Bavaria 49 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Bavaria 49Bavaria 49
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 492014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBavariaElan
Year2005–20092014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerJ&J DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.98 m (49.1 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL13.10 m (43.0 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,000 kg (28,660 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area102.0 m² (1,098 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 49
18.74
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 49
32.31
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 49
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 49
14.47
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 49 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 49 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Bavaria 49 was penned by J&J Design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 49 measures 14.98m (49.1ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The Bavaria 49 is 2.91m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The Bavaria 49 displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 49 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.74 and 102.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 49 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Bavaria 49 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 49 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 280L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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 49 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 49 · 2014 Elan 400