1986 Bavaria 32 vs 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 341997 Hallberg-Rassy 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 321997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
General
ManufacturerBavariaHallberg-Rassy
Year1986–19921997–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySweden
DesignerDehler DesignGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.35 m (34.0 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.34 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
16.68
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
41.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
20.67

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.34m beam. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is 0.60m longer than the 1986 Bavaria 32. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 displaces approximately 18% 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, with an SA/D of 16.68 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1986 Bavaria 32 · 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34