria C42
17.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
41.74
Bavaria C42
30.90
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
0.70
Bavaria C42
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 Columbia 34 Mk II
23.07
Bavaria C42
15.20

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and Bavaria C42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Bavaria C42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Bavaria C42 was designed by cossutti yacht design.

In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Bavaria C42 at 12.88m (42.3ft) with a 4.09m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 2.52m longer than the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 71% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The Bavaria C42, with an SA/D of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria C42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Bavaria C42 has a comfort ratio of 15.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 30.9% for the Bavaria C42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Bavaria C42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II 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 C42 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 C42 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: 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II · Bavaria C42