Bavaria 34 vs 1990 Feeling 32 — Comparison

Bavaria 34Bavaria 34
VS
1990 Feeling 321990 Feeling 32

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 341990 Feeling 32
General
ManufacturerBavariaFeeling
Year1998–20041990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerJ&J DesignPhilippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA10.35 m (34.0 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
LWL9.10 m (29.9 ft)8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam3.38 m (11.1 ft)3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.0 m² (560 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity170 L (44.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 34
17.60
1990 Feeling 32
14.49
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 34
32.69
1990 Feeling 32
36.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 34
0.78
1990 Feeling 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 34
17.57
1990 Feeling 32
20.72

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 34 and 1990 Feeling 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 34 is a 1990s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The Bavaria 34 was penned by J&J Design. The 1990 Feeling 32 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 34 measures 10.35m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.38m, compared to the 1990 Feeling 32 at 9.85m (32.3ft) with a 3.15m beam. The Bavaria 34 is 0.50m longer than the 1990 Feeling 32. The Bavaria 34 displaces approximately 11% 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 1990 Feeling 32, with an SA/D of 14.49 and 40.0 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 1990 Feeling 32 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the Bavaria 34 and 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 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 1990 Feeling 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Feeling 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: 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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