2020 Bavaria C45 vs Dufour 45E — Comparison

2020 Bavaria C452020 Bavaria C45
VS
Dufour 45EDufour 45E

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2020 Bavaria C45Dufour 45E
General
ManufacturerBavariaDufour
Year20202008–2011
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerCossutti Yacht DesignUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA14.27 m (46.8 ft)13.80 m (45.3 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)11.90 m (39.0 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,000 kg (24,251 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast3,300 kg (7,275 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)88.0 m² (947 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity180 L (47.6 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)380 L (100.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths108
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2020 Bavaria C45
18.89
Dufour 45E
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2020 Bavaria C45
30.00
Dufour 45E
30.48
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2020 Bavaria C45
0.78
Dufour 45E
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2020 Bavaria C45
13.60
Dufour 45E
15.34

Detailed Comparison

The 2020 Bavaria C45 and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2020 Bavaria C45 is a modern design by Bavaria from Germany, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 2020 Bavaria C45 was penned by Cossutti Yacht Design. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the 2020 Bavaria C45 measures 14.27m (46.8ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2020 Bavaria C45 is 0.47m longer than the Dufour 45E. The 2020 Bavaria C45 displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2020 Bavaria C45 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2020 Bavaria C45 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2020 Bavaria C45 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.0% for the 2020 Bavaria C45 and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2020 Bavaria C45 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 180L of fuel. The Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 45E 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 2020 Bavaria C45 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2020 Bavaria C45 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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