1994 J/105 vs Bavaria 37 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
Bavaria 37Bavaria 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/105Bavaria 37
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBavaria
Year1994–20082000–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRod JohnstoneJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)11.38 m (37.3 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)9.86 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.61 m (11.8 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP27 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)230 L (60.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
Bavaria 37
17.10
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
Bavaria 37
31.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
Bavaria 37
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
Bavaria 37
18.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and Bavaria 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Bavaria 37 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Bavaria 37 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Bavaria 37 at 11.38m (37.3ft) with a 3.61m beam. The Bavaria 37 is 0.86m longer than the 1994 J/105. The Bavaria 37 displaces approximately 79% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 37, with an SA/D of 17.10 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The Bavaria 37 has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 31.9% for the Bavaria 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Bavaria 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria 37 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 1994 J/105 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1994 J/105 · Bavaria 37