Bavaria Cruiser 37 vs Catalina 445 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 37Bavaria Cruiser 37
VS
Catalina 445

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 37Catalina 445
General
ManufacturerBavariaCatalina
Year2014–20202016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA11.30 m (37.1 ft)13.56 m (44.5 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
Beam3.67 m (12.0 ft)4.17 m (13.7 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.0 m² (646 ft²)84.0 m² (904 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)379 L (100.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
16.82
Catalina 445
16.91
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
30.43
Catalina 445
38.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
0.77
Catalina 445
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
17.61
Catalina 445
16.94

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 37 and Catalina 445 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 445 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 445 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.67m, compared to the Catalina 445 at 13.56m (44.5ft) with a 4.17m beam. The Catalina 445 is 2.26m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 37. The Catalina 445 displaces approximately 64% 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 Catalina 445, with an SA/D of 16.91 and 84.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 445 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 Catalina 445 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 38.0% for the Catalina 445, 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 Catalina 445 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L water and 189L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 37 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 Catalina 445 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 445 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 · Catalina 445