Bavaria Cruiser 34 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
Bavaria Cruiser 34
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 34 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.25 m (33.6 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 measures 10.25m (33.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is 0.80m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 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 Cruiser 34 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 Cruiser 34 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 Cruiser 34 · 1972 Contest 31