2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Catalina 250 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
Catalina 250Catalina 250

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 CruiserCatalina 250
General
ManufacturerBavariaCatalina
Year2012–20161994–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)6.78 m (22.2 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)2.59 m (8.5 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)24.5 m² (264 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)42 L (11.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
Catalina 250
18.30
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
Catalina 250
38.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
Catalina 250
0.89
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
Catalina 250
13.89

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 2.37m longer than the Catalina 250. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 240% 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 Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 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 Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, 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 Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser 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 Catalina 250 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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