1988 C&C 32 vs Bavaria 40 — Comparison

1988 C&C 32
VS
Bavaria 40Bavaria 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1988 C&C 32Bavaria 40
General
ManufacturerC&C YachtsBavaria
Year1988–19932001–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryCanadaGermany
DesignerCuthbertson & CassianJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)12.35 m (40.5 ft)
LWL8.23 m (27.0 ft)10.75 m (35.3 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.99 m (13.1 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast1,996 kg (4,400 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area45.8 m² (493 ft²)72.0 m² (775 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1988 C&C 32
16.98
Bavaria 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1988 C&C 32
44.00
Bavaria 40
30.59
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1988 C&C 32
0.79
Bavaria 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1988 C&C 32
18.99
Bavaria 40
16.39

Detailed Comparison

The 1988 C&C 32 and Bavaria 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 C&C 32 is a 1980s design by C&C Yachts from Canada, while the Bavaria 40 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1988 C&C 32 was penned by Cuthbertson & Cassian. The Bavaria 40 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 1988 C&C 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Bavaria 40 at 12.35m (40.5ft) with a 3.99m beam. The Bavaria 40 is 2.60m longer than the 1988 C&C 32. The Bavaria 40 displaces approximately 87% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1988 C&C 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 45.8 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1988 C&C 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Bavaria 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 44.0% for the 1988 C&C 32 and 30.6% for the Bavaria 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1988 C&C 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Bavaria 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 C&C 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 Bavaria 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Bavaria 40 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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