2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser vs Catalina 270 — Comparison

2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser
VS
Catalina 270Catalina 270

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2000 Bavaria 30 CruiserCatalina 270
General
ManufacturerBavariaCatalina
Year2000–20051992–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJ&J DesignGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)8.31 m (27.3 ft)
LWL8.20 m (26.9 ft)7.24 m (23.8 ft)
Beam3.17 m (10.4 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.60 m (5.2 ft)1.47 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP12 HP
Fuel Capacity55 L (14.5 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser
17.18
Catalina 270
18.01
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser
35.71
Catalina 270
39.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser
0.79
Catalina 270
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser
18.88
Catalina 270
16.24

Detailed Comparison

The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser was penned by J&J Design. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.17m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser is 1.14m longer than the Catalina 270. The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.18 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 270 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser 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 Catalina 270 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2000 Bavaria 30 Cruiser 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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