1999 Catalina 400 vs Bavaria C42 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
Bavaria C42Bavaria C42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 400Bavaria C42
General
ManufacturerCatalinaBavaria
Year1999–20062018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry Douglascossutti yacht design
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)12.88 m (42.3 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
Bavaria C42
17.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
Bavaria C42
30.90
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
Bavaria C42
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
Bavaria C42
15.20

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and Bavaria C42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Bavaria C42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Bavaria C42 was designed by cossutti 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 C42 at 12.88m (42.3ft) with a 4.09m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 0.76m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 1% 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 C42, with an SA/D of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria C42 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 C42 has a comfort ratio of 15.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 30.9% for the Bavaria C42, 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 C42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 200L 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 C42 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 C42