are bavaria yachts any good

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources

Sailboat Review: Bavaria C38

• By Mark Pillsbury
• April 20, 2022

For the past several years, practically all of the design surprises that have caught my eye on new sailboats have been abaft the mast. In no particular order, these innovative features include hull chines, twin rudders, pop-up TVs, house-style refrigerators, galleys forward in the saloon, sinks and grills on the stern, sun beds between a ­monohull’s twin wheels, and lounges on the coachroof to either side of the companionway. Some of these make the boat sail ­better, while others make it a more comfortable place to enjoy life on the water.

But this past fall, it was the pointy end—or, should I say, the not-so-pointy end—of the Bavaria C38 that stood out. It made an impression from above, as I looked across the broad foredeck, and down ­below, where the builder’s in-house team and Cossutti Yacht Design somehow found a way to install a king-size berth in the owner’s stateroom, while still leaving room for a hanging locker and a head-and-shower compartment, all forward of the mast.

For a decade or more, even as beam measurement amidships has steadily increased and been carried aft to allow for ever more spacious twin staterooms, most boats still have been built with a bow that’s shaped like an arrow point. The Bavaria V-bow, as the company calls it, has a more radial shape and ­hullsides that flare out above the waterline, creating all that living space in the interior. 

In a briefing with CW ’s Boat of the Year judges, a ­company representative described the 38 as a family coastal ­cruiser. I thought that design brief seemed pretty accurate as we went through the boat, and later took it out for a sail. If kids and their friends are the crew, you could pack a pile of them into the two aft cabins, and the dining table in the saloon drops down to form a third double berth. And they could all share the head and shower compartment to starboard, at the foot of the companionway. Meantime, mom and pop can escape to the big forward stateroom. 

The forward stateroom’s en suite head compartment does cut into a corner of the berth, but couples who plan to only occasionally have grandkids or friends aboard can ­forgo the forward head. They also could turn one of the aft cabins into a workspace or stowage, which is standard.

In all three configurations, the saloon stays unchanged. A settee, with a nav desk forward of it, is to port, opposite the dining table and a U-shaped, cushioned seat. The tabletop folds open to handle a crew of six or more. Abaft the ­settee is an L-shaped galley with a sink, fridge and three-burner gas stove. The boat we visited ­also had a microwave. Stowage seemed adequate for coastal-­hopping, and the counters had fiddles to keep things from sliding off when heeled.

Topsides, the cockpit ­coamings make good backrests on the benches forward of the twin wheels. The seats are a bit too short for sleeping, the judges noted, but stepping out over the coamings isn’t ­difficult when headed forward.

Having owned (and ­sanded and varnished) a boat with exterior wood handrails and trim, I appreciated the C38’s low-maintenance exterior finish. The raised bulwarks and deck are fiberglass, and handrails on the cabin top are stainless steel. The only exterior wood is on the centerline table in the cockpit. That table’s after end doubles as a nifty place to mount a plotter because it’s visible from either helm. Far forward, there’s a chain locker with good access to the windlass and anchor rode. The anchor itself is stowed on a roller that extends forward, and the bow is further ­protected from accidental dings by a stainless-steel plate. Aft, there is equally good access to the emergency steering and ­quadrant for the single rudder.

A base-model C38 has a price tag of $248,000, but a model that’s well fitted out, like the one we visited, goes for $350,000, delivered to the United States, East Coast. Among the options ­included on the C38 we sailed were three air-conditioning units, a Fusion sound system, and synthetic teak called Esthec on the cockpit seats and sole, and the swim platform. Hardware and electronics were from Seldén, Lewmar and B&G. Sails were from Elvstrøm.

Bavaria builds 500-plus sailboats a year at its factory in Germany, and the C38 is the smallest in the five-boat Cossutti-designed C line; the flagship is a 57-footer. The company builds two other lines of cruising sailboats—the Cruiser and Vision ranges—for a total of 16 models starting at 32 feet.

Bavaria’s hulls and decks are all hand-laminated, with foam coring between inner and outer layers of fiberglass. Aluminum plates are in the composite sandwich wherever hardwaare is to be ­mounted. Hulls and decks are joined with adhesive and screws.

Underway, the C38 is a relatively simple boat to sail, with in-mast furling for the main and a self-tacking jib, also set on a furler. The boat doesn’t have a traveler, so when beating upwind, tacking requires just a turn of the wheel.

A double-ended mainsheet is led back to winches ­within reach of either of the twin wheels, and sail control lines are all led across the coachroof to clutches and a pair of winches on either side of the companionway. There are also genoa tracks mounted on deck and sheet winches on either coaming, should an owner opt for an overlapping genoa.

Underway, I found that visibility from either wheel was good, thanks to the low-profile cabin. The stainless-steel stern pulpit makes a good backrest when sitting down to steer.

We had moderate conditions the day we took the boat out for a sail on the Chesapeake Bay, right after the close of the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, in October. Sailing hard on the wind in 15 or so knots of breeze, we saw a steady 5.5 knots on the GPS. The track for the self-­tending jib’s car lacked stops, so we weren’t able to get the headsail in as far as we might have liked to, but that’s an easy fix. With the sheets eased a bit for a close reach, our speed jumped to 7 knots and change. ­Under power, the 40 hp Yanmar pushed us along at just over 6 knots, at a fuel-sipping 2,300 rpm cruising speed.

The skipper who ­delivered the boat to the show was along for the ride. He said that they’d encountered a variety of conditions on the ride up from St. Augustine, Florida, and the boat took them all in stride—just as a family cruiser should.

Bavaria C38 Specifications

• More: bavaria , print 2022 april , sailboat review , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

New Sailboat Brand: Mishi Yachts

For Sale: 2005 Tayana 48

For Sale: 2015 Catalina 355

For Sale: 1998 Hinckley 51

Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts: How You Can Help

Gary Jobson To Talk U.S. Prospects in Upcoming World Sailing Competitions

Make Downwind Sailing Fun Again. Turn Off That Motor and Unfurl Your Kite!

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Competitions
• British Yachting Awards
• Southampton Boat Show
• Print Subscription
• Digital Subscription
• Single Issues
• Advertise with us

Your special offer

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting today!

Save 32% on the shop price when to subscribe for a year at just £39.95

Subscribe to Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting!

Save 32% on the shop price when you subscribe for a year at just £39.95

Boat test: Bavaria C38

Bavaria Yachts has founded its reputation on comfortable cruisers and their new C38 is the cornerstone of a new generation of yachts which are roomier than ever, Sam Jefferson reports .

Bavaria Yachts has always had a talent for giving the public precisely what it wants. And, no, that is not a racing yacht capable of foiling in 12kn of breeze. For most of the yachting public, our aspirations are a bit more prosaic and involve a comfortable yacht that is easy to handle, feels safe and sails respectably. Bavaria has proven itself to be one of the masters of providing boats that blend these criteria into an appealing and affordable product. The German behemoth did seem to have briefly lost its touch when it launched the rather elegant C65 but this moment of excess was quickly forgotten and the company has gone back to its roots, producing more modest yachts that appeal to a much broader audience.

Which brings me to the Bavaria C38, their entry levely yacht that was actually launched in 2021 and has become the workhorse entry level yacht of the range. Despite being named the C 38, this Cossutti designed yacht is actually more like 36’ on deck, with the fixed sprit/anchor roller giving her the extra 2’ or so in overall length. While 36’ might sound small by today’s standards, this would be misleading as the boat is anything but; the key takeaway from this yacht is the simply astonishing amount of internal volume. How has this been achieved? Let me chine a light on this question. Not so very long ago the accepted philosophy was that a boat was pointy at the front with a bit of taper aft. A design revolution took place when designers penning the lines for IMOCA style downwind racing machines realised that broad aft sections with a chine could significantly boost volume. All was well for a while but then a chap by the name of Sam Manouard drew up the lines of a mini transat that strongly resembled a bathtub, featuring incredibly full bow sections. Designers tasked with penning the lines for cruising yachts collectively stroked their chins and realised that they could win even more volume by running a chine forward to give full forward sections by flaring the hull shape out heavily above the waterline. This meant fine waterlines providing low wetted surface area and decent performance in light airs married to more power in a blow and also, crucially, yet more volume forward. The results have been fascinating as, suddenly, you have relatively small yachts with huge staterooms forward.

The Bavaria C38 was at the forefront of this design revolution and marked a real step change for Bavaria, being one of their first ever yachts to feature a chined hull. The result is a dramatic looking yacht with no sheer, vertical stem and transom, decent freeboard, a low coachroof which blends into the cockpit coamings and that big chine that runs from stem to stern. Below the waterline there is a 2.05m keel – which seems a lot for a 36’ cruising yacht (a shallow draft option is available, however), plus a deep single spade rudder. It’s safe to say that this is a dramatic looking boat that bears a strong family resemblance to the new C46 and the c42. I would say that in the case of the c38, the shorter length overall gives the boat a slightly squat look compared to its bigger sisters but it’s also fair to say that this is a dramatic and muscular looking yacht that certainly draws the eye. Sail area is decent but not excessive and the boat weighs in at a little under 10,000kg lightship.

Step aboard and you find yourself in a decently dimensioned cockpit. The coachroof has been pulled further aft to give plenty of interior volume but the beam of the boat aft ensures that there is still ample room and the twin wheels are also pulled right aft to open up more space but there is still a comfortable helming position outboard and flip up seats inboard with storage underneath and excellent access to the rudder quadrant in between. You feel securely enclosed by the raised bathing platform. The helm position is good but strangely I felt too tall for it when standing up (I am not a tall man) but very much at ease sitting outboard. The instruments are also nicely placed in the end of the coamings, with the chartplotter set into the end of the table  The running rigging set up uses four winches with a pair of primaries for the headsail set forward of the helmsman and tantalisingly out of reach and a second pair of winches set on the coachroof for the mainsail. There is the option of a self tacking headsail which further simplifies an already relatively simple set up. The seating area in the cockpit is very comfortable and the backrests are nicely angled to ensure a good lounging position and the cockpit table is well dimensioned. There is further locker space under these cockpit seats.

The bow has the now pretty much standard sprit and bow roller set up and aft of this is a chain locker with a big storage locker just aft of this and integrated into the same space. You could easily fit six fenders in here. The toerail is moulded in and looks very neat. The foredeck is large and there is even space on the coachroof for a sunbathing pad just forward of the track for the self tacking jib. The side decks are wide with the shrouds set outboard while the boom is high and well clear of the cockpit. The mainsheet is set up on the coachroof to keep the cockpit uncluttered.

The C38 has a well protected companionway with hinged doors rather than washboards and you descend down into the saloon via well angled steps. Once beolow you find yourself in a very light space that has a great feeling of space thanks in part due to the fact that the boat has immense volume but also because the interior fit out has been made to maximise this feeling of light and space. It’s almost aggressively modern in feel and perhaps a touch on the stark end of things but this could doubtless easily be softened up. As it is, it felt clean, uncluttered and, above all, spacious. The layout is pretty standard with twin double cabins aft, an L-shaped galley to port and heads/shower to starboard. The saloon features a U shaped seating area to starboard and a bench seat to starboard. The table is large and folds out to double width to straddle the cabin so you can seat eight in comfort. with a chart table set at the end of this. There is perhaps a bit of a shortage of handholds heading forward if you were being picky. Forward is that palatial fore cabin. The boat felt like a good liveable space – particularly for coastal and particularly Med cruising where you are likely to be in port most nights or perhaps on the hook.

The galley was a really good size with a large single sink, three burner cooker and oven plus a big front opening fridge. There are a number of layout options, with the most notable being a two cabin version as opposed to three and also the option of an extra heads/shower in the forecabin. I tested it in the standard format and I’m sure that 90% or owners will go for this layout. One minor oddity was the heads/shower which had a vanity basin with lots of room as you stepped in and a shower stall at the back of the compartment with the heads in the shower stall. It seemed a bit odd but it opened up the space and sort of makes sense. The big feature, however, was the palatial front cabin which really did feel like it belonged on a much bigger boat. There was access to the bed from either side and big cupboard space aft of the bed. The level of comfort was superb. The overall level of fit out was also excellent. Access to the engine was under the steps as you’d expect and was very good.

