Bavaria Cruiser 37 vs Dufour 460 Grand Large — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 37Bavaria Cruiser 37
VS
Dufour 460 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 37Dufour 460 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerBavariaDufour
Year2014–20202016–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA11.30 m (37.1 ft)14.15 m (46.4 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)12.65 m (41.5 ft)
Beam3.67 m (12.0 ft)4.35 m (14.3 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)11,000 kg (24,251 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)3,400 kg (7,496 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.0 m² (646 ft²)92.0 m² (990 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP57 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)430 L (113.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths610
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
16.82
Dufour 460 Grand Large
18.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
30.43
Dufour 460 Grand Large
30.91
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
0.77
Dufour 460 Grand Large
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
17.61
Dufour 460 Grand Large
13.89

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 37 and Dufour 460 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 460 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 460 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.67m, compared to the Dufour 460 Grand Large at 14.15m (46.4ft) with a 4.35m beam. The Dufour 460 Grand Large is 2.85m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 37. The Dufour 460 Grand Large displaces approximately 59% 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 18.89 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 460 Grand Large 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 30.9% for the Dufour 460 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large offers 10 berths in 3 cabins with 430L water and 200L 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 Dufour 460 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 460 Grand Large 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 · Dufour 460 Grand Large