2004 Bavaria 38 vs Hanse 342 — Comparison

2004 Bavaria 38
VS
Hanse 342Hanse 342

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Bavaria 38Hanse 342
General
ManufacturerBavariaHanse
Year2004–20092006–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyGermany
DesignerJ&J Designjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA11.72 m (38.5 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL10.40 m (34.1 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.70
Hanse 342
17.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Bavaria 38
33.33
Hanse 342
31.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Bavaria 38
0.77
Hanse 342
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Bavaria 38
16.94
Hanse 342
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Bavaria 38 and Hanse 342 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hanse 342 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The 2004 Bavaria 38 was penned by J&J Design. The Hanse 342 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the 2004 Bavaria 38 measures 11.72m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the Hanse 342 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2004 Bavaria 38 is 1.42m longer than the Hanse 342. The 2004 Bavaria 38 displaces approximately 42% 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 Hanse 342, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 342 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 Hanse 342 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Bavaria 38 and 31.1% for the Hanse 342, 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 Hanse 342 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hanse 342 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 Hanse 342 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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