2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison

2016 Bavaria Cruiser 412016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
VS
1984 Cape Dory 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Bavaria Cruiser 411984 Cape Dory 33
General
ManufacturerBavariaCape Dory
Year2016–20201984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignCarl Alberg
Dimensions
LOA12.35 m (40.5 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL10.80 m (35.4 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.97 m (13.0 ft)3.12 m (10.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.45 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area70.0 m² (754 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths85
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
17.07
1984 Cape Dory 33
15.31
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
29.41
1984 Cape Dory 33
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
0.78
1984 Cape Dory 33
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
16.40
1984 Cape Dory 33
22.98

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.

In terms of size, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.97m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is 2.29m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 displaces approximately 70% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.07 and 70.0 m² of sail area. The 1984 Cape Dory 33, with an SA/D of 15.31 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 29.4% for the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 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: 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 · 1984 Cape Dory 33