1986 Bavaria 32 vs Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 32Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
General
ManufacturerBavariaBeneteau
Year1986–19922016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerDehler DesignMarc Lombard
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)9.35 m (30.7 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.39 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 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
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
17.60
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
16.89

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern offering from Beneteau from France. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was designed by Marc Lombard.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 at 10.34m (33.9ft) with a 3.39m beam. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is 0.59m longer than the 1986 Bavaria 32. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 displaces approximately 6% 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, with an SA/D of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1, 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L 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 Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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: 1986 Bavaria 32 · Beneteau Oceanis 34.1