Bavaria 42 vs Hanse 388 — Comparison

Bavaria 42Bavaria 42
VS
Hanse 388

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 42Hanse 388
General
ManufacturerBavariaHanse
Year2003–20082017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyGermany
DesignerJ&J Designjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA12.99 m (42.6 ft)11.40 m (37.4 ft)
LWL11.29 m (37.0 ft)10.34 m (33.9 ft)
Beam4.06 m (13.3 ft)3.73 m (12.2 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,300 kg (20,503 lbs)7,200 kg (15,873 lbs)
Ballast2,900 kg (6,393 lbs)2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 42
18.15
Hanse 388
17.17
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 42
31.18
Hanse 388
30.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 42
0.77
Hanse 388
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 42
15.87
Hanse 388
16.86

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 42 and Hanse 388 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 42 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hanse 388 is a modern offering from Hanse from Germany. The Bavaria 42 was penned by J&J Design. The Hanse 388 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 42 measures 12.99m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.06m, compared to the Hanse 388 at 11.40m (37.4ft) with a 3.73m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 1.59m longer than the Hanse 388. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 29% 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 Hanse 388, with an SA/D of 17.17 and 63.0 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 Hanse 388 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.2% for the Bavaria 42 and 30.6% for the Hanse 388, 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 Hanse 388 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 140L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hanse 388 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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