1986 Bavaria 32 vs 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 321994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
General
ManufacturerBavariaHallberg-Rassy
Year1986–19921994–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySweden
DesignerDehler DesignOlle Enderlein
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)38.0 m² (409 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was designed by Olle Enderlein.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 at 8.85m (29.0ft) with a 3.02m beam. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is 0.90m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The 1986 Bavaria 32 displaces approximately 32% 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, with an SA/D of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Bavaria 32 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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 1986 Bavaria 32 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.

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