1999 Catalina 400 vs Bavaria Cruiser 46 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 400Bavaria Cruiser 46
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBavaria
Year1999–20062015–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)14.27 m (46.8 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.60 m (41.3 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths810
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
Bavaria Cruiser 46
18.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
Bavaria Cruiser 46
31.30
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
Bavaria Cruiser 46
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
Bavaria Cruiser 46
14.52

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and Bavaria Cruiser 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 was designed by Farr Yacht 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 Cruiser 46 at 14.27m (46.8ft) with a 4.35m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is 2.15m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 displaces approximately 30% 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 Cruiser 46, with an SA/D of 18.34 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 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 Cruiser 46 has a comfort ratio of 14.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 46, 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 Cruiser 46 offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 450L water and 250L 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 Cruiser 46 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 Cruiser 46 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: 1999 Catalina 400 · Bavaria Cruiser 46