Bavaria 42 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
Bavaria 42
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 42 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | J&J Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.29 m (37.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,300 kg (20,503 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 79.0 m² (850 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 42 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 42 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Bavaria 42 was penned by J&J Design. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 42 measures 12.99m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.06m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 0.19m longer than the 1992 Contest 42. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 12% 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 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 31.2% for the Bavaria 42 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, 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 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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.