1989 J/35 vs Bavaria Vision 42 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
Bavaria Vision 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/35Bavaria Vision 42
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBavaria
Year1989–19932013–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRod JohnstoneFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.99 m (42.6 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)11.20 m (36.7 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)4.06 m (13.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)80.0 m² (861 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
Bavaria Vision 42
18.12
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
Bavaria Vision 42
31.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
Bavaria Vision 42
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
Bavaria Vision 42
16.39

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and Bavaria Vision 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Bavaria Vision 42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Bavaria Vision 42 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the Bavaria Vision 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria Vision 42 is 2.32m longer than the 1989 J/35. The Bavaria Vision 42 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Bavaria Vision 42, with an SA/D of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Bavaria Vision 42 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 31.6% for the Bavaria Vision 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Bavaria Vision 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 J/35 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 1989 J/35 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 Vision 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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