Bavaria 34 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
Bavaria 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 34 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Irwin |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | J&J Design | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.38 m (11.1 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.0 m² (560 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 170 L (44.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 34 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 34 is a 1990s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The Bavaria 34 was penned by J&J Design. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 34 measures 10.35m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.38m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 0.60m longer than the 1983 Irwin 32. The Bavaria 34 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.60 and 52.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the Bavaria 34 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 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 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: 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: Bavaria 34 · 1983 Irwin 32