2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2016–2020 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.80 m (35.4 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.97 m (13.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 70.0 m² (754 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 230 L (60.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.97m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is 2.65m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 displaces approximately 89% 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 Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 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 Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 29.4% for the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, 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 Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 · Dufour 32 Classic