1999 Catalina 400 vs Bavaria 44 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
Bavaria 44

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 400Bavaria 44
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBavaria
Year1999–20062002–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)13.55 m (44.5 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.82 m (38.8 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.18 m (13.7 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)10,200 kg (22,487 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)86.0 m² (926 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)230 L (60.8 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
Bavaria 44
18.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
Bavaria 44
31.37
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
Bavaria 44
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
Bavaria 44
15.31

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and Bavaria 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Bavaria 44 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Bavaria 44 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Bavaria 44 at 13.55m (44.5ft) with a 4.18m beam. The Bavaria 44 is 1.43m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The Bavaria 44 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 44, with an SA/D of 18.57 and 86.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Bavaria 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 31.4% for the Bavaria 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Bavaria 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 230L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1999 Catalina 400 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 44 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: 1999 Catalina 400 · Bavaria 44