1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Bavaria C42 — Comparison

1991 Hunter 33.5
VS
Bavaria C42Bavaria C42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Hunter 33.5Bavaria C42
General
ManufacturerHunterBavaria
Year1991–19962018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGlenn Hendersoncossutti yacht design
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)12.88 m (42.3 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.7 m² (546 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Hunter 33.5
16.65
Bavaria C42
17.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Hunter 33.5
37.50
Bavaria C42
30.90
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Hunter 33.5
0.80
Bavaria C42
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Hunter 33.5
18.53
Bavaria C42
15.20

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Bavaria C42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Bavaria C42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Bavaria C42 was designed by cossutti yacht design.

In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Bavaria C42 at 12.88m (42.3ft) with a 4.09m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 2.82m longer than the 1991 Hunter 33.5. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 m² of sail area. The Bavaria C42, with an SA/D of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria C42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Bavaria C42 has a comfort ratio of 15.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 30.9% for the Bavaria C42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Bavaria C42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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 C42 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 C42 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · Bavaria C42