Bavaria Cruiser 36 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 36 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2012–2018 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.30 m (37.1 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 9.80 m (32.2 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.57 m (11.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,400 kg (14,110 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 58.0 m² (624 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 210 L (55.5 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 36 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.57m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is 1.60m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 displaces approximately 42% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 58.0 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L of water capacity and 110L 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 Bavaria Cruiser 36 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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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 36 · Dufour 32 Classic