Bavaria Cruiser 34 vs 1985 Contest 36 — Comparison
Bavaria Cruiser 34
1985 Contest 36
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 34 | 1985 Contest 36 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2010–2017 | 1985–1995 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.25 m (33.6 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) | 54.0 m² (581 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 1985 Contest 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1985 Contest 36 is a 1980s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1985 Contest 36 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 1985 Contest 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1985 Contest 36 is 0.72m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 34. The 1985 Contest 36 displaces approximately 18% 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 1985 Contest 36, with an SA/D of 15.75 and 54.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1985 Contest 36 has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 41.5% for the 1985 Contest 36, 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 1985 Contest 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Contest 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 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 34 · 1985 Contest 36