1986 Bavaria 32 vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison

1986 Bavaria 321986 Bavaria 32
VS
Dufour 310 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1986 Bavaria 32Dufour 310 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerBavariaDufour
Year1986–19922015–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerDehler DesignFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.43 m (30.9 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)8.45 m (27.7 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.13 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.70 m (5.6 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)4,150 kg (9,149 lbs)
Ballast1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)1,230 kg (2,712 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1986 Bavaria 32
16.20
Dufour 310 Grand Large
15.74
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1986 Bavaria 32
38.78
Dufour 310 Grand Large
29.64
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1986 Bavaria 32
0.77
Dufour 310 Grand Large
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1986 Bavaria 32
20.02
Dufour 310 Grand Large
18.25

Detailed Comparison

The 1986 Bavaria 32 and Dufour 310 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is a 1980s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1986 Bavaria 32 was penned by Dehler Design. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 1986 Bavaria 32 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Dufour 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The 1986 Bavaria 32 is 0.32m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 1986 Bavaria 32 displaces approximately 18% 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1986 Bavaria 32 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.8% for the 1986 Bavaria 32 and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L 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 1986 Bavaria 32 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1986 Bavaria 32 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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