2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Hunter 260 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
Hunter 260Hunter 260

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 CruiserHunter 260
General
ManufacturerBavariaHunter
Year2012–20161998–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)7.85 m (25.8 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)6.86 m (22.5 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)771 kg (1,700 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)27.5 m² (296 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
Hunter 260
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
Hunter 260
37.78
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
Hunter 260
0.87
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
Hunter 260
15.99

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 2.14m longer than the Hunter 260. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 165% 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 Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 260 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 Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, 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 Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L 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 Hunter 260 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser · Hunter 260