Bavaria C42 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison

Bavaria C42Bavaria C42
VS
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria C421988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
General
ManufacturerBavariaWauquiez
Year20181988–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
Designercossutti yacht designJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA12.88 m (42.3 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
LWL11.25 m (36.9 ft)8.38 m (27.5 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)47.0 m² (506 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine45 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity340 L (89.8 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria C42
17.98
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria C42
30.90
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria C42
0.79
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria C42
15.20
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria C42 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria C42 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The Bavaria C42 was penned by cossutti yacht design. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the Bavaria C42 measures 12.88m (42.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 2.67m longer than the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria C42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.98 and 76.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Bavaria C42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria C42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria C42 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria C42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 340L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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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