Bavaria 37 vs 1975 Pearson 28 — Comparison

Bavaria 37Bavaria 37
VS
1975 Pearson 281975 Pearson 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 371975 Pearson 28
General
ManufacturerBavariaPearson
Year2000–20061975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJ&J DesignWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA11.38 m (37.3 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.86 m (32.3 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.61 m (11.8 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Ballast2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.0 m² (657 ft²)30.0 m² (323 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine27 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 37
17.10
1975 Pearson 28
14.83
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 37
31.88
1975 Pearson 28
43.08
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 37
0.76
1975 Pearson 28
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 37
18.02
1975 Pearson 28
21.23

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 37 and 1975 Pearson 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 37 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1975 Pearson 28 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Bavaria 37 was penned by J&J Design. The 1975 Pearson 28 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 37 measures 11.38m (37.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.61m, compared to the 1975 Pearson 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Bavaria 37 is 2.85m longer than the 1975 Pearson 28. The Bavaria 37 displaces approximately 134% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 37 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Pearson 28, with an SA/D of 14.83 and 30.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 37 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1975 Pearson 28 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.9% for the Bavaria 37 and 43.1% for the 1975 Pearson 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1975 Pearson 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 28 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 37 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 37 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: Bavaria 37 · 1975 Pearson 28