1994 J/105 vs Bavaria Cruiser 34 — Comparison

1994 J/105
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 34Bavaria Cruiser 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 J/105Bavaria Cruiser 34
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsBavaria
Year1994–20082010–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerRod JohnstoneFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.52 m (34.5 ft)10.25 m (33.6 ft)
LWL8.97 m (29.4 ft)9.15 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.42 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 J/105
23.80
Bavaria Cruiser 34
16.30
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 J/105
43.52
Bavaria Cruiser 34
30.91
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 J/105
0.84
Bavaria Cruiser 34
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 J/105
13.68
Bavaria Cruiser 34
18.28

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 J/105 and Bavaria Cruiser 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was designed by Farr Yacht 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 Cruiser 34 at 10.25m (33.6ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 1994 J/105 is 0.27m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 34. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 displaces approximately 43% 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 Cruiser 34, with an SA/D of 16.30 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Cruiser 34 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34, 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 Cruiser 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 34 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 Cruiser 34