Bavaria 42 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

Bavaria 42Bavaria 42
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 421988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerBavariaWesterly
Year2003–20081988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUK
DesignerJ&J DesignEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.99 m (42.6 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL11.29 m (37.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam4.06 m (13.3 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,300 kg (20,503 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast2,900 kg (6,393 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 42
18.15
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 42
31.18
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 42
0.77
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 42
15.87
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 42 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 42 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Bavaria 42 was penned by J&J Design. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 42 measures 12.99m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.06m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 1.99m longer than the 1988 Westerly Corsair. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 46% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.15 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 31.2% for the Bavaria 42 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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 42 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 42 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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