2004 Bavaria 38 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Bavaria 38 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | J&J Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.72 m (38.5 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.40 m (34.1 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Bavaria 38 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is 2.02m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 Dufour 32 Classic 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2004 Bavaria 38 · Dufour 32 Classic