2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2012–2016 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.99 m (32.8 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 L (17.2 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 0.29m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 20% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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: 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 · Dufour 32 Classic