2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Bavaria 34 — Comparison

2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
VS
Bavaria 34Bavaria 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2018 Dufour 360 Grand LargeBavaria 34
General
ManufacturerDufourBavaria
Year2018–20221998–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerUmberto FelciJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA10.30 m (33.8 ft)10.35 m (34.0 ft)
LWL9.55 m (31.3 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.55 m (11.6 ft)3.38 m (11.1 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,900 kg (13,007 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.5 m² (608 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
17.58
Bavaria 34
17.60
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
28.81
Bavaria 34
32.69
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
0.79
Bavaria 34
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large
17.55
Bavaria 34
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Bavaria 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Bavaria 34 is a 1990s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Bavaria 34 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Bavaria 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.38m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 0.05m longer than the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 34, with an SA/D of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Bavaria 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 32.7% for the Bavaria 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Bavaria 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria 34 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 34 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · Bavaria 34