Bavaria 40 vs Bavaria 44 — Comparison
Bavaria 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Bavaria 40 | Bavaria 44 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bavaria | Bavaria |
| Year | 2001–2006 | 2002–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Designer | J&J Design | J&J Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) | 13.55 m (44.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.75 m (35.3 ft) | 11.82 m (38.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.99 m (13.1 ft) | 4.18 m (13.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) | 86.0 m² (926 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 230 L (60.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Bavaria 40 and Bavaria 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 40 is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Bavaria 44 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Bavaria 40 was penned by J&J Design. The Bavaria 44 was designed by J&J Design.
In terms of size, the Bavaria 40 measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.99m, compared to the Bavaria 44 at 13.55m (44.5ft) with a 4.18m beam. The Bavaria 44 is 1.20m longer than the Bavaria 40. The Bavaria 44 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Bavaria 40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 44, with an SA/D of 18.57 and 86.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Bavaria 44 has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Bavaria 40 and 31.4% for the Bavaria 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Bavaria 40 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The Bavaria 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 230L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Bavaria 40 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 44 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: Bavaria 40 · Bavaria 44