1986 Bavaria 32 vs 2004 Najad 405 — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
2004 Najad 405

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 322004 Najad 405
General
ManufacturerBavariaNajad
Year1986–19922004–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySweden
DesignerDehler DesignJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)12.40 m (40.7 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)10.40 m (34.1 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.82 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)9,200 kg (20,283 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)73.0 m² (786 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
2004 Najad 405
16.89
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
2004 Najad 405
39.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
2004 Najad 405
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
2004 Najad 405
19.60

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and 2004 Najad 405 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2004 Najad 405 is a 2000s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The 2004 Najad 405 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2004 Najad 405 at 12.40m (40.7ft) with a 3.82m beam. The 2004 Najad 405 is 2.65m longer than the 1986 Bavaria 32. The 2004 Najad 405 displaces approximately 88% 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 2004 Najad 405, with an SA/D of 16.89 and 73.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Najad 405 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 2004 Najad 405 has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 39.1% for the 2004 Najad 405, 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 2004 Najad 405 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L 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 2004 Najad 405 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2004 Najad 405 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: 1986 Bavaria 32 · 2004 Najad 405