1984 Sabre 34 vs Bavaria 34 — Comparison

1984 Sabre 34
VS
Bavaria 34Bavaria 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Sabre 34Bavaria 34
General
ManufacturerSabreBavaria
Year1984–19901998–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRoger HewsonJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)10.35 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.38 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Sabre 34
16.96
Bavaria 34
17.60
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Sabre 34
41.74
Bavaria 34
32.69
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Sabre 34
0.74
Bavaria 34
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Sabre 34
21.14
Bavaria 34
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Sabre 34 and Bavaria 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Sabre 34 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Bavaria 34 is a 1990s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1984 Sabre 34 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Bavaria 34 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 1984 Sabre 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Bavaria 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.38m beam. The 1984 Sabre 34 is 0.01m longer than the Bavaria 34. The 1984 Sabre 34 displaces approximately 0% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1984 Sabre 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.96 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 34, with an SA/D of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1984 Sabre 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Bavaria 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1984 Sabre 34 and 32.7% for the Bavaria 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1984 Sabre 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Bavaria 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Sabre 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 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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