2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser2014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBavariaElan
Year2012–20162014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA9.99 m (32.8 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
17.17
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
29.63
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
0.78
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser
18.80
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser measures 9.99m (32.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 2.08m longer than the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 52% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the 2012 Bavaria 33 Cruiser and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 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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