We set out from the Hamble River on a grey day that at least delivered a pleasant 12kn breeze. We didn’t venture out of Southampton Water so enjoyed flat water and the usual endless procession of ferries calling for vigilance. The boat was equipped with in mast reefing and a self tacking jib and this made getting underway incredibly sinple. The boat was surprisingly lithe and nimble for a big cruiser and the single rudder had vary good feel. It’s also worth noting that this single rudder was also something of a boon under power, making manoeuvring very simple. Anyway, under sail, the self tacking jib really made things a breeze and we were bowling along at 6kn and spinning through the tacks with ease. I suppose the only slight grouse would be the fact that the primary winches are just out of reach of the helm. Not a big deal with a self tacker but something that nonetheless struck me as a strange oversight. Other than that, the boat was well behaved, manageable and good fun. Off the wind, we were definitely a bit underpowered thanks to the self tacker and lack of a Code Zero. This was a shame as, given the level of grip and control that rudder provides, combined with that powerful hull shape would make for really decent performance with a bit of extra power.

Sam’s verdict

Bavaria were not trying to reinvent the wheel with the C38; they wanted a high volume pocket cruiser that took maximum advantage of the latest trends towards fuller bow sections to boost volume. They have certainly achieved that and the C38 delivers very good performance to boot given that it has few pretensions of being anything other than a comfortable cruiser. The interior fit out was excellent and the amount of space inside suggested mission accomplished as far as Bavaria are concerned.

• Blue water: 3/5
• Comfort: 5/5

Specifications

Length overall  11.38 m (37’4″)

Beam overall  3.98 m (13’1″)

Cabins  2/3

Draught (Standard keel)  2.05 m (6’9″)

Draught (Shallow Keel)  1.65 m (5’5″)

Mainsail  46.0 m² (495 sq.ft)

Displacement: 9.386 kg

Engine Power  21.3 kW (29.3 hp)

Contact: clippermarine.co.uk

Alternative boats

Jeanneau sun odyssey 380.

A stylish Marc Lombard design that mixes dramatic styling with, you guessed it, lots of interior volume thanks to full forward sections. This boat is a lively performer which has an interesting forward berth which is offset to starboard.

jeanneau.com

Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

Another Marc Lombard design from the French masters of mass production. The 37.1 is a sprightly performer that is easy on the eye and shares a fair amount with the Sun Odyssey 380.

beneteau.com

This Judel/Vrolijk design has bee around for a few years now and, as such, boasts more classical styling than some of her rivals. The boat features finer forward sections and no chines. This is a proven performer that is well respected for its performance and ease of handling.

Inspirationmarine.co.uk

• Georgie Corlett-Pitt previews the Caribbean race season highlights…
• What to expect at Boatlife 2024
• Mastering Celestial Navigation

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Gear Test: Shore2Sea Dry Bag

Boat Test: Jeanneau Sun Fast 30

Best Prime Day Deals for Sailing: Helly Hansen Gear

Offering a wealth of practical advice and a dynamic mix of in-depth boat, gear and equipment news, Sailing Today is written cover to cover by sailors, for sailors. Since its launch in 1997, the magazine has sealed its reputation for essential sailing information and advice.

• Telegraph.co.uk

ADVERTISING

© 2024 Chelsea Magazine Company , part of the Telegraph Media Group . | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy

Bavaria SR33 Review (2023 Edition)

The Bavaria SR33 is the entry-level model in the German builder's smart SR sportscruiser range. In this in-depth review, we find out what it's like to live with and how it fares out on the water during a challenging sea trial.

Completing the current three-boat line-up in the Bavaria SR range, the entry-level SR33 is hoping to build on the successes of its award-winning siblings, the SR36 and SR41. Featuring many of the clever ideas that brought the larger boats in the range such critical acclaim, the 33 brings its own personality with Marco Casali of Too Design penning her sleek and smart exterior.

The highlight of the main deck is the convertible stern dinette, which drops down to become a sun pad or creates a charming waterside dining spot with unbroken views out over the water. Below, there is a separate double cabin amidships with an open-plan forward double and a dinette, galley, and large separate bathroom in between.

Engine options are plentiful and include diesel and petrol motors from both Mercruiser and Volvo, with a single diesel option coming down the line. It's rare that we get such challenging conditions to trial a boat in for a review but was the SR33 up to it? Read on to find out. 

Bavaria SR33 Key Facts

• Model Year 2023
• Max Speed 32 knots
• Status In Production
• Yacht Type Sports Yacht
• Use Type Weekending

Test & Review Video

YachtBuyer Score

In this article:

Our Verdict

Rivals to consider.

• Specification

Our Scores Explained

Performance & Handling

Around the marina.

The SR33 is a small, relatively light boat (7.6 tonnes light) with no keel and quite tall topsides so it is susceptible to the effects of wind and tide. Thankfully, the twin sterndrives, bow thruster, and optional joystick take the sting out of any potentially tricky berthing maneuvers and make the SR33 a pretty friendly boat to handle at slow speed. If this is an upgrade from a single-engine boat then the intuitive joystick could be a good investment but, as good as modern sterndrive joysticks are, I would still want the bow thruster to give greater control over the bow in a beam breeze. 

There is still a slight delay between inputs from the joystick and the boat moving in the required direction as the sterndrives just don't have the leverage of a pod drive boat and struggles to maintain control of the bow. Our test boat had the joystick fitted but I found it quicker and smoother to spin the sterndrives from lock-to-lock using the wheel and nudging both throttles in and out of gear. In calm conditions, you can use the throttles independently and get the boat to pivot almost on the spot but with a stiff breeze or running tide, you'll require more shove to keep the boat in position. The beauty of this setup is that you can use whichever controls suit the situation and conditions, whether that's the joystick or throttles and bow thruster. 

You can't guarantee the weather during a sea trial but it's safe to say that conditions for our test in the Baltic Sea in northern Germany were challenging. The SR33 had to contend with a strong breeze and a steep 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) chop with a messy wave pattern. You would never choose to take a boat like this out in these conditions if you didn't have to but the little Bavaria stood up to them admirably. It wasn't a case of slicing through the chop at higher speed, it was all about pinning the throttles at about 12 knots and getting through it with spray showering over the top of the boat. 

The driving position doesn't lend itself to this sort of transition speed and even tall skippers will need to stand for the best view forward. But working the throttles and using a good dose of trim tab to keep the hull slicing through the worst of the waves the plucky SR33 made confident progress through a nasty seaway. 

The pair of four-cylinder Volvo Penta 300hp motors are good companions in such conditions. The torquey diesel engines have plenty of low-down grunt to help the boat out of deeper troughs and the fly-by-wire throttles provoke a quick response when you need to react quickly to a messy wave pattern. They are quite raucous, though. This wasn't helped by the awkward speed we had to maintain upwind and not quite being on the plane, but Bavaria could do with beefing up the insulation in the engine room to counter this. The GRP sunroof probably doesn't help here, creating more of an echo chamber for the noise to bounce around in than the canvas roof would. Suffice to say it wasn't the conditions to have the sunroof open during our trial. 

Downwind the SR33 comes alive. Unleashing all 600hp up to a top speed of 32 knots the boat relishes a following sea and the super agile sterndrives make it a delight to pilot through the waves and surf through the crests. The steering is well-weighted and responsive and the boat reacts positively to some hard lock, leaning over keenly and snapping back to the straight and narrow with poise. It's an enormously fun boat to drive and rewarding to hand steer through a following sea. 

The only thing that might stop the fun is the 500-liter fuel tank, which means at 22-25 knot cruising speed the range is around 160nm. For a full set of fuel figures, see the data panel below. 

Design & Build

It’s not easy to produce a 35ft sportscruiser with a hardtop and avoid a top-heavy look, as some of Bavaria’s older designs have demonstrated. They’ve always been big on volume and practicality but sometimes at the expense of style. Not here, though. The SR33 was drawn by Italian designer Marco Casali and it’s a sweet-looking boat with a neatly raked wheelhouse and an attractive stretch of bow. It looks chunky up close and has a more pronounced freeboard than you might expect, though it’s well disguised and you’d have no idea that such a voluminous interior lay inside. 

As you’ll see in the rivals section, there are some boats in this sector that forego side decks to deliver a wider cockpit but the SR33 has traditional symmetrical decks with access from both sides of the bathing platform, though it’s biased to port. There are a couple of sunroof options in the cockpit (neither are standard) with the choice between a solid GRP top, which our test boat had, or a canvas roof that opens to create a much wider aperture. Personally, I think I’d go for the latter as it gives a much wider opening and is likely to create less of an echo chamber for the engine noise.

Quality Street

Bavaria is a high-volume builder so building boats quickly and efficiently is key to its production model. The SR33 uses a hand-laid sandwich construction for both hull and superstructure and though it may not have the finesse and gloss of a Sea Ray or Galeon it's all solidly put together and neatly engineered. Some components feel a little bit lightweight in places but, as we discovered during the sea trial, it can withstand a fair bit of punishment. The interior, though solidly put together, feels a little sparse without the touch of an owner and would benefit from some personal effects to brighten it up. 

The SR33 isn’t available with outboards, unlike some of its rivals in this sector, and you don’t buy a boat like this because of the fantastic engine room access. The layout and dimension restrictions mean you’re unlikely to have much space over the engines and you’ll be squeezing through a deck hatch to get to them. That said, once in, the SR33’s engine room is pretty good, especially with the amount of space around the engines and the easy access to daily service items.

Interior Accommodation

In this sector, there are a couple of schools of thought regarding the interior arrangement. Some go fully open plan, others have two separate cabins and there are a few boats that offer both options. The SR33 has a good compromise with an open-plan double berth forward, with a curtain for privacy, and a separate double cabin amidships.

This layout offers great flexibility and makes the space adaptable depending on how many people are on board. If it’s just a couple then the saloon and berth can become one large living area with the sleeping space amidships but with four on board, guests have the privacy of a separate cabin. There may be occasions where you miss the privacy of two separate cabins but unless you’re going to sleep four up regularly then the open-plan arrangement feels so much more spacious. 

The dinette table drops down and can be topped with a cushion to create a more relaxed lounging area opposite where the TV is mounted if it’s specified. Bavaria says it’s not designed to be used as an extra berth but I bet it could be if it were needed, especially for kids.

Personal Touch

Opposite, the galley doesn’t have any cooking facilities but there is a sink and fridge, the idea being that most of the cooking will be done on deck, supposedly. It’s an area loaded with cubbies, though, and storage is impressive throughout the accommodation. It does feel a bit sparse, though. Maybe it was the oak wood of our test boat (walnut is an option) but the color of an owner’s possessions would do wonders down here.

There are no complaints about the space, though. The headroom in the saloon is well over 1.83m (6ft) and this feeling of light is bolstered by the natural light that is allowed to seep into the area. There are twin skylights in the ceiling and a decent run of windows with opening ports on either side. Air-conditioning is an option but with all the hatches and the companionway door open it should be easy enough to cool the area naturally, unless it’s a really hot, still day.

The only real place where headroom is compromised is over the berth in the amidships cabin but that’s pretty much unavoidable on a boat like this. The entranceway has well over 6ft but there’s only space for one person to get changed at a time. The small sofa is a handy spot to sit and take off shoes/socks and there’s a decent storage locker just above it. The berth is wide but a crawl-in affair, though it’s good to see repeaters for the cabin lights and a plug socket at the top end of the bed so you don’t have to shuffle out just to turn the lights off. 

