2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Beneteau |
| Year | 2012–2016 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.99 m (32.8 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 L (17.2 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 0.85m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 50% 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 Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, 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 Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser · Beneteau First 30