Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 vs Bavaria C42 — Comparison

Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
VS
Bavaria C42Bavaria C42

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau Oceanis 34.1Bavaria C42
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBavaria
Year20162018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerMarc Lombardcossutti yacht design
Dimensions
LOA10.34 m (33.9 ft)12.88 m (42.3 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)11.25 m (36.9 ft)
Beam3.39 m (11.1 ft)4.09 m (13.4 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)
Ballast1,600 kg (3,527 lbs)2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths68
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
17.60
Bavaria C42
17.98
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
30.77
Bavaria C42
30.90
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
0.78
Bavaria C42
0.79
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
16.89
Bavaria C42
15.20

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and Bavaria C42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Bavaria C42 is a modern offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Bavaria C42 was designed by cossutti yacht design.

In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 measures 10.34m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.39m, compared to the Bavaria C42 at 12.88m (42.3ft) with a 4.09m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 2.54m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 71% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria C42, with an SA/D of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria C42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Bavaria C42 has a comfort ratio of 15.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 and 30.9% for the Bavaria C42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Bavaria C42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 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 Bavaria C42 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 C42 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: Beneteau Oceanis 34.1 · Bavaria C42