2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 vs Catalina 34 MkII — Comparison

2016 Bavaria Cruiser 412016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
VS
Catalina 34 MkII

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41Catalina 34 MkII
General
ManufacturerBavariaCatalina
Year2016–20201995–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA12.35 m (40.5 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL10.80 m (35.4 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.97 m (13.0 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.75 m (5.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area70.0 m² (754 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
17.07
Catalina 34 MkII
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
29.41
Catalina 34 MkII
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
0.78
Catalina 34 MkII
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
16.40
Catalina 34 MkII
18.13

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and Catalina 34 MkII represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 34 MkII is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Catalina 34 MkII was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.97m, compared to the Catalina 34 MkII at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is 1.99m longer than the Catalina 34 MkII. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 displaces approximately 56% 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 Catalina 34 MkII, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 34 MkII 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 Catalina 34 MkII has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 29.4% for the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and 37.5% for the Catalina 34 MkII, 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 Catalina 34 MkII offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 34 MkII 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 34 MkII 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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