2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs 1985 Sabre 32 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
1985 Sabre 321985 Sabre 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser1985 Sabre 32
General
ManufacturerBavariaSabre
Year2012–20161985–1991
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)8.08 m (26.5 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)1,633 kg (3,600 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
1985 Sabre 32
16.71
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
1985 Sabre 32
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
1985 Sabre 32
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
1985 Sabre 32
18.88

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 1985 Sabre 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1985 Sabre 32 is a 1980s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1985 Sabre 32 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 1985 Sabre 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 0.24m longer than the 1985 Sabre 32. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 32% 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 1985 Sabre 32, with an SA/D of 16.71 and 42.0 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 1985 Sabre 32 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 40.0% for the 1985 Sabre 32, 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 1985 Sabre 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 32 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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