The bathroom is a decent size and its position means it can take full advantage of the headroom that’s been worked into the saloon. There is quite a tall lip on the door frame, which is all too easy to catch a toe on as you come in and out. The sink is separated from the toilet and shower by a door, so it’s not a wet room, but there’s no way of avoiding the toilet getting a soaking when the shower is in use. 

Helm Station

It’s clear that some real thought has gone into the SR33’s helm design. The layout of the main controls is excellent with the throttles, joystick (if fitted) and remote control for the MFDs mounted on a moulding that stretches out beneath the skipper’s right arm. Adding the trim tab controls would be a good idea but the design means you can sit back in the (small) double helm seat with full support of the backrest and still reach the throttles and adjustable wheel.

The MFDs are touch screen but the remote dial allows you to flick between the screens and their functions without having to lean forward. The 12in ones we had on our test boat are an upgrade from the 7in standards and I would encourage this option to be ticked. The glass bridge installation looks the part, too. The Volvo Penta screen, which displays a plethora of engine information, is mounted flat behind the steering wheel and would be better placed on the lower dash, next to the windscreen wiper controls. 

There’s lots of adjustment at the helm thanks to the adjustable wheel, seat bolster and footrest - though even tall skippers won’t be able to stand and poke their heads out of the sunroof. There is a side window, for quick communication and ventilation for when you don’t want to have the roof open. As good as the driving position is, most will still feel the need to stand as the boat gets over the hump but once she’s settled down the seated position is great. Any other gripes? The only storage is one cup holder, so some more cubby storage would be helpful but apart from that it’s a good setup.

This is where the SR33 gets clever. As standard, there is U-shaped seating at the stern but upgrade options include a large covered storage void with a sun pad on top or, the option I would choose, which is the aft dinette that converts into a sun pad by dropping the table. We’ve seen this layout on the larger SR models but it’s just as effective on the entry-level boat and creates a waterside terrace that will be a lovely spot to sit and take in the view. The conversion to a sun pad is really easy, too, with a single cushion that slips over the table top and a two-way backrest, which creates the space to stretch out. 

If you like your water toys or want to store a (deflated) tender, the ‘boot’ option may be worth a look but even on the aft dinette version, decent storage voids are flanking the sun pad for ropes and a couple of fenders. The bathing platform is fixed, so a light tender will either have to be stowed on davits/chocks or you can stow a deflated one in the aft storage area if you choose it. 

There is access up both sides of the transom but it’s much narrower to port, though this does allow you to head straight onto the port side deck from the bathing platform. The side decks aren’t all that wide but they have good toe rails and there are well-placed handles on the superstructure to help lever yourself forward.

Moving Forward

The foredeck is given over to sunbathing space with a set of smart cushions that have plush headrests that can be added and removed. The area is flanked by rails with cup holders handily integrated into them. The anchor locker provides crucial deck storage as well as a space for the chain to pile into. It could be improved by segregating the chain from other items to avoid loose ends being pulled into the windlass and the lid has no ram or even a stay to hold it in place, so it could slam down in a swell. 

Back to the cockpit and one of the compromises of having such useable side decks is that the walkway through the main deck feels slightly pinched, meaning it can be a bit awkward to squeeze past each other if two people meet in the middle. The wet bar is a really good size, though, and features the usual amenities including either a gas or electric cooktop, sink, and fridge. Opposite is the main dinette, which is on a pair of fixed legs so can’t be adjusted for height, but is a really good size, and along with the dinette aft means you could easily host eight for lunch. 

The GRP sunroof is slick and well-engineered but, for me, it doesn’t open the cockpit enough and only really serves the helm and the seating on the opposite side. The optional canvas roof will likely make more of the area and allow you to open the dinette up to the sky when the weather suits. 

The designers have been quite ambitious with the area opposite the helm but I’m not sure how well it works. They’ve created a small forward-facing navigator’s seat and a double-ended chaise longue with a backrest at its aft end and a pillow forward, the idea being it can be used for sunbathing with the roof open. For me, though, the seat is too small to be comfortable for long journeys and the chaise longue isn’t going to be a comfortable place to sit on the move if there is any form of chop. I’d prefer a proper double bench as you see on the Beneteau GT36 or Sea Ray 370.

Value For Money

The base price of the SR33 with twin 250hp Mercruiser petrol engines is €UR 345,457 inc (19%) VAT (correct at time of writing) with our heavily loaded test boat coming in at €UR 455,794 inc VAT. This price included some expensive options like the €UR 50,000 upgrade to twin D4 300hp engines and €UR 15,000 for the Aquamatic joystick, the €UR 15,000 Comfort Package, bow thruster (€UR 5,300), sunroof (€UR 7,830) and 16,000 BTU air-conditioning (€UR 15,350) amongst other items. 

Nearly €UR 500,000 for our test boat's specification is a lot of money by anyone's standards but, in this sector, the SR33 still represents decent value for money. Many have enticing base prices but once the equipment needed to create a turn-key package has been added, the price tends to soar. There is an element of that with the SR33 but there are tweaks that can be made to the specification that could bring the price down a touch. The potential for a single diesel engine option is one of them. It's not available yet but Bavaria hopes to offer a single Volvo Penta D6 in the future (probably the 440hp or 480hp), which would likely be an efficient option with reasonable performance. Not to mention the extra space that would be created in the engine room and the halving of servicing costs. 

Our Options & Pick

I think the single-engine option is worth investigating but for now, I'd go for the D4 300s as they're only a couple of grand more expensive than the other twin diesel option, Mercruiser 270hp V6s. The bow thruster is a must-have but the €UR 15,000 joystick is probably surplus to requirements unless you dislike the idea of maneuvering the boat with the throttles. The €UR 15,000 Comfort Package adds lots of bits you'll want such as the wet bar fridge, electric toilet, foredeck sun pad, teak decking, and an improved lighting package. No sunroof is standard but, for the reasons mentioned above, I'd go for the fabric one over the GRP version for a cost of €UR 1,780. Another reason to go for it is that it's €UR 6,000 cheaper than the GRP roof.

Trim tabs are a €UR 2,150 option that you'll want to add and €UR 9,180 on the twin 12in Simrad MFDs is well worth it. The aft dinette is €3,840 and, in my eyes, the option to go for unless you really need the added space of the €UR 2,660 storage box. The camper cover is €UR 2,870 but means you can fully enclose the cockpit.

Inside, the White Oak timber is a €UR 2,440 option and though it brightens the interior up I think the standard walnut will look classier and feel warmer. Most owners will want the autonomy of a generator; here there is a choice between €UR 24,000 6.4kW unit or €UR 4,000 more for one with an 8kW output. If the 16,000 BTU air-con (€UR 15,350) is fitted then the larger capacity generator is a sensible addition. 

This is a competitive sector but it's one where Bavaria is very much at home. The smart thing about the SR33 is that it appeals to both the heart and the head. Bavaria's eye on value on volume often made its boats a sound investment but by bringing in Marco Casali and adding some Italian style, the SR33 also appeals on a more emotional level. The cockpit is cleverly laid out, the interior is spacious (if a little sparse) and, as we found out first-hand, it punched above its weight at sea. It may not represent the value for money of Bavarias of old but if you're in the market for a boat like this the SR33 should certainly be part of the conversation.  

Reasons to Buy

• Handsome lines
• Clever cockpit
• Impressive sea keeping
• Value for money
• Spacious interior

Things to Consider

• Sparse interior
• Base specification is quite basic
• Engine access

For many, boats in this sector are a step up from a first boat or a day boat and a route to broadening cruising horizons and adventuring further afield. Let's see what the SR33 is up against. There are boats in this sector that have open-plan lower deck layouts and others that have two separate cabins and the Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 is in the latter camp. Separate double cabins flank a lower saloon and galley with a separate bathroom that's shared between the two. The main deck layout features a sun pad aft and a dinette amidships. Cleverly, the wet bar is positioned to the aft end of the deck, which allows cooking smells to escape more easily and creates space for an extra run of seating opposite the main dinette. Having four forward-facing seats in front of the dashboard is a nice addition for when the boat is on passage, too. The Beneteau is one of a handful of boats in the sector that are available with inboard and outboard engines. With a starting price of €232,100 ex VAT (correct at the time of writing), it's good value, too. 

The Sealine S335 is a great package that can be had as an open-cockpit sportscruiser or with an enclosed wheelhouse and upper saloon in the C335 guise. It too is available with inboard diesel engines or a pair of outboards. On deck, it has a pair of canvas sunroofs, one forward and one aft, which adds to the flexibility of the space. It's flexible below decks, too, where you can have it with or without a forward bulkhead depending on whether you would prefer a separate forward cabin or not. If you do opt for the open-plan version, there is a convertible dinette/double berth at the forward end, not a fixed double bed. 

The Galeon 365 HTS is a handsome-looking cruiser built to impressively high standards. It combines an open aft deck with an enclosed deck saloon that sports a GRP sunroof, though the aperture is pretty small compared to those rivals with canvas roofs. That said, the layout does create two fully protected living areas and with the wet bar on deck usable in all weather there is more space below deck for lounging space. Alternatively, you can cut down the size of the dinette and have a larger bathroom, which is probably a good call on a boat of this size. There are petrol and diesel engine options available. 

The Sea Ray 370 Sundancer does things its own way. The boat has no side decks, which means the cockpit stretches the full 3.66m (12ft) width of the beam, with access to the foredeck via a companionway to port of the helm. This also creates space for two separate dinettes and four forward-facing seats within the cockpit. Below deck, the high-quality interior is fully open plan with fixed double berths at either end and a dinette and small galley opposite a good-sized head compartment. Like the Beneteau and Sealine, the 370 is available with inboard and outboard engines. It will likely command a higher price than the others but it's a quality machine.   

Specifications & Performance

• Builder Bavaria Yachts
• Range SR-Line
• Length Overall 11.4m
• Draft 0.86m
• Yacht Type (Primary) Sports Yacht
• Use Type (Primary) Weekending
• Cruising Speed Max Speed
• Fuel Capacity 500 Litres
• Fresh Water Capacity 250 Litres
• Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-300

Performance Data

Bavaria SR33 version 2023. *Data supplied by the manufacturer.

Test Engines Twin Volvo Penta D4-300

• Liters Per Hour
• Liters Per Mile
•   CRUISE

Bavaria SR33 Layout

The dinette at the aft end of the deck can be replaced with a large toy storage void

The main cabin is open plan with a separate double cabin amidships 

Jack Haines

Jack is YachtBuyer's Reviews Director. He is a writer, editor and presenter with 15 years’ experience testing over 350 motorboats of all shapes and sizes, from 20ft RIBs to 120ft yachts (and even the Royal Navy Frigate HMS Sutherland ). 

• United Kingdom
• United States

Better Sailing

Beneteau Vs Bavaria: Which is Better?

The Bavaria Yachts has become a reality that came to claim a strong ground in boat making after its inception in 1978. Winfried Herman, a window maker, and Josef Meltl, who had some experience with boats after making a successful career in working as a broker for boat charters, started a company that is now one of the biggest boatyards in our era after just about 50 years of on the market. Bavaria Yachts started in Germany in a place called Gibelstadt, and today it has over 600 employees.

With over 7,500 employees in France, the USA, Poland, Italy, and Poland, it can truly be said that the Beneteau Group has really come a long way from 1884, when it was first started by Benjamin Beneteau in the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie part of France. After 137 years, Beneteau has become an absolute staple in the sailboat space. Their innovations and experience are over the standards of a good boatyard. They truly are the Avant-Garde of boating.

Beneteau Vs Bavaria – Comfort

All Beneteau boats generally come equipped with the extra comfort and luxury for cruising or even daysailing but to really explore their hallmark of comfort, we shall take a look at the perks that define the Oceanis 41.1. The Oceanis 41.1 offer the most when it comes to comfort in mid-sized boats, with a cockpit larger than any boat in the range of 40’9″. The transom can also be lowered to be used as an elite swim platform.

