1986 Bavaria 32 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison
1986 Bavaria 32
Hunter 356
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Bavaria 32 | Hunter 356 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Hunter |
| Year | 1986–1992 | 2000–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Dehler Design | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 9.30 m (30.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.53 m (11.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,900 kg (10,803 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Bavaria 32 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The Hunter 356 is 1.07m longer than the 1986 Bavaria 32. The Hunter 356 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Bavaria 32 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.20 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 356 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Bavaria 32 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Bavaria 32 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Bavaria 32 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 Hunter 356 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: 1986 Bavaria 32 · Hunter 356