Bavaria Cruiser 36 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 36
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 362014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBavariaElan
Year2012–20182014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.30 m (37.1 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL9.80 m (32.2 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.57 m (11.7 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,400 kg (14,110 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area58.0 m² (624 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity110 L (29.1 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity210 L (55.5 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.10
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 36
31.25
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 36
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 36
17.18
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 36 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Bavaria Cruiser 36 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.57m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 0.77m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 36. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 28% 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 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 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 36 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 36 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 36 · 2014 Elan 400