Bavaria C42 vs Hanse 400 — Comparison
Bavaria C42
Hanse 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria C42 | Hanse 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Hanse |
| Year | 2018 | 2002–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Designer | cossutti yacht design | judel/vrolijk & co |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.88 m (42.3 ft) | 12.10 m (39.7 ft) |
| LWL | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) | 10.60 m (34.8 ft) |
| Beam | 4.09 m (13.4 ft) | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,900 kg (19,621 lbs) | 7,600 kg (16,755 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,750 kg (6,063 lbs) | 2,350 kg (5,181 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 45 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 340 L (89.8 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria C42 and Hanse 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria C42 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hanse 400 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The Bavaria C42 was penned by cossutti yacht design. The Hanse 400 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.
In terms of size, the Bavaria C42 measures 12.88m (42.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the Hanse 400 at 12.10m (39.7ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 0.78m longer than the Hanse 400. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 17% 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 Hanse 400, with an SA/D of 17.87 and 68.0 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 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 Hanse 400 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria C42 and 30.9% for the Hanse 400, 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 Hanse 400 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Hanse 400 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.