In the interior, she offers two or three cabins with one or two heads with six large portholes where natural light can’t stop flooding in from. At the salon, it has a U-shaped bench that efficiently utilizes space. There is also the option to customize finishes with this boat, a perk that gives it a limitless threshold for luxury. The master cabin holds the most sway in this topic, with its double door, a forward-facing bed, extra headroom, and a private head.

A contender and constant champion that has afforded the Bavaria Yachtbau bragging rights in luxurious boats is the Cruiser 37. The length is 35’76”, and cabin-wise it comes in two variants; the 2-cabin or 3-cabin. This offers to sailors a sportiness that is only second to the luxury and pleasure boating it provides. The saloon, which can contain up to six big persons, is customizable and solid wood is used to make every corner, edge, and door frame. Panoramic windows are employed to shine light into the interior of this beautiful floating vessel. The forward cabin sports a bed the size of a king’s and its own personal bathroom. Headroom in the aft cabin is also worthy of note. Exteriorly it is equipped with the necessary handrails to make easy safety movement around the boat while sailing, and its transom can be used as a boarding step from a port.

Seaworthiness

Yachts and boats today are said to be seaworthy enough if they can be handled easily and can provide speed, sailability, and comfortable living. 

Bavaria customers all around the world in marinas we have visited have testified to the seaworthiness of the boats and their ability to handle fairly well in rough gales, although some boats do not have an inner forestay which is needed if some serious sailing has got to be done.

The Beneteau Swift Trawlers is renowned for its seaworthiness, safe sailing, and comfort. It is a very reasonable choice for going on long ocean adventures. The Beneteau Barracuda 8 is a sport Fisher with many perks, especially with the innovation of the Airstep hull.

Sailing Performance

For the BAVARIA Yachtbau boats, this can safely be said of them- they combine authenticity with their sailing characteristics and smooth maneuvering while maximizing their use below the deck space. Innovations in the way of very distinctive design features like the BAVARIA V-bow and the Chines at the stern all contribute to guarantee safe and fast sailing and also afford an incredible amount of space below the decks of the boats. 

The following features add up to boost the Beneteau boats’ performance abilities- an extra-long mast delivering additional sail area in high-tech materials, Harken deck fittings, and a deep lead-bulb keel which serves to reduce drag in this performance cruiser. These features may well be prominent among the Oceanis First Lines, but they can also be seen in almost all the models. The sail materials employed by the Beneteau boatyards also improve the performance of these boats as they tend to take any wind, any kind of wind without giving way to spoilage. 

Since performance isn’t all about how fast a boat sails, how smooth it maneuvers, or how well it goes with the wind. It is also about how good the luxuries and comfort aboard serve the people it is carrying, how well the gadgets, appliances, and the chart table equipment are performing, and generally how well the boat points. Indeed a lot of consideration ought to be factored in before the overall performance of a boat is determined, but this is very clear, the Bavaria and Beneteau in no way lack in this aspect.

>>Also Read: Beneteau vs. Catalina , Beneteau Vs Jeanneau , Beneteau vs Hanse

Overall Design and Build Quality

The Bavaria Cruiser 45 is used as a case study for this topic, mainly due to its exceptional real-life reviews. This Bavaria has a hull that was laid up by hand and composed of materials like chopped strand mat and stitched biaxial mat set in isophthalic polyester resin and then interiorly strengthened using a grid frame. Dacron Polyester Fabric is their favorite sail material for their sailboats. Because of its resistance to UV light, its near-indestructible texture, and being affordable. As an equal alternative, polyester Laminate DCX is employed because of its low-stretch, durability, and high resistance to tearing. 

Below the Deck

The rooms are inlaid with wood from these options: mahogany, walnut, and white oak, while for the furniture covers the use of lush leather is preferred for its toughness, durability, and luxurious outlook.

Beneteau’s boat-building quality has been and is a role model for other boatyards. Resin is a constant in the materials used for every Bavaria hull, but then balsa core is used for its strength, thickness, and relatively lightweight. Their center of gravity invalidates the use of lead for the keels. All the trimming and hole cuts on decks and hulls are done by computerized robots, and thus the high level of precision is evident. 

By using Alpi Wood, Beneteau creates different kinds of interior design finishing, which can also be renewed and used for other reasons. The wood panels that are produced using the Alpi Wood are notable for their high resistance to warping. 

Beneteau Vs Bavaria – Conclusion

Bavaria and Beneteau boats stand out due to the exceptional performance delivered while under greatly unpleasant weather conditions to cruise-seekers and owners while at sea. These companies make seaworthy boats of different kinds by combining materials that assure durability while retaining comfort and elite taste.  There is no doubt that the Beneteau is way ahead in terms of experience, labor force, and innovation. Still, Bavaria is not far behind them in these aspects.  The Bavaria Yachts boatyard can also be seen as a hallmark of exceptional nautical engineering thanks to their German tech genius. However, it is worth noting that both Bavaria and Beneteau are mass-produced sailboats, and any problems that may come up are fixed early on in a model’s life.

To sum up, Bavaria and Beneteau produce very comparable sailboats, and it all comes down to personal preference ; you can’t go wrong with either one. Prices are also very comparable, and when looking at two similar boats to buy, make sure sure you compare each boat with the same extras before deciding.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

• Buyer's Guide
• Destinations
• Maintenance
• Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Bavaria Yachts | What Bavaria Boat You Need and Why

A Bavaria boat is the perfect boat for many reasons. Bavaria yachts are built around the extensive expertise of professionals in German engineering. Bavaria has managed to implement all this knowledge with a high degree of precision and quality to make some of the most outstanding yachts to date. Bavaria boats are made with the best materials, equipment and exquisite craftsmanship to create a boat that is the essence of every boat. Our Favourite Bavaria Boats at Clipper Marine

What Bavaria boat do you need – quick summary

Bavaria boats are renowned for their German engineering expertise, precision, and quality. The C38 model offers a spacious interior, easy handling, and an enjoyable sailing experience, making it ideal for families or racing couples. The C42 Bavaria boat model combines pleasure and spaciousness, with a large cockpit and well-equipped kitchen, providing a fun and safe sailing experience. The luxurious C57 model offers elegance, high-speed performance, and the largest living area in its class. Bavaria yachts, no matter which you decide to buy, offer excellent manoeuvrability, comfort, and competitive pricing, making them a popular choice for sailing holidays or competitions. Get in touch with a boat dealership near you to discuss which Bavaria boat would be most suitable for you.

C38 Bavaria

The Bavaria C38 combines perfect sailing characteristics, easy handling and maximum use of the interior space. Distinctive features such as the v-bow and chines at the stern, a guaranteed fast and safe sailing experience suitable for family days out with the vast amount of space it offers, or possibly a race boat for young couples.

The C38 aims to create the maximum amount of space on deck and below from the available waterline length. This yacht is enjoyable and engaging to sail, the C38 gives the potential buyer the maximum value in return for their money. This design has added volume in the bow and the stern, with a deeper rounder forefoot to reduce slamming, and has a single rudder, which gives plenty of control in the harbour and underway.

The benefits of the C38 are huge. Given that manoeuvring and mooring can be a stressful experience for new yacht owners, Bavaria has worked very hard on making the C38 a fun and easy sailing experience and will prove very popular with sailing schools and charter companies.

In regards to the price point of the C38, the quality and the finish is very good and they have upped their game by several levels. The C38 is now the boat to beat in the Bavarias size sector, you will struggle to get more out of a boat that offers so much to such a wide audience than this.

C42 Bavaria

The Bavaria C42 sail has proven to the yachting world that even smaller yachts can be tremendously fun! The C42 has succeeded in bringing together the best aspects of sailing; pleasure and spaciousness all in one boat. The C42 offers a very fun and safe sailing experience with complements of the extra-large cockpit area and the bellow deck large enough for six people.

With the added benefits of a large kitchen area, sink, stove and refrigerator. The C42 notices the importance of meals for longer rides. You can easily prepare meals with the use of the many facilities this model they have provided us with. With the attention to detail on the C42 from the solid wood surfaces and high-quality equipment, you have everything you need to enjoy evening rides serving delicious food.

The Bavaria C42 offers a pre-balanced rudder and a single large steeling to provide its customers with an easy sailing experience. The C42 model comes with a new economic layout with updated technology to make this yacht a breeze. There are many benefits to the C42 that help to provide families, friends or even just yourself with a simple and straightforward ride without the hassle of complex handling.

C57 Bavaria

Finally, the Bavaria C57 comes through with a pure expression of class, elegance and the finest craftsmanship. The C57 offers a luxurious sleek design and style of a megayacht. This model sets the bar with its new trends and boasts a long waterline that guarantees high, basic speeds.

The Bavaria C57 is the most advanced sailing yacht to date. Due to its high-end features that offer enjoyment by the water. The C57 model ensures a sophisticated sailing experience to ensure a fun and enjoyable ride, that makes sailing easy.

The elegant Bavaria C57 sailboat is an ideal compromise for those of you who want to enjoy life on a yacht for the first time at a desirable price. Not only does the C57 offer the largest living area in its class, 88 m², but it is also designed to give passengers the maximum enjoyment of their voyage.

Your Perfect Bavaria Yacht | Conclusion

Bavaria sailboats provide excellent manoeuvrability and comfort to make them suitable for everyone. Bavaria yachts also have a great price to match, making Bavaria an ideal brand for you to choose from for your next sailing holiday or speed boat competition.

Clipper Marine features a large stock of Bavaria yachts that you can choose from. Be sure to check out our new and used Bavaria boats on our website.

Contact one of our friendly professional experts if you need more information and would like to learn more.

We think you’d love this blog post! The Best Boats of 2021 | The Ultimate Guide

Clipper Marine Mailing List

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Bavaria Cruiser 45 review: from the archive

• Toby Hodges
• June 2, 2021

This production 45-footer offers huge volumes of living space from a starting price around £125,000. Toby Hodges finds out just how much much boat you you get for your bucks with the Bavaria Cruiser 45

Under engine, she behaved obediently for a twin-rudder set-up. Credit: Main photo: William Payne

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Bavaria is back with a bang. Their collaboration with Farr Yacht Design and Designworks USA has proved to be a dream in terms of sales figures so there are naturally high hopes for the Bavaria Cruiser 45.

The Cruiser 32 has sold a staggering 300 since her launch last September and 60 of the 45s have already been shifted since her debut in Düsseldorf in January.

There is also a 55 and a new 40; a 36 follows this autumn.

The fold-down transom/bathing platform and twin rudder combos have been particularly successful and the Bavaria Cruiser 45 seems to deliver as many benefits as the 55 in an arguably more tempting package.

With a Force 4, gusting 5 briefly at times, and a 1.5-2m swell in Palma Bay, we had ideal testing conditions.

Upwind we were into early 7 knot speeds at 40-45° to the true wind. What the Bavaria Cruiser 45 lacks in feel and response, she makes up for in seakindliness.

I was pleasantly surprised by her motion through the swell and she kept consistent speed without slamming. This was very noticeable down below at heel.

On Bavarias of old things creaked, groaned and banged, but since Farr took over the design work, greater focus has been placed on strength – from laminating bulkheads to the hull and deck to fitting abundant sturdy handholds, and it’s certainly a lot more reassuring.

We cracked off 30° (70-80° true) to reach across the swell at commendable passagemaking speeds of 8.5 knots in 15.

The sails had been specified by the yacht’s Swiss lady owner, who planned to go bluewater sailing , and comprised an in-mast, vertical-battened main, with 107 per cent jib, though a self-tacking option is available.

Sailing the Bavaria Cruiser 45

Rather than the standard Dacron, these had Elvström’s Epex membrane, a modified aramid fibre.

The battens in the main gave it impressive roach and shape for an in-mast sail, aided by good luff tension from the Selden mast profile.

Had we had one on board, an asymmetric would have made friends with the swell.

