Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 46
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 462014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBavariaElan
Year2015–20202014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.27 m (46.8 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL12.60 m (41.3 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 46
18.34
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 46
31.30
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 46
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 46
14.52
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is 2.20m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 displaces approximately 40% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.34 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.3% for the Bavaria Cruiser 46 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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 46 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 46 · 2014 Elan 400