Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 vs Bavaria 40 — Comparison

Beneteau Oceanis 40.1Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
VS
Bavaria 40Bavaria 40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau Oceanis 40.1Bavaria 40
General
ManufacturerBeneteauBavaria
Year20202001–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerMarc LombardJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA12.28 m (40.3 ft)12.35 m (40.5 ft)
LWL10.78 m (35.4 ft)10.75 m (35.3 ft)
Beam3.99 m (13.1 ft)3.99 m (13.1 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)
Ballast2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area70.2 m² (756 ft²)72.0 m² (775 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity350 L (92.5 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
17.12
Bavaria 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
30.59
Bavaria 40
30.59
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
0.78
Bavaria 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
16.39
Bavaria 40
16.39

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 and Bavaria 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Bavaria 40 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Bavaria 40 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 measures 12.28m (40.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.99m, compared to the Bavaria 40 at 12.35m (40.5ft) with a 3.99m beam. The Bavaria 40 is 0.07m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 70.2 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Bavaria 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 and 30.6% for the Bavaria 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Bavaria 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 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 40 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: Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 · Bavaria 40