Bavaria 37 vs Catalina 42 MkII — Comparison
Bavaria 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 37 | Catalina 42 MkII |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Catalina |
| Year | 2000–2006 | 2003–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | J&J Design | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.38 m (37.3 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.86 m (32.3 ft) | 11.10 m (36.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.61 m (11.8 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,900 kg (15,212 lbs) | 9,525 kg (20,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 230 L (60.8 gal) | 303 L (80.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 37 and Catalina 42 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 37 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 42 MkII is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Bavaria 37 was penned by J&J Design. The Catalina 42 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 37 measures 11.38m (37.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.61m, compared to the Catalina 42 MkII at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The Catalina 42 MkII is 1.42m longer than the Bavaria 37. The Catalina 42 MkII displaces approximately 38% 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 Catalina 42 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.18 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 42 MkII 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 Catalina 42 MkII has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.9% for the Bavaria 37 and 38.1% for the Catalina 42 MkII, 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 Catalina 42 MkII offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L water and 152L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Bavaria 37 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 Catalina 42 MkII has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 42 MkII 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 · Catalina 42 MkII