Bavaria Cruiser 37 vs 1972 Contest 31 — Comparison
Bavaria Cruiser 37
1972 Contest 31
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria Cruiser 37 | 1972 Contest 31 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Contest |
| Year | 2014–2020 | 1972–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Netherlands |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.30 m (37.1 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.90 m (32.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.67 m (12.0 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,900 kg (15,212 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg (4,630 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 60.0 m² (646 ft²) | 39.5 m² (425 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 230 L (60.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 1972 Contest 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1972 Contest 31 is a 1970s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1972 Contest 31 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.67m, compared to the 1972 Contest 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is 1.85m longer than the 1972 Contest 31. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.82 and 60.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Contest 31, with an SA/D of 14.65 and 39.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1972 Contest 31 has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 40.0% for the 1972 Contest 31, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The 1972 Contest 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1972 Contest 31 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 37 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 Cruiser 37 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 Cruiser 37 · 1972 Contest 31