2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser vs 1983 Tartan 37 — Comparison

2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser
VS
1983 Tartan 371983 Tartan 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser1983 Tartan 37
General
ManufacturerBavariaTartan
Year2008–20131983–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA14.27 m (46.8 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL12.70 m (41.7 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity340 L (89.8 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser
18.34
1983 Tartan 37
15.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser
30.43
1983 Tartan 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser
0.77
1983 Tartan 37
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser
14.37
1983 Tartan 37
21.48

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser and 1983 Tartan 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s offering from Tartan from USA. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1983 Tartan 37 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 1983 Tartan 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser is 2.99m longer than the 1983 Tartan 37. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser displaces approximately 58% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.34 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Tartan 37, with an SA/D of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1983 Tartan 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser and 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The 1983 Tartan 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Tartan 37 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 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2008 Bavaria 47 Cruiser 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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