2004 Bavaria 38 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Bavaria 38 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Hunter |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | J&J Design | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.72 m (38.5 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.40 m (34.1 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Bavaria 38 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is 0.90m longer than the Hunter 356. The 2004 Bavaria 38 displaces approximately 38% 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 Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 356 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 Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2004 Bavaria 38 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 Hunter 356 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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Or view individual specs: 2004 Bavaria 38 · Hunter 356