As it was, our efforts at goose-winging quickly became uncomfortable, producing 6 knots in 12 knots of wind, and we settled instead for some long, lazy reaches for offwind work, making 8 knots at 130° true.

Despite using a steel-link system, the steering didn’t feel direct, but the dual rudders provide good tracking, and an improvement in rudder angle over the original design for the 55 proved noticeable.

That flat, low coachroof makes for clear views forward and the helmsman has easy side deck access and lift-up sole plates for good standing security.

The split backstay set-up, however, restricts seated comfort in the after quarters of the cockpit.

Under engine, she behaved obediently for a twin-rudder set-up, making 6.8 knots at 2,000rpm with her upgraded 75hp motor.

On balance, an enjoyable boat to sail, though slightly lacking in response, but easy to handle with creditable performance.

Make your way down the narrow, steep companionway and what greets you is not that visually exciting. But you’ll soon appreciate what these new Cruisers offer in abundance – space.

It has to be seen to be believed. Headroom is key – a pro basketball player would be quite content in any of the cabins.

The saloon has a nav area, but no dedicated nav seat.

The luxury of having an en-suite heads for each cabin is unique at this size too – this will be greatly appreciated on charter.

The test boat’s interior was done in mahogany, but light oak and walnut veneers are also available. However, the large surface areas of bulwark panels make for a rather monotonous appearance.

Ten colour schemes are available for the upholstery – we had the white leather option.

Like the Impression 444, the small windows, hatches and ports combine well to encourage natural light, but unlike her rival, the Cruiser’s sole is convenient on one level.

Build for the future

Design by Farr and BMW Designworks USA does not come cheap and demonstrates the investment Elan have made in this model.

Build cost will have increased with all those flush hatches and windows.

The laminating process is also a lot more detailed, with greater reinforcement and new tray moulds for structural stiffness, encapsulating the keel top.

But Bavaria still manage to keep the end price down.

On deck of the Bavaria Cruiser 45

• A useful aluminium toerail, large cleats and double bow roller, plus a proper sail locker with steps/ladder.
• The helmsman’s seat to starboard lifts to expose the engine controls. The overdrive facility provided by the optional Gori prop meant that she could rack up good speed.
• The main part of the transom lowers electronically to provide a huge swim/bathing platform, which is a true selling point of this boat.
• Multiple windows equal a light and airy (huge) interior, helped by exaggerated freeboard.
• The large table is superb for bracing against and, while the coamings are a little low, it’s a comfortable spot under the sprayhood looking aft.
• Cockpit stowage is impressive – you could fit a deflated tender in any of the three large lockers (the central one under the sole is particularly capacious)

Below deck on the Bavaria Cruiser 45

The uninspiring table could fit eight at a squeeze.

The saloon is a no-frills zone, even in optional leather fit-out.

The uninspiring table could fit eight at a squeeze, there’s little practical stowage and the aft-facing chart table area is bland.

Losing a dedicated navigation area to the heads on this size of boat speaks volumes about its market.

There’s an abundance of flush worktop area.

Linear galleys have their critics.

They can be less secure and practical at heel, but with an L-shaped aft end and sturdy bracing against the saloon seat, this arrangement works well, boosting the open-plan format.

The 140lt front-opening, forward-facing fridge combines with a large lift-top unit.

There’s an abundance of flush worktop area, but only a two-burner stove (with limited room to gimbal) and, despite three pan cupboards below, again useful stowage is limited, with just four small raised lockers and one drawer.

For once these are not cramped for space and you can turn around, touch the ground, practise yoga, or whatever you like.

Headroom is a lofty 6ft 10in and the double berth is generous.

There’s excellent machinery space and good engine access between cabins, but elsewhere locker space is wanting.

The en-suites are light and roomy and a pleasure for both cabins to have their own, where a 6ft 3in person can stand upright under the shower.

The sink and stowage are a little small and rather plastic.

Forward cabin

The berth is big enough to sleep a couple athwartships as well as fore and aft.

What could be described as a ‘hallway’ separates a seated shower room to port and the heads to starboard – a practical layout.

Forward of this can be the grand master cabin we had on the test boat, or optional twin doubles.

The berth is big enough to sleep a couple athwartships as well as fore and aft, with side shelves providing support to lean against, but again the open layout seems a little bland.

Headroom is 6ft 8in and while there’s plenty of space beneath the bed, stowage elsewhere is poor.

It’s one thing to produce a lot of boat for your buck. And the Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a serious amount of boat. But it’s another to design it well inside and out, to build it to an acceptable standard and above all, to make it sail satisfactorily.

So on all counts bravo to Bavaria. I hold my hand up; I really didn’t take to their old cruiser line. For me they looked cheap, with limited positives. But I’m impressed with this boat. It sails well, it seems to be well-built and well-designed, but above all provides acres of space.

A relative lack of stowage in all cabins is a blemish, and not having a dedicated navigator’s seat on a 45-footer is something that would alarm many.

But these may not be trends that would worry the Bavaria Cruiser 45’s target customer.

The single-level living area is a merger of three areas (galley, saloon, nav area) which will arguably make the less salty types feel at home.

And once you’ve experienced en-suite heads in all cabins, there’s just no going back!

First published in the October 2010 issue of YW.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

CS 30 Used Boat Review

Hinckley 49 Used Boat Review

Island Packet 31 Used Boat Review

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

How Does the Gulf Stream Influence our Weather?

Can You Run a Marine Air-Conditioner on Battery Power?

Master the Sailing Basics: Never Stop Learning the Little Things

How to Mount Your Camera on Deck: Record Your Adventures with…

Un-Stepping the Mast for America’s Great Loop

Headsails and Spinnakers: How to Explain Their Functions to a Beginner

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

How to Change Your Engine Mounts

Keeping Water Clean and Fresh

Vinyl Boat Lettering DIY Application and Repair

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

Three-Model BBQ Test

Alcohol Stoves— Swan Song or Rebirth?

Womens Foul-Weather Gear

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

• Sailboat Reviews

Bavaria 38 Ocean

This german-built production cruiser has first-class construction and is favorably priced. for serious cruising, however, she does have a few drawbacks such as a small galley and marginal sea berths..

In our travels to the boat shows, we’ve noticed an increased number of German and Scandinavian boats distributed in the U.S. by American dealerships. Part of the reason, certainly, is favorable exchange rates. To get a feel for how these boats stack up to their American and French counterparts, we decided to test sail the German-built Bavaria 38 Ocean. In a nutshell, it’s a well-built, comfortable cruiser with a small sailplan that may be well suited to offshore passage-making, but will not be exactly spirited in light air.

The Company Bavaria Yachts is a family-owned operation that began as the manufacturer of glass windows. Today, it produces boats in a new, modern plant in Giebelstadt, Germany. The firm evolved into the boatbuilding business in 1970’s, and currently produces approximately 450 boats per year, ranging in size from 29′ to 50′. Bavaria builds several distinct lines. Heavy emphasis is placed on the Holiday series, multi-cabin cruisers destined for the charter fleets in the Mediterranean. The Exclusive line consists of traditional aft cockpit sloops with fewer sleeping compartments, and a large master stateroom. The 38 Ocean features a center-cockpit intended for family cruising. The first boats imported to North America began arriving in 1995, and are in service in a charter fleet in the Pacific Northwest.

Though the company may not have the decades-old pedigree of some competitors, it enjoys among Europeans a reputation as the builder of sturdy, seaworthy boats. Bavaria funds the cost of two Lloyd’s inspectors who are permanently on site to inspect each boat as it works its way through the production line. Consequently, boats aren’t simply “built to Lloyd’s specifications,” but are issued a Germanischer Lloyd A5 certificate that covers hull, rig, engine, electrical system and locking devices.

Design Bavaria yachts are designed by the J and J design office, a relatively obscure firm founded by brothers Jernej and Japec Jakopin in 1983. Their first yacht, the Elan 31, was an immediate success, winning the 3/4 Ton world championships; more than 700 were produced. The firm subsequently formed a boat engineering company, Seaway, that offers marketing, design, tooling and prototyping services.

J and J works with more than 20 production yards in Europe, and has designed boats for Jeanneau, Bavaria, and Dufour, in collaboration with Bruce Farr, Doug Peterson and the Jeanneau design team. Three designs received Boat of the Year awards at the 1997 Dusseldorf boat show.

The pleasing lines of the Holiday and Exclusive models are similar in appearance to many Baltic, Swan, Wauquiez and Swedish Yachts.

The Ocean 38 Ocean, because it is a center-cockpit design, presents a different look. Its beam is considerable (13′ 2″), which gives us some concern regarding inverse stability and upwind performance. On the other hand, it makes for a large interior and increases initial stability.

The displacement/length (D/L) ratio is 217, and the sail area/displacement (SA/D) ratio is 17.8, numbers that are reasonable for most coastal cruising conditions. The D/L is a bit low for what most people would consider suitable for blue-water cruising.

The whale’s tail fin keel and spade rudder represent current thinking to improve lift and control. The boat is available with either 5′ 1″ or 6′ 5″ draft.

We think that one of the major drawbacks of a center cockpit arrangement is the height above the water, which can translate to mal de mer in heavy seas when the boat pitches and rolls; the tradeoff is a drier ride, even when pounding to weather, as we learned on a trip from San Francisco to Hawaii.

Construction The firm boasts that most of its employees have been working for Bavaria for more than 10 years, most having come through its formal apprenticeship program. A video we reviewed showed the operation to be highly efficient. Wood is brought into the wood shop as logs and milled; workers in the lay-up process are presented with shopping carts filled with numbered sheets of fiberglass that have been precut to specific sizes by a computer, and premixed containers of resin, so there is no deviation in the lay-up.

The downside to this rigid approach is that no customizing is possible. As Henry Ford said, “You can have any color you want as long as it’s black.”

The lay-up methods are fairly straightforward. The outer skin is powder-bonded glass mat and isopthalic resins. The hull below the waterline is solid fiberglass laid up to a thickness of 32 mm with alternating layers of 15-ounce and 20-ounce Verotex woven roving. The forward section of the hull, from the bow aft to the first bulkhead, is reinforced with a 2-mm thick layer of Kevlar. Additional strength is provided by double layers of fiberglass extending 12″ to either side of the centerline from the bow to the rudderpost, and a double lamination on the keel flange, a Lloyd’s requirement.

The hull is additionally strengthened by solid fiberglass stringers, and beams running athwartships that are bonded to the hull with S-glass. The engine bed is also laminated to the hull, and an aluminum engine bracket is glassed to its timbers so that engine bolts are lagged through the metal piece to the bed.

All of the interior bulkheads, as well as cabinetry and closets, are bonded to the hull before the deck is laid on. Areas around hatches are reinforced with marine-grade plywood.

A company video shows the boat sailing at full speed into a seawall. After the third collision, the boat is hauled, revealing only scrape marks in the bottom paint.

The hull above the waterline as well as the deck are cored with 15-mm Divinycell to provide strength, warmth, and a noise barrier.

The method of attaching deck hardware is unique. Winches and cleats are mounted to 3/4″ thick aluminum backing plates bonded into the deck.

Deck Layout Because the boat is targeted for cruisers who are more likely to hoist a reacher or drifter than a spinnaker, the deck arrangement is rather simple. In fact, there are only four winches. The primary sheet winches are Harken 44 self-tailers, and on the coachroof, to handle halyards, reefing and furling lines there are two Harken 40’s aft of Rutgerson rope clutches. Track for the jib cars is located at the base of the deckhouse and is equipped with Rutgerson cars, as is the mainsheet, which is located at the aft end of the cockpit.

Though there’s adequate room in the cockpit to seat six passengers, and enough length for a 6-footer to stretch out for a nap, we discovered that the steering pedestal can inhibit crew work. The helmsman will find the mainsheet, which is located on the aft coaming of the cockpit, and both jib winches, to be within close reach from the normal steering position. However, because jib winches are well aft, crew will soon discover that moving from windward to leeward will require navigating forward around the front of the pedestal on tacks, or aft of the cockpit. Our test boat was equipped with a storm dodger that extended aft from the five-piece windshield. This arrangement kept us out of the wind on a cold winter day. When tacking, however, we found it difficult to make the trip across the boat in the space between the dodger and front of the pedestal.

