1986 Bavaria 32 vs 1975 Ericson 25+ — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
1975 Ericson 25+

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 321975 Ericson 25+
General
ManufacturerBavariaEricson
Year1986–19921975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerDehler DesignBruce King
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)6.25 m (20.5 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)726 kg (1,601 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)25.0 m² (269 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)23 L (6.1 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
1975 Ericson 25+
16.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
1975 Ericson 25+
38.11
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
1975 Ericson 25+
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
1975 Ericson 25+
20.11

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and 1975 Ericson 25+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1975 Ericson 25+ is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The 1975 Ericson 25+ was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1975 Ericson 25+ at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is 2.13m longer than the 1975 Ericson 25+. The 1986 Bavaria 32 displaces approximately 157% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1986 Bavaria 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Ericson 25+, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 25.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1975 Ericson 25+ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1986 Bavaria 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1975 Ericson 25+ has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 38.1% for the 1975 Ericson 25+, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1986 Bavaria 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The 1975 Ericson 25+ offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 45L water and 23L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Ericson 25+ 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 1975 Ericson 25+ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1986 Bavaria 32 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: 1986 Bavaria 32 · 1975 Ericson 25+