2004 Bavaria 38 vs 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 — Comparison

2004 Bavaria 38
VS
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 321990 Wauquiez Centurion 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Bavaria 381990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
General
ManufacturerBavariaWauquiez
Year2004–20091990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerJ&J DesignJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA11.72 m (38.5 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL10.40 m (34.1 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)65 L (17.2 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths85
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.70
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
15.66
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Bavaria 38
33.33
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Bavaria 38
0.77
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.94
1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32
19.88

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Bavaria 38 and 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 is a 1990s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.15m beam. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is 1.97m longer than the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32. The 2004 Bavaria 38 displaces approximately 67% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2004 Bavaria 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.70 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32, with an SA/D of 15.66 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Bavaria 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2004 Bavaria 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 has a comfort ratio of 19.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 40.0% for the 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2004 Bavaria 38 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 65L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Wauquiez Centurion 32 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 2004 Bavaria 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2004 Bavaria 38 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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