1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Bavaria 34 — Comparison
Bavaria 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Bavaria 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Bavaria |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.38 m (11.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Bavaria 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Bavaria 34 is a 1990s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Bavaria 34 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the Bavaria 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.38m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 1.20m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Bavaria 34 displaces approximately 37% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Bavaria 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 32.7% for the Bavaria 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The Bavaria 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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: 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.
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