2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs 1976 Ericson 29 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
1976 Ericson 291976 Ericson 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser1976 Ericson 29
General
ManufacturerBavariaEricson
Year2012–20161976–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignBruce King
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)8.84 m (29.0 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)1,361 kg (3,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)34.0 m² (366 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP13 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
1976 Ericson 29
15.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
1976 Ericson 29
42.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
1976 Ericson 29
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
1976 Ericson 29
20.09

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 1976 Ericson 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1976 Ericson 29 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1976 Ericson 29 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 1976 Ericson 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 1.15m longer than the 1976 Ericson 29. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 70% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.17 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 Ericson 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1976 Ericson 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 42.9% for the 1976 Ericson 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 65L of fuel. The 1976 Ericson 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1976 Ericson 29 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 2012 Bavaria 33 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 2012 Bavaria 33 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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