Bavaria Cruiser 37 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 37Bavaria Cruiser 37
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 372004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerBavariaOyster
Year2014–20202004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUnited Kingdom
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.30 m (37.1 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.67 m (12.0 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.0 m² (646 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
16.82
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
30.43
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
0.77
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
17.61
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.67m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.72m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 37. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 81% 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 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, 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 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2004 Oyster 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 37 · 2004 Oyster 46