1990 Morgan 38 vs Bavaria 40 — Comparison
1990 Morgan 38
Bavaria 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Morgan 38 | Bavaria 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Morgan | Bavaria |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 2001–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Ted Brewer | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.75 m (35.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 3.99 m (13.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.8 m² (665 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Morgan 38 and Bavaria 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the Bavaria 40 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The Bavaria 40 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the Bavaria 40 at 12.35m (40.5ft) with a 3.99m beam. The Bavaria 40 is 0.77m longer than the 1990 Morgan 38. The Bavaria 40 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Morgan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.41 and 61.8 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 1990 Morgan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Bavaria 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 30.6% for the Bavaria 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Morgan 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Bavaria 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Morgan 38 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1990 Morgan 38 · Bavaria 40