1990 Morgan 38 vs Bavaria Cruiser 36 — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 38Bavaria Cruiser 36
General
ManufacturerMorganBavaria
Year1990–19962012–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerTed BrewerFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.30 m (37.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.80 m (32.2 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.57 m (11.7 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)6,400 kg (14,110 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)210 L (55.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.10
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
Bavaria Cruiser 36
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
Bavaria Cruiser 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.18

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and Bavaria Cruiser 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was designed by Farr Yacht 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 Cruiser 36 at 11.30m (37.1ft) with a 3.57m beam. The 1990 Morgan 38 is 0.28m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 36. The 1990 Morgan 38 displaces approximately 17% 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 Cruiser 36, with an SA/D of 17.10 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 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 Cruiser 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36, 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 Cruiser 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 110L 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 Cruiser 36 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1990 Morgan 38 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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