1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Bavaria Cruiser 34 — Comparison
Bavaria Cruiser 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Bavaria Cruiser 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Bavaria |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2010–2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 10.25 m (33.6 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 90 L (23.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Bavaria Cruiser 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Bavaria Cruiser 34 at 10.25m (33.6ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is 1.33m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 34. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.00 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria Cruiser 34, with an SA/D of 16.30 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Bavaria Cruiser 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 90L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 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 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 38 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: 1987 Beneteau First 38 · Bavaria Cruiser 34