2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 vs Dufour 36 Classic — Comparison
2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 | Dufour 36 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Dufour |
| Year | 2016–2020 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.80 m (35.4 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.97 m (13.0 ft) | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 70.0 m² (754 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 27 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 110 L (29.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 230 L (60.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and Dufour 36 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Dufour 36 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 36 Classic at 10.90m (35.8ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 is 1.45m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 displaces approximately 37% 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 36 Classic, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 36 Classic 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 36 Classic has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 29.4% for the 2016 Bavaria Cruiser 41 and 32.3% for the Dufour 36 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 36 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 110L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 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 Dufour 36 Classic 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 36 Classic