Bavaria 46 vs Bavaria Cruiser 36 — Comparison

Bavaria 46Bavaria 46
VS
Bavaria Cruiser 36

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 46Bavaria Cruiser 36
General
ManufacturerBavariaBavaria
Year2004–20092012–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyGermany
DesignerJ&J DesignFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA14.27 m (46.8 ft)11.30 m (37.1 ft)
LWL12.50 m (41.0 ft)9.80 m (32.2 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)3.57 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,200 kg (24,692 lbs)6,400 kg (14,110 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area95.0 m² (1,023 ft²)58.0 m² (624 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)210 L (55.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths106
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 46
19.28
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.10
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 46
31.25
Bavaria Cruiser 36
31.25
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 46
0.78
Bavaria Cruiser 36
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 46
14.30
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.18

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 46 and Bavaria Cruiser 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 46 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Bavaria 46 was penned by J&J Design. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 46 measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the Bavaria Cruiser 36 at 11.30m (37.1ft) with a 3.57m beam. The Bavaria 46 is 2.97m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 36. The Bavaria 46 displaces approximately 75% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 46 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.28 and 95.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria Cruiser 36, with an SA/D of 17.10 and 58.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Bavaria Cruiser 36 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Bavaria 46 and 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 46 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 36 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 46 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 46 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: Bavaria 46 · Bavaria Cruiser 36