1986 Bavaria 32 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 322012 X-Yachts Xc 42
General
ManufacturerBavariaX-Yachts
Year1986–19922012–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyDenmark
DesignerDehler DesignNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)12.73 m (41.8 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.93 m (12.9 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)79.0 m² (850 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 at 12.73m (41.8ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 2.98m longer than the 1986 Bavaria 32. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 100% 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Bavaria 32 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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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