Bavaria 34 vs 1980 Contest 33 — Comparison
Bavaria 34
1980 Contest 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 34 | 1980 Contest 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1980–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | J&J Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.38 m (11.1 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 170 L (44.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 34 and 1980 Contest 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 34 is a 1990s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1980 Contest 33 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Bavaria 34 was penned by J&J Design. The 1980 Contest 33 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 34 measures 10.35m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.38m, compared to the 1980 Contest 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 0.29m longer than the 1980 Contest 33.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1980 Contest 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1980 Contest 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the Bavaria 34 and 40.4% for the 1980 Contest 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1980 Contest 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1980 Contest 33 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 34 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: Bavaria 34 · 1980 Contest 33