With 16″ of pathway between the teak toerail and the cabin trunk, movement fore and aft is easy; additionally, boats are equipped with double lifelines, stainless steel stanchions, a bow pulpit and pulpits on each corner of the stern. So, with the addition of jacklines, a crew can operate in relative safety, even at night. The boat is a 9/10 fractional rig, which we think performs more like a typical masthead rig. The mast is a tapered, double spreader Selden spar supported by 3/8″ wire standing rigging. Standard equipment includes a Furlex headsail furler, hard vang, topping lift, and hand-cranked backstay adjuster. The sail inventory consists of a 5.7-ounce Dacron Elvstrom mainsail with car sliding system and two reef points. Buyers can opt for a conventional, fully-battened main, or an in-mast furling mainsail at no additional cost. Selection of the furling mainsail reduces the size of the mainsail by 75 square feet, and the ability to shape the sail.

Stowage on the deck is in several large areas. The bow area has a chain locker large enough for an electric winch, as well as 100′ of 3/8″ chain, and rope. The stainless steel double roller, which houses a 44-lb. CQR anchor, is designed to can’tilever downwards when the anchor is lowered. This simplifies the task while avoiding damage to the gelcoat. A second stowage area aft of the locker is large enough for dock lines and fenders, and the windlass motor.

Stowage to starboard in the stern is designated for fire extinguishers; to port is a locker for propane tanks. European boats are typically plumbed for butane, so the aft compartment of boats headed for North America must be modified to provide space for propane tanks, since sizes and shapes are dramatically different. The compartment is properly vented overboard.

The stern is clearly designed for the casual cruiser. It houses a two-step swim platform equipped with a stainless steel ladder hinged to go in the water, and a freshwater shower. The emergency rudder mounts outboard on the platform. Long-distance cruisers will be challenged by the engineering necessary to mount a mechanical wind vane.

Belowdecks The generous beam of the Bavaria 38 Ocean provides large, comfortable spaces in which to lounge and sleep. The workmanship is of a quality found in boats costing considerably more.

The layout of the saloon is fairly typical, with the galley and the engine compartment beneath the companionway. A folding dining table and 6′ 6″ settee are located to port. A similarly sized settee is to starboard, forward of the nav station. The head, with doors from the saloon or the skipper’s stateroom, is to starboard.

The boat is particularly well ventilated by four deck hatches, three forward and one in the aft stateroom, and four opening ports on each side of the deckhouse. We found the boat to be well lighted, even on a cloudy, rainy day.

The master stateroom spans the stern and has a 6′ long, 5′ 6″ wide berth in the center of a compartment having 6′ feet of headroom that is surrounded by finely finished mahogany closets and cabinetry, and heavy, 3″ cushions. Because boats seem to shrink in size in proportion to the number of people aboard, we liked the fact that both staterooms have sitting areas that, albeit small, provide some private space.

The head, which is subdivided by a plastic curtain, is equipped with a single stainless sink, hot and cold water, and a medicine cabinet. The shower area has 6′ of headroom and 30″ of elbow room.

The V-berth measures 6′ 4″ on the centerline, and is 6′ wide at the head, tapering to 18″ at the bow. Cabinetry includes a 43″ tall hanging locker to starboard and a similarly sized cabinet with three shelves to port.

About the only drawbacks we noted were the lack of a good, tight sea berth or two, and the size of working space available in the navigation station and galley, which oppose each other amidships near the companionway. But while one might wish them larger, the space would have to be subtracted from the dining area and head. One must remember that despite its great beam, this boat is still just 38′ LOA. The working surface on the nav station is only 22″ deep and 38″ wide. The galley runs fore and aft, and is equipped with a double stainless steel sink, two burner stove, and an L-shaped countertop. There’s adequate working space on the 24″ x 66″ countertop when the stove is covered. However, when the stove is in use, 24″ of countertop are lost, so the cook may have to use the dining table for preparations.

The boat’s mechanical systems are well-conceived and executed.

The engine compartment is accessible by removing the companionway steps, and via a removable panel in the galley. This permits one to work on all four sides of the engine. The Whitlock cable steering system is directly overhead and easy to inspect or service.

Wiring and plumbing are accessible by removing wooden panels in the back of stowage compartments. We found all wiring to be bundled and wrapped every 6″, which reduces the possibility of chafe. Through-hulls are bronze with stainless steel ball valves, and all hoses and manifolds are accessible and double clamped. Though the headliner is not removable, deck hardware fasteners can be inspected by removing mahogany covers attached to the overhead.

Performance We tested the boat on a rainy day on flat water in wind speeds ranging from 15-22 knots. Whether you like the looks of the five-section permanent windshield is a personal matter, but it certainly affords superior protection from the weather and is easy to see through. The center section opens to provide ventilation. There certainly is a trend amongst cruisers toward hard dodgers or at least hard-top dodgers, and a permanent windscreen is a good foundation from which to design an all-weather enclosure.

Under power, the 50-hp. Volvo Penta, equipped with a fixed, 3-blade prop, powered the boat into 10 knots of wind at 7 knots at 2,500 rpm. We noticed that at 2,100 rpm the noise level belowdecks allowed conversation at normal voice levels; at 2,500 rpm engine noise was more noticeable.

The saildrive has pros and cons. Its horizontal thrust is efficient, but the aluminum housing is vulnerable to corrosion, particularly from stray AC currents in marinas. Owners should monitor the unit carefully. The Wauquiez Pretorien 35 reviewed last month also has a saildrive, and owners were cautioned to regularly replace the zincs and to dive on it for a visual inspection every 90 days.

The boat proved responsive to the helm, and easily turned a tight 360°. She also tracked well in reverse, even in gusty conditions.

Our test boat had both furling main and jib, which will simplify sailhandling for cruising couples. The furling main looked disproportionately small for this size boat. We also learned rather quickly the importance of fully hoisting the main; if there’s a scallop at the tack, the sail will not furl into the mast.

We began the test sail with a full main and 150% genoa and discovered very quickly that we were overcanvassed. We shortened the jib to about 90% and in this configuration we sailed comfortably to within 40° of the apparent wind at just less than 6 knots. The boat tracked well. Because the jib sheeting angle is 16°, it is unlikely the boat will sail closer to the wind. Speed increased to 7.5 knots when we footed off and sailed at 85°, but she became less stable so we further reduced the headsail. She proved more manageable at 120°.

We suspect that owners will be motoring until wind speed reaches 6-8 knots, and using the 150% genoa until wind speed reaches 10 knots. In stiffer breezes, she’ll need a shortened headsail or reef in the main. However, with a properly balanced sailplan, we think most cruisers will find the boat manageable and comfortable.

Sailors in gusty conditions, such as San Francisco Bay, will find a sail inventory consisting of main and genoa to be adequate; the need for a light air drifter or reacher will become apparent where winds are lighter.

Conclusion We think the Bavaria is an exceptionally well-built boat. She’s finely finished; gelcoat surfaces are smooth; and joinerwork is of the highest quality. Crew and guests will find accommodations below to be spacious and well-appointed.

The Bavaria 38 Ocean comes well-equipped with brand-name hardware, Par head, Espar forced-air heater, and a Coolmatic 12-volt refrigeration system that fared poorly in our December 1, 1996 test. Though securing foreign replacement parts can be a headache, the North American distributor maintains a modest inventory of post-1992 parts for all Bavaria yachts.

The boat comes with an extensive list of standard equipment such as teak cockpit seating and sole, ICOM VHF radio, Autohelm ST 50 instruments, dodger, windlass and anchor with 165′ of chain.

Given current exchange rates and a sailaway price of $189,900 (US), fob Seattle, or $182,990 (US), fob Annapolis, we think the boat is a very good value. For comparison, the somewhat larger Jeanneau 40 Deck Saloon 40 lists at $190,000 and the superb but somewhat smaller Halberg Rassy 36 at a bit under $200,000. A more run-of-the-mill production boat, such as the Beneteau Oceanis 381, starts at $138,000.

Contact- Yacht Sales West, Unit B, 2144 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle, WA, 98109; 206/378-0081. In Canada, Yacht Sales West, 1523 Foreshore Walk, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 604/488-1202.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Hunter Legend 35.5 – Behind the Curtain

Whipping Line On Your Sailboat

Hallberg Rassy 42 – Behind the Curtain

The ICW – The Easiest Way – Sail to the Sun...

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

BAVARIA YACHTS

45 years of yachting, welcome to the world of bavaria yachts.

Sailing Yachts

Sailing is the passion to experience the sea and the wind. Discover pure joy of sailing and your personal sailing yacht.

Motor Boats

Modern design, powerful and safe driving characteristics and plenty of space for the most beautiful hours on the water.

Catamarans from NAUTITECH combine unforgettable sailing moments and maximum comfort for owners, who love the sea.

News from the world of BAVARIA YACHTS

Following the great success of the BAVARIA SR36 OPEN TOP, the shipyard from Giebelstadt is now presenting another Open-Top version and, with the BAVARIA SR33 OPEN TOP, is responding to the wishes of many customers for a uniquely open driving experience.

When BAVARIA YACHTS invite you to its DEALER DAYS, everyone comes. This is because it is one of the major highlights of the year for the BAVARIA YACHTS dealer network, even if it largely consists of work.

One of the annual highlights for BAVARIA YACHTS for a long time. The cult regatta around the Kornati islands in Croatia. Our press spokesman Marcus Schlichting is also on board!

Gaining additional practical experience, learning new things and exchanging ideas with each other - more than 35 service technicians from our dealers were able to do all of this during a week-long BAVARIA service workshop at our shipyard.

It is the Oscar of the yachting industry, the European Yacht of the Year Award. The BAVARIA YACHTS team is all the more proud that the BAVARIA C46 was able to beat six competitors in the "Family Cruiser" category

Last week, the last BAVARIA VISION 42 was completed in Giebelstadt. On Friday morning, part of the BAVARIA YACHTS team gathered to give her a fitting farewell. The sailing yacht celebrated its premiere at the boot Düsseldorf in 2012 and the almost 13 metre long yacht was built in the shipyard for just over 12 years. 

We will answer all your questions about spare parts supply and repairs, and provide tips and assistance.  We will help you to get your yacht back on the water!

At the beginning of last year, the BAVARIA SR41 won the "British Motorboat Award", the BAVARIA SR36 won the "Best of Boat Award" just a few months later and was nominated for the "European Powerboat of the Year". This year, the latest motorboat from Giebelstadt also remains true to this "award tradition".

BAVARIA YACHTS got off to a flying start at the Cannes Yachting Festival, where the German shipyard was represented with a total of eight motor and sailing yachts.

28.06.2024 Volos in Greece - a portrait of the beginner-friendly sailing area! Read more

13.06.2024 Something new from the pantry? Read more

14.05.2024 What happens in our Product Development? Read more

BAVARIA YACHTS – 45 Years of Yachting

BAVARIA YACHTS has been a manufacturer of innovative series yachts for 45 years. Over 42,000 sailing yachts and motorboats have been built on the 200,000 m² site since 1978.

What makes us special and what we especially show greatness in, is the experience of our employees. We deliver perfection, for which about 700 employees give their best. 

Every day, with every move - We are BAVARIA!

Experience the BAVARIA C46 live and come to the Sydney Boat Show at Darling Harbour from August 01st - 04th. Our dealers are looking forward to welcoming you.

Experience the pure joy of yachting.

