Bavaria Cruiser 34 vs 1975 Pearson 28 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 34Bavaria Cruiser 34
VS
1975 Pearson 281975 Pearson 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 341975 Pearson 28
General
ManufacturerBavariaPearson
Year2010–20171975–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA10.25 m (33.6 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.15 m (30.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,270 kg (2,800 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)30.0 m² (323 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
16.30
1975 Pearson 28
14.83
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
30.91
1975 Pearson 28
43.08
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
0.78
1975 Pearson 28
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
18.28
1975 Pearson 28
21.23

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 1975 Pearson 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the 1975 Pearson 28 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 1975 Pearson 28 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 measures 10.25m (33.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the 1975 Pearson 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is 1.72m longer than the 1975 Pearson 28. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 displaces approximately 87% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.30 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Pearson 28, with an SA/D of 14.83 and 30.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1975 Pearson 28 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 43.1% for the 1975 Pearson 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 90L of fuel. The 1975 Pearson 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 28 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 Cruiser 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 Cruiser 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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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 34 · 1975 Pearson 28