1990 Morgan 38 vs Bavaria Vision 46 — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
Bavaria Vision 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 38Bavaria Vision 46
General
ManufacturerMorganBavaria
Year1990–19962015–2019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerTed BrewerFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)14.27 m (46.8 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)12.50 m (41.0 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)4.38 m (14.4 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
Bavaria Vision 46
18.41
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
Bavaria Vision 46
31.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
Bavaria Vision 46
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
Bavaria Vision 46
15.18

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and Bavaria Vision 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the Bavaria Vision 46 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The Bavaria Vision 46 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 Vision 46 at 14.27m (46.8ft) with a 4.38m beam. The Bavaria Vision 46 is 2.69m longer than the 1990 Morgan 38. The Bavaria Vision 46 displaces approximately 60% 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 Vision 46, with an SA/D of 18.41 and 95.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Vision 46 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 Vision 46 has a comfort ratio of 15.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 31.7% for the Bavaria Vision 46, 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 Vision 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L 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 Vision 46 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 46 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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Or view individual specs: 1990 Morgan 38 · Bavaria Vision 46