Visit our Popular Forums

• Monohull Sailboats
• Multihull Sailboats
• Powered Boats
• General Sailing
• Antares Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot
• Lagoon Catamarans

Cruising Business

• Boat Classifieds
• General Classifieds
• Crew Positions
• Commercial Posts
• Vendor Spotlight

Life Aboard a Boat

• Provisioning: Food & Drink
• Families, Kids, & Pets Afloat
• Recreation, Entertainment, & Fun
• Boat Ownership & Making a Living
• Liveaboard's Forum

Seamanship, Navigation & Boat Handling

• Seamanship & Boat Handling
• Training, Licensing, & Certification
• Health, Safety, & Related Gear
• Rules of the Road, Regulations, & Red Tape

Engineering & Systems

• Const. / Maint. / Refit
• Product / Service Reviews
• Electronics: Comms / AV
• Electrical: Batts / Gen / Solar
• Lithium Power Systems
• Engines & Propulsion
• Propellers & Drive Systems
• Plumbing / Fixtures
• Deck Hdw: Rigging / Sails
• Aux. Equipment & Dinghy
• Anchoring & Mooring

Photo Categories

• Member Galleries
• Life Onboard
• Sailing in the Wind
• Power Boats
• Cruising Destinations
• Maint. & Boat Building
• Marine Life
• Scuba Diving & Divers
• General Photos

Recent Photos

Listing Categories

• African Cats
• view more »
• Crew Wanted
• Crew Available
• Enhance Your Account
• Meet the Mods
• Meet the Advisors
• Signup for The Daily Cruiser Email

> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 28-09-2010, 15:29   yachts and I am curious to know what it is about them? Before joining here I had a negative vibe about them, but that was mostly because the quality of the inside finish just did not compare with the French production . I also notice the same with the , as the difference in quality between a 38 ft Bavara and a Searay of the same size was dramatic. I could easily see why people would be willing to pay double the for the Searay. If one overlooks that yachts inside are very "ikea", is there really anything fundamentally wrong with the boats , strength and performance etc compared with other production boats? Is a Bavaria any worse than or Benneteau for ocean crossings I am curious to know peoples thought as next week I have arrange to sail Bavaria 39 for 3 day (skippered) in out of Lefkas. The trip to was planned as a viewing and relaxing time. I decided to book the as a last minute thing. I really don't know what sized boat I should get and have been swapping between 33/34 up to 38/40. I hope the of the 39 will tell me if I am stupid to get a boat that big (now) and that I focus on the smaller yachts. Bavaria has not been on my list, but maybe the 3 day sail might change my mind. 28-09-2010, 15:44   Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar list, but maybe the 3 day sail might change my mind. 28-09-2010, 15:48   Boat: Cal 2-46 they used to use (it might have changed). When we considering getting a new production boat to put into Charter the Bavaria were on the list. (We ended up a 40 year old boat and don't charter it... it all worked out well..but that is another story.) Have you looked at the Hanse? The guy who ran the charter company said they had the fewest issues with them. 28-09-2010, 15:48   and grain throughout the ?!?! The selling had no real answer for the obvious.. I figured, if they can't even match up the wood right, what else are they having trouble with?!?! Not a huge fan of the Bene's or jene's, though I think they are better then Bavarias. I know that the older models of all 3 were far better built with better quality. Now, it seems to be very much cookie , mass produced stuff. Don't get me wrong, I know of many cruisers on all 3 that love theirs for their own reasons.. Just ask MarkJ, I know he loves his Bene 393!! I guess there is no bad boat, you just need to find out which boat is best for you.. They all have their pros and cons.. 28-09-2010, 15:59   issues, etc, will not give you any useful data upon which to base a choice in yachts. 28-09-2010, 16:00   Boat: SAnta Cruz 27 loss' to get an idea of strength. 28-09-2010, 16:11   Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life" 28-09-2010, 17:39   a few years ago. I considered it unseaworthy to sail. It was great to get fall down drunk on as there is loads of nice furniture and the gals liked the plushness. I think they are just basic charter junk. Fun. Wouldn't want to own one to sail. 28-09-2010, 18:14   , tropical waters, whereve,r would agree with. A heavy boat for off-shore is always a safer boat. Slow perhaps in light winds but fast enough and safe in rough seas! Have a look at a . Cheers Alphonse 28-09-2010, 18:35   Boat: 14 meter sloop 29-09-2010, 00:23   29-09-2010, 00:50   Boat: Custom Freya 20m ply. Looked like it was made with no thought to later access and maintenance. 29-09-2010, 00:54   Boat: Bavaria 36 Just search for 'Bavaria keel loss' to get an idea of hull strength. A heavy boat for off-shore is always a safer boat. Slow perhaps in light winds but fast enough and safe in rough seas! Have a look at a . 29-09-2010, 03:03   Boat: Moody 31 when the dropped it still sailed suprisingly well. Didn't have the opportunity to try it in strong winds. Finish below was all plastic; moulded to look like wood grain. Easy to clean but it certainly wasn't wood, but then you are not paying for . Looking behind the cupboards and in holes revealed the bulkheads and furniture were glued in with a grey mastic rather than fibreglass. However I was concerned to see the split back stay attached to a bracket which on the inside was re-inforced with an offcut of aliminium plate about the size of a cigarette packet on each side. The plate wasn't straight, roughly cut and had self tapping screws driven through from the outside. It wasn't even bolted. We were considering and chartering to help pay for it, however the figures didn't look good so bottled out and bought an older boat instead. We see lots of the 31-34 ft Bav/Ben/Jen sized yachts around the channel and for coastal cruising they are fine. Personally I prefer the Beneteau's, I think they have a better finish and the later ones with big sky lights give a feeling of light and airy down below, were as the Bav was dark not helped with dark coloured platic wood. I looked over a couple of 34ft yachts at last years boat shows, the interiors weren't even Ikea standard, more like MFI boat and seems may have been run aground previously without then being inspected. Pete 29-09-2010, 04:32   Boat: Westsail 32 Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post Redbull addict Monohull Sailboats 34 11-08-2015 08:42 Traveller Monohull Sailboats 12 02-09-2009 13:29 johnbenq Monohull Sailboats 3 19-05-2009 02:45 JB3 General Sailing Forum 0 07-04-2009 15:15 Peleon Monohull Sailboats 2 06-04-2009 14:09 - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Forum Listing Marketplace Advanced Search About The Boat Boat Review Forum SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! What is your opinion of Bavaria's? Add to quote I have looked through Yeachtworld and a few other websites and found that used Bavaria's are really reasonably priced, more so than other big production boats like Hunter, Bene, and Catalinas. Why is that? How do the Bavaria's compare in terms of quality and handling to the other big production boats?   They sell lots of boats. There are a few that have issues, most famously those that had the keels come loose and in at least one case fall off. But a closer examination would show that their safety records are OK. Big numbers in the Med charter fleets and they do OK. Basically you get a lot of boat for the money.   TQA said: They sell lots of boats. There are a few that have issues, most famously those that had the keels come loose and in at least one case fall off. But a closer examination would show that their safety records are OK. Big numbers in the Med charter fleets and they do OK. Basically you get a lot of boat for the money. Click to expand... I have seen some very nice looking Bavaria 49s (5-cabin) in Croatia for $98,000 or so on yachtworld. Seems like quite the deal. Better yet if you can find one with a yanmar.   Speaking (typing?) very subjectively what puts me off Bavarias (80s/90s) is the 'chocolate brown' gelcoat they used on their liners below. A minor matter, I know.... The keel issue was rare and limited to a few (or less) examples of a race model. Never an issue on the cruising line AFAIK. I think they are probably pretty nice boats to live with. Around here they are not particularly 'bargain priced'..   I've always liked the look of the Bavarias but find the interiors disappointing. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not expecting Hallberg Rassey quality but but but. My particular disappointment was that in order to seemingly maximise interior space they push the v-berth right up into the bow. I do stress that the only Bavarias I have been on board were at boat shows and latest would be three or four years ago, so its quite possible that they have interior layouts that overcome these criticisms though I also seems to find these shortcomings in adverts for 2nd hand boats. This when we were looking over the past few years.   Paulo, I look at that and realise my criticism was either unjustified or more likely out of date. That is a lot of boat (interior) for 38'. Not much of a lazarette but hey, something has to give.   I had the chance to visit Bavaria boat yard in 2006 and had the whole factory tour. It was a week after that unfortunate Match 42 accident. They did not let us take any pictures. Summary of my observations, - At the first glance it's big but not so organized factory. At that time they were having some issues on maintaining standard on finishing. I saw same line of boats with different quality of workmanship. Later same year, a friend got his boat delivered with two different wood finish in the interiors. - They have an accelerated Hull/deck manufacturing process. At that time, they were laying fiberglass layers wet on wet and Drying the hull/deck in a gigantic oven. Some seasoned sailor friends thinks it's not the best way to make fiberglass hull/deck. May cause osmosis problems in the future. (I don't actually know how other mass boat producers are manufacturing the hull. This is just and observation and comment) - The Hull/keel joint did not seem strong enough. There were no structural reinforcement in joint area. (I have to admit, we were still under the influence of Match 42 accident) - Like other mass boat producers, they use market proven brand name components for electronics, plumbing, engine, running rigging, sails etc) I've only sailed a 42 cruiser for a day trip in light air. So I have very very limited personal experience on performance. But everything on the boat worked properly on that short daysail. Here's my 2c Tafa   Tafa said: - They have an accelerated Hull/deck manufacturing process. At that time, they were laying fiberglass layers wet on wet and Drying the hull/deck in a gigantic oven. Some seasoned sailor friends thinks it's not the best way to make fiberglass hull/deck. May cause osmosis problems in the future. (I don't actually know how other mass boat producers are manufacturing the hull. This is just and observation and comment)Tafa Click to expand... Tafa, Putting the hull/deck in an oven is many times a pretty common thing to do these days. I personally would not worry about that part of a boat I was going to buy. Many also heat and put some of the parts in a vacuum bag to help the resin get thru the cloth/glass part too. This helps keeps the hull/deck light, along with being strong. But as we all know, the human factor can be an issue with all manufacturing processes, so while something maybe a great way to build, if the humans do not do it correctly.....might as well be the worst way! then again, the worst way done with great care, may be better than the Best way with no care! marty   Paolo, That's a LOT of boat. What model is that? I know what you mean about some boats feeling impersonal. It's something that can be hard to judge from pictures. But it's something you definitely FEEL when you step below. Jim   Jim, that is the new Bavaria Vision 46. I will bet that it will be nominated to next year European Boat of the year contest and it is a very innovative boat and one that seems to be made with living aboard on mind without compromising too much sailing potential. As you say the interior looks good, at least on the photos, and it seems a big improvement over what Bavaria used to offer. When they have photos of the boat in the water I will post about it on the interesting sailboats thread. I will be following this one and I will be interested in knowing if its sailing performance is as good as the last Vision series. You know, the Vision series surprisingly sailed better than the Cruising series even it its looks suggested otherwise. Regards Paulo   Honestly, I'm a bit miffed. At 3:12 in the video I find that I must choose between an on-demand coffee maker OR beer on tap. I fail to see the humor.   We boarded the 2012 36ft'er at the Toronto Boat Show, and I swooned over the (BMW) interior...Maybe it was just the show boat, but the fit and finish were beautiful, and I liked it over the Bennie and the Dufour that were nearby. Schwing!!!!   SloopJonB said: That is an incredible boat, no doubt about it. Comparing it to my 1970 43' is laughable - you'd need an old Columbia 57 to even come close to that level of spaciousness. The bosun's locker is wonderful - almost as big as ONE of my cockpit lockers. I have a couple of questions - how much $$$? .. Click to expand... Fuzzy, If you have a truck stop around there, run into the store part some time, all kinds of 12V stuff you can buy that might work for a boat. As a lot of the truckers with sleepers need to work off of 12V just as boaters, RV'rs etc. Even an RV place may have a 12V coffee/espresso machine. Marty   Paulo and Marty, There are 12v espresso machines but they are not perfect if you like an Italian style espresso, simply do not produce enough pressure. The only ones that work really well are the pump types and they are pretty power hungry. I was thinking/hoping that maybe someone had finally come up with a goodun. Cheers Andrew   Hey guys, take a look here: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-...341-interesting-sailboats-239.html#post849780   What is going on in the US with the dealer network?   PCP said: Well, there is something strange here: Not any of those boats was sailed by an English man or an American and only one was sailed by an English speaking guy, an Australian. It seems that Americans and English men don't trust Bavarias Click to expand... Aahh yes, Rockter's old shoe drawing. Those were the days!   JonEisberg said: .... As always, it all depends on your intended use of the boat... They're obviously a lot of boat/volume for the money, probably a great value for coastal/weekend/vacation sailing... But for heading off for Bermuda, particularly aboard one that might be well towards the end of its useful Shelf Life? Well, perhaps not so much... Click to expand... John, Not sure if that pics issue would or would not be an issue. A what I would call a bigger issue, was on a Catalina 34 down the dock from me. Deck mounted traveler, with built in fiberglass risers from the factory, a deck orginize to a clutch where the halyard had to go around touching/dragging etc on the fiberglass riser, causing the raising of that halyard to probably have twice the force one needed to normally raise a sail. There was no way one could raise said sail with any amount of hand doing, a winch was always needed! Then to make things worst, the winch was so far outward, you could not turn the winch 360* with out hitting the dodger! I can fix the above pic problem easy enough. the line going thru a part of the boat.......a little harder! Marty   I was on a coupe of Bavaria's at the Vancouver Boat show and in the 32-38 foot range I really liked the looks and use of space. They seem to have good equipment but do some things I consider dangerous. The CNG or propane stove for example has the gas shut off right above the stove in a cabinet. They would also have a gas header inside the boat rather than in a drained locker.   manhattan08 said: What is your opinion of Bavaria's? Click to expand... if you're in the market for a boat, ask catalna owners for reasons not to buy a catalina. you'll start looking at catalinas all over again.   Back to Bavaria... I've own a B38 since 2010. It's the 2004 production, commissioned in 2005. The 2004 model is actually a true 40ft (12.3 meters). The 2003 & 2006 are 38ft. I own the 2-cabin owner version, with deep keel, tall rig and larger engine option (Volvo 55 hp). This boat has impressed me. Quality of wood work, of rigging (Selden), winches (Harken), etc. everything is well build. You can watch Bavaria's production videos on YouTube to convince you. Hull is reinforced with Kevlar. It's has proven to be very seaworthy even in big seas. It's keel and rig allow this boat to sail fair at up to 30 deg to the wind, though 35-40 deg is much better. It has weaknesses. For one its heavy - though for blue water cruising this can be an advantage - and thus not very fast. I mostly sail in 20-25 kts winds at a speed of 8-9 kts. The rudder itself and bearings are weak for serious offshore. I had it rebuilt and reinforced. The keel issue is not a Bavaria issue but a real concern for all modern "budget" minded sailboats. Again, on my boat I had the keel attachment redone and beefed up. Every boat has issues, know your boat and tweak it for your type of sailing. Overall I am very please with this boat. My 1st mate and I are considering a world tour in a few years and question if we invest on this hull or get a bigger boat. A 50+ foot would be nice, but the big advantage of our B38 is that it is cheap to run.   Otia said: ........ My 1st mate and I are considering a world tour in a few years and question if we invest on this hull or get a bigger boat. A 50+ foot would be nice, but the big advantage of our B38 is that it is cheap to run. Click to expand... ?             175.5K members Top Contributors this Month Yachting Monthly Digital edition September 24, 2009 Bavaria 30 - staid-looking, mid-range cruiser Product Overview Price as reviewed:. Introducing the brand at the Southampton Show in 1987, this Axel design was a staid-looking, mid-range cruiser. The build quality and finish of the mahogany joinery were impressive. The accommodation layout was conventional with a comfortable and spacious saloon, a large heads and generous aftercabin. The forecabin was somewhat cramped and the chart table faced aft over the starboard settee. Only a limited number were imported into the UK. 348 IMAGES BAVARIA C65 Bavaria Yachts Bavaria 36: The Most Comfortable and Cost-effective Yacht in Turkey BAVARIA YACHTS Bavaria SR36 yacht tour: Another award-winning sportscruiser from Bavaria? Sailing Yachts VIDEO 2023 Bavaria C42 2023 Bavaria Yachts New C 42 Sailboat Walkthrough Review performance cruiser By Ian Van Tuyl Yachts BAVARIA YACHTS New Sport 450 HT in 360° BAVARIA SR33 Bavaria Yachts R40 Introduction Bavaria 39 Cruiser COMMENTS Opinions on Bavaria Yachts Join Date: Feb 2005. Location: near Philadelphia. Boat: Bavaria 40, 12, 48 meters. Posts: 77. the Bavaria saga. I am one of those Bavaria owners, bought new in 2001 and agree with just about everything that John (swagman) wrote. One thing to look at are the changes in the Bavarias over the years. The most boat for your money? Bavaria C38 yacht test Bavaria Yachts, the company, gained new owners in 2018, and they've been quick to make a fresh start, starting with a plan to update the entire range. ... Given the price point of this boat, the quality of finish was really very good, and the resurrected Bavaria has upped its game several notches. Arguably, the C38 could now be the boat to ... Bavaria C46 review: Space and performance This product is featured in: X-Yachts X49 MkII first look: a good boat gets even better . There's no denying that the Bavaria C46 is a beast of a boat. Bluff bowed, big and powerful, she has more volume than almost any boat her size. In some ways, it's no surprise as this is the direction boat design has been going for years, underlined by ... Bavaria C42 review: The Ford Model T of 40ft yachts Bavaria seems to have combined the best of both ideas, so you really do keep asking yourself if this boat is really only 40ft. The darker walnut veneer of the test boat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson ... Boat Review: Bavaria C38 The first new "C-Line" Bavaria, the C42, designed by Maurizio Cossutti and Alessandro Ganz, was a surprise success in Europe in 2020 and pulled down some major awards there. The new Bavaria C38 is the second of the new breed, a slightly downsized version of its predecessor, which shares many design and construction features. Design ... Bavaria 32 Cruiser: A boat built for family fun afloat The Bavaria 32 Cruiser straddles both worlds with ease, says Rachael Sprot. When you think of the naval architect, Bruce Farr, many good things spring to mind: America's Cup challengers, Whitbread winners and high-profile superyachts. Family cruiser isn't at the top of the list - yet the Bavaria 32 Cruiser is just that. Sailboat Review: Bavaria C38 Advertisement. Bavaria builds 500-plus sailboats a year at its factory in Germany, and the C38 is the smallest in the five-boat Cossutti-designed C line; the flagship is a 57-footer. The company builds two other lines of cruising sailboats—the Cruiser and Vision ranges—for a total of 16 models starting at 32 feet. First look: Bavaria C46 First look: Bavaria C46. The first model in a second generation of Bavaria's C-series yachts, the new Bavaria C46 offers plenty of internal volume and on-the-water performance. Maurizio Cossutti ... Boat test: Bavaria C38 November 17, 2023. Bavaria Yachts has founded its reputation on comfortable cruisers and their new C38 is the cornerstone of a new generation of yachts which are roomier than ever, Sam Jefferson reports. Bavaria Yachts has always had a talent for giving the public precisely what it wants. And, no, that is not a racing yacht capable of foiling ... Bavaria SR33 Review (2023 Edition) Completing the current three-boat line-up in the Bavaria SR range, the entry-level SR33 is hoping to build on the successes of its award-winning siblings, the SR36 and SR41. Featuring many of the clever ideas that brought the larger boats in the range such critical acclaim, the 33 brings its own personality with Marco Casali of Too Design penning her sleek and smart exterior.The highlight ... Bavaria Yachts....yay or nay? I've owned a Bavaria 34CR for 10 years now great cursing yacht with plenty room and real wood finish not the (MFI cheap look) If I was to go sailing for a year I would look for a Bavaria 42 CC they are a great cursing yacht but getting a good one is like finding hens teeth lol. Tested: Bavaria Vision 42 CONCLUSION: Although Bavaria's reputation is built on the company's ability to mass produce boats at a competitive price point, you'd never guess it looking at the Vision 42. This is a finely crafted, good-looking boat that can hold its own against any other 42-footer. Beneteau Vs Bavaria: Which is Better? A contender and constant champion that has afforded the Bavaria Yachtbau bragging rights in luxurious boats is the Cruiser 37. The length is 35'76", and cabin-wise it comes in two variants; the 2-cabin or 3-cabin. This offers to sailors a sportiness that is only second to the luxury and pleasure boating it provides. What Bavaria Boat You Need & Why Bavaria yachts are built around the extensive expertise of professionals in German engineering. Bavaria has managed to implement all this knowledge with a high degree of precision and quality to make some of the most outstanding yachts to date. Bavaria boats are made with the best materials, equipment and exquisite craftsmanship to create a ... Bavaria Cruiser 45 review: from the archive The fold-down transom/bathing platform and twin rudder combos have been particularly successful and the Bavaria Cruiser 45 seems to deliver as many benefits as the 55 in an arguably more tempting ... Bavaria C50 Price as reviewed: £448,696.00 (inc VAT) TAGS: 50-footer Bavaria C50 Sunny sailing Yacht test Yacht review. This product is featured in: Hanse 400: popular modern performance cruiser . If any builder is determined to keep ahead of the trends in a rapidly . changing market, it's Bavaria. Bavaria 38 Ocean Bavaria yachts are designed by the J and J design office, a relatively obscure firm founded by brothers Jernej and Japec Jakopin in 1983. ... (US), fob Seattle, or $182,990 (US), fob Annapolis, we think the boat is a very good value. For comparison, the somewhat larger Jeanneau 40 Deck Saloon 40 lists at $190,000 and the superb but somewhat ... Six bargain Bavarias: family cruisers that won't break the bank Bavaria 40 Ocean. Bavaria 40 Ocean: Launched in 2000 for a basic price of under £100,000, the twin cabins and extensive galley made quite an impression. This boat, one of Bavaria's few centre cockpit models, set new standards in terms of value for money - providing a 40ft boat with a list price of less than £100,000 when launched in 2000. BAVARIA YACHTS BAVARIA YACHTS has been a manufacturer of innovative series yachts for 45 years. Over 42,000 sailing yachts and motorboats have been built on the 200,000 m² site since 1978. What makes us special and what we especially show greatness in, is the experience of our employees. We deliver perfection, for which about 700 employees give their best. Bavaria 36 Bavaria 36. Manufacturer: Bavaria. Price as reviewed: £48,000.00. Her overall appearance is of a well-designed, unpretentious and modern cruising boat. Indeed, she's as pretty and seamanlike as many boats that cost twice as much. But because of a perceived snobbery over this value-for-money brand, plus keel problems mentioned earlier, the ... Why Are Bavaria Yachts Not Well-Liked Here ... The Bavaria 39 charter is more about boat handling for me. Firstly brush off the dust from my former experience (from 34 footers 35 years ago) and then try to figure out if 39ft is too much of a leap in or whether I should focus on finding smaller boats. 28-09-2010, 16:00. # 6. donradcliffe. Registered User. What is your opinion of Bavaria's? Sail-World.com : Bavaria yachts' offshore success s/y Empire Yagoona.de - Svenja Zielinski und Marc Panzer Genuíno Madruga em volta ao Mundo Well, there is something strange here: Not any of those boats was sailed by an English man or an American and only one was sailed by an English speaking guy, an Australian. Bavaria 30 boat review Bavaria 30. Price as reviewed: £25,000.00. Introducing the brand at the Southampton Show in 1987, this Axel design was a staid-looking, mid-range cruiser. The build quality and finish of the mahogany joinery were impressive. The accommodation layout was conventional with a comfortable and spacious saloon, a large heads and generous aftercabin. catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht