2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs Hunter 306 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
Hunter 306Hunter 306

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 CruiserHunter 306
General
ManufacturerBavariaHunter
Year2012–20161999–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)9.25 m (30.3 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)1.65 m (5.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)3,990 kg (8,796 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)43.0 m² (463 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
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
Hunter 306
17.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
Hunter 306
39.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
Hunter 306
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
Hunter 306
19.11

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and Hunter 306 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hunter 306 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hunter 306 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 306 at 9.25m (30.3ft) with a 3.10m beam. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is 0.74m longer than the Hunter 306. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser displaces approximately 35% 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 306, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 306 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 306 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 39.8% for the Hunter 306, 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 306 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 306 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 306 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.

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