Bavaria Cruiser 37 vs Hunter 30 — Comparison

Bavaria Cruiser 37Bavaria Cruiser 37
VS
Hunter 30Hunter 30

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBavaria Cruiser 37Hunter 30
General
ManufacturerBavariaHunter
Year2014–20201991–1996
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA11.30 m (37.1 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL9.90 m (32.5 ft)7.92 m (26.0 ft)
Beam3.67 m (12.0 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,900 kg (15,212 lbs)3,856 kg (8,501 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area60.0 m² (646 ft²)41.0 m² (441 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
16.82
Hunter 30
16.94
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
30.43
Hunter 30
41.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
0.77
Hunter 30
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Bavaria Cruiser 37
17.61
Hunter 30
19.54

Detailed Comparison

The Bavaria Cruiser 37 and Hunter 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Hunter 30 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The Hunter 30 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 measures 11.30m (37.1ft) overall with a beam of 3.67m, compared to the Hunter 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 is 2.16m longer than the Hunter 30. The Bavaria Cruiser 37 displaces approximately 79% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.82 and 60.0 m² of sail area. The Hunter 30, with an SA/D of 16.94 and 41.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hunter 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Hunter 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.4% for the Bavaria Cruiser 37 and 41.2% for the Hunter 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Bavaria Cruiser 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The Hunter 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 30 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 Hunter 30 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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Or view individual specs: Bavaria Cruiser 37 · Hunter 30