1984 Sabre 34 vs Bavaria Cruiser 37 — Comparison

1984 Sabre 34
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 37Bavaria Cruiser 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1984 Sabre 34Bavaria Cruiser 37
General
ManufacturerSabreBavaria
Year1984–19902014–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRoger HewsonFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.30 m (37.1 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.90 m (32.5 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.67 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)
Ballast2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)60.0 m² (646 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)230 L (60.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1984 Sabre 34
16.96
Bavaria Cruiser 37
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1984 Sabre 34
41.74
Bavaria Cruiser 37
30.43
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1984 Sabre 34
0.74
Bavaria Cruiser 37
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1984 Sabre 34
21.14
Bavaria Cruiser 37
17.61

Detailed Comparison

The 1984 Sabre 34 and Bavaria Cruiser 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 Sabre 34 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1984 Sabre 34 was penned by Roger Hewson. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was designed by Farr Yacht 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 Cruiser 37 at 11.30m (37.1ft) with a 3.67m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is 0.94m longer than the 1984 Sabre 34. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 displaces approximately 32% 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 Cruiser 37, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 60.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1984 Sabre 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 Cruiser 37 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1984 Sabre 34 and 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37, 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 Cruiser 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L water and 140L 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 1984 Sabre 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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Or view individual specs: 1984 Sabre 34 · Bavaria Cruiser 37