1980 Peterson 34 vs Bavaria 42 — Comparison
Bavaria 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1980 Peterson 34 | Bavaria 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Peterson | Bavaria |
| Year | 1980–1986 | 2003–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Doug Peterson | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.29 m (37.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 9,300 kg (20,503 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 51.1 m² (550 ft²) | 79.0 m² (850 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1980 Peterson 34 and Bavaria 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1980 Peterson 34 is a 1980s design by Peterson from USA, while the Bavaria 42 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1980 Peterson 34 was penned by Doug Peterson. The Bavaria 42 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the 1980 Peterson 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Bavaria 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 2.63m longer than the 1980 Peterson 34. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1980 Peterson 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 51.1 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 42, with an SA/D of 18.15 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1980 Peterson 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Bavaria 42 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1980 Peterson 34 and 31.2% for the Bavaria 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1980 Peterson 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Bavaria 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Peterson 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 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 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1980 Peterson 34 · Bavaria 42