Bavaria 42 vs Dufour 40 — Comparison
Bavaria 42
Dufour 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 42 | Dufour 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2003–2008 | 2007–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | J&J Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) | 12.05 m (39.5 ft) |
| LWL | 11.29 m (37.0 ft) | 10.55 m (34.6 ft) |
| Beam | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) | 3.85 m (12.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,300 kg (20,503 lbs) | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 79.0 m² (850 ft²) | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 300 L (79.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 42 and Dufour 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 42 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 40 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Bavaria 42 was penned by J&J Design. The Dufour 40 was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 42 measures 12.99m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.06m, compared to the Dufour 40 at 12.05m (39.5ft) with a 3.85m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 0.94m longer than the Dufour 40. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 19% 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 Dufour 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Dufour 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.2% for the Bavaria 42 and 30.8% for the Dufour 40, 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 Dufour 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 40 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Bavaria 42 · Dufour 40