1984 J/29 vs Bavaria 34 — Comparison
Bavaria 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1984 J/29 | Bavaria 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Bavaria |
| Year | 1984–1990 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.99 m (29.5 ft) | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.38 m (11.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 41.1 m² (442 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1984 J/29 and Bavaria 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1984 J/29 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Bavaria 34 is a 1990s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1984 J/29 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Bavaria 34 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the 1984 J/29 measures 8.99m (29.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Bavaria 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.38m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 1.36m longer than the 1984 J/29. The Bavaria 34 displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1984 J/29 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.97 and 41.1 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 1984 J/29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1984 J/29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The Bavaria 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 45.8% for the 1984 J/29 and 32.7% for the Bavaria 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1984 J/29 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 38L 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 1984 J/29 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 34 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1984 J/29 · Bavaria 34