Bavaria 50 Cruiser vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

Bavaria 50 CruiserBavaria 50 Cruiser
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria 50 Cruiser2004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerBavariaOyster
Year2007–20122004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUnited Kingdom
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA15.40 m (50.5 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL13.50 m (44.3 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam4.55 m (14.9 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity530 L (140.0 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins53

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
18.89
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
32.14
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
0.76
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria 50 Cruiser
14.44
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria 50 Cruiser and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser is a 2000s design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser measures 15.40m (50.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.55m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser is 1.38m longer than the 2004 Oyster 46. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser displaces approximately 12% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.1% for the Bavaria 50 Cruiser and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser provides 10 berths in 5 cabins with 530L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 50 Cruiser 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 50 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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