2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2012–2016 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.99 m (32.8 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,400 kg (11,905 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 L (17.2 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 36 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 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Dufour 36 Classic is 0.91m longer than the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser. The Dufour 36 Classic displaces approximately 15% 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 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 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 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L 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 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 36 Classic