Bavaria Vision 42 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Vision 42 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Catalina |
| Year | 2013–2017 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.99 m (42.6 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.06 m (13.3 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,500 kg (20,944 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 80.0 m² (861 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Vision 42 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Vision 42 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Bavaria Vision 42 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Vision 42 measures 12.99m (42.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.06m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Bavaria Vision 42 is 1.10m longer than the Catalina 390. The Bavaria Vision 42 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Vision 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 80.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Bavaria Vision 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Vision 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.6% for the Bavaria Vision 42 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Vision 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Catalina 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 Vision 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Bavaria Vision 42 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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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Vision 42 · Catalina 390