Bavaria Cruiser 34 vs Hanse 342 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 34Bavaria Cruiser 34
VS
Hanse 342Hanse 342

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 34Hanse 342
General
ManufacturerBavariaHanse
Year2010–20172006–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyGermany
DesignerFarr Yacht Designjudel/vrolijk & co
Dimensions
LOA10.25 m (33.6 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL9.15 m (30.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.42 m (11.2 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity90 L (23.8 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)180 L (47.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
16.30
Hanse 342
17.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
30.91
Hanse 342
31.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
0.78
Hanse 342
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 34
18.28
Hanse 342
17.57

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 34 and Hanse 342 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hanse 342 is a 2000s offering from Hanse from Germany. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hanse 342 was designed by judel/vrolijk & co.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 measures 10.25m (33.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.42m, compared to the Hanse 342 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.40m beam. The Hanse 342 is 0.05m longer than the Bavaria Cruiser 34. The Bavaria Cruiser 34 displaces approximately 4% 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 Hanse 342, with an SA/D of 17.38 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hanse 342 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 Hanse 342 has a comfort ratio of 17.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and 31.1% for the Hanse 342, 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 Hanse 342 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Bavaria Cruiser 34 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 Hanse 342 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.

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