Bavaria C42 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Bavaria C42Bavaria C42
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria C422014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerBavariaElan
Year20182014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
Designercossutti yacht designRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.88 m (42.3 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL11.25 m (36.9 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,900 kg (19,621 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,750 kg (6,063 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.0 m² (818 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine45 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity340 L (89.8 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria C42
17.98
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria C42
30.90
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria C42
0.79
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria C42
15.20
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria C42 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria C42 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Bavaria C42 was penned by cossutti yacht design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria C42 measures 12.88m (42.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The Bavaria C42 is 0.81m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The Bavaria C42 displaces approximately 9% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria C42 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 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 2014 Elan 400 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: Bavaria C42 · 2014 Elan 400