are bavaria yachts any good

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.

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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
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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Bavaria C46

• Toby Hodges
• July 10, 2023

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

Product Overview

Maurizio Cossutti’s sixth design for Bavaria, the Bavaria C46, is the first model in a second generation of the German yard’s C-series, which was originally launched six years ago. The new boat offers significantly more interior volume than its predecessor, the C45 from 2018, yet also claims better performance.

What Bavaria now calls its V-bow – broad forward sections that taper to a narrower waterline beam – is balanced by distinct chines aft. The net effect is improved accommodation volumes and greater form stability, yet little extra drag in light airs.

Bavaria continues to offer a wide choice of accommodation layouts, including a four cabin/four heads charter model, and three-cabin/three head option with a big owner’s suite forward.

It’s also possible to substitute one aft head for a Pullman-style fifth cabin, or a multipurpose room that can be used for laundry, or as a workshop etc.

Contrary to many yards, Bavaria doesn’t believe dinghy garages are necessary for a yacht of this size. The pay-off is bigger 160cm-wide aft cabins that can be fitted with convertible twin/double beds. On deck the cockpit is 10% longer than that of the C45 and there’s stowage for plenty of watersports toys.

Options include retractable dinghy davits, 350W of solar panels on the bimini, plus – in a new move for Bavaria – lithium-iron phosphate batteries. The first boat is scheduled to be afloat in summer 2023.

Bavaria C46

LOA: 14.86m 48ft 9in Hull length: 13.95m 45ft 9in Beam: 4.70m 15ft 5in Draught: 2.30m 7ft 6in Base price: €309,900 ex VAT Builder: bavariayachts.com

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Sailboat Review: Bavaria C38

The forward-thinking design on the c38 leaves plenty of space in the bow for an owner’s en suite stateroom with a king-size berth., 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.

The saloon table drops down and converts to an additional double berth. Jon Whittle

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.

With the two-head layout, the forward ­compartment cuts into a portion of the king-size bunk. Jon Whittle

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.

The ­rounded bow hints at the volume down below. Jon Whittle

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

Original Article: cruisingworld.com

Related posts

Bavaria SR33 Review (2023 Edition)

The Bavaria SR33 marks the culmination of a trio of contemporary entry-level cruising models. Unveiled to the world at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, we seized the opportunity to explore how this newcomer measures up against its two larger siblings.

With the SR36 and SR41 already establishing themselves as solid, well-appointed two-cabin yachts, Bavaria's introduction of the SR33 promises to deliver a similar blend of excitement and functionality in a more compact 11-meter package. The question remains: will this downsized version of the SR lineup retain the same level of appeal and versatility?

Bavaria SR33 Key Facts

• LOA 37.402ft
• Max Speed 30 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

Design & Build

Let's start with the essentials: Bavaria has a long history of crafting practical, user-friendly, and cost-effective sportscruisers. Collaborating with J&J Design, their earliest creations remain relevant and reliable today, prioritizing safety, ample storage, maneuverable hulls, and spacious interiors.

Moreover, Bavaria has been a pioneer in hardtop designs for vessels under 20 meters. Their hardtops boast a sleek aesthetic, avoiding bulkiness or overly rounded shapes, ensuring both functionality and style.

With the design leadership now under Marco Casali, the essence of the SR range remains intact. These boats still exude a smartness that is sure to impress even a decade from now. However, Casali's touch infuses more detail and finesse into the vessels, evident in features like the SR33's elliptical mid-cabin window design.

The SR range offers a diverse selection of petrol and diesel sterndrive engines, ensuring a guaranteed speed of 30 knots. Opting for diesel power may slightly inflate the base price of EUR €248,000 ex VAT, potentially nearing EUR €300,000. Bavaria is exploring the possibility of introducing a single-engine variant, which could further reduce the price while potentially enhancing efficiency. This consideration is particularly relevant as the SR33 features a relatively modest 500-liter (132-gallon) fuel tank, smaller compared to its competitors.

Interior Balance

The attention-grabbing SR transom seat, maximizing the expansive stern of the boat, undoubtedly stands out as a key feature that will attract many potential buyers for a closer inspection. However, the ultimate success of the boat hinges on the overall balance of its design, particularly below decks.

A significant design consideration revolves around the decision to offer three four-berth models that are nearly identical in size. One contributing factor to this choice is affordability. By utilizing smaller engines and streamlining the production process, Bavaria can offer a range of pricing starting from the €UR 250,000 base figure and reaching beyond €UR 500,000 for the SR41.

Both the 11.7-meter SR36 and the 13.2-meter SR41 feature two separate sleeping cabins. The SR41, however, offers two toilet and shower compartments compared to the SR36's one, giving it a more spacious feel. If your cruising plans involve two couples, the additional heads and increased space of the SR41 may be more appealing. Fortunately, there's a noticeable price gap between the two models to aid in decision-making.

As for the SR33, its unique value proposition lies in its ability to strike a balance between size, amenities, and price point within the SR range.

Open & Closed Case

Despite its model name positioning it below the SR36, the SR33 is only slightly shorter by 11 inches, with near-identical cockpits. Below decks, the slightly lower LOA of the SR33 is noticeable but not significant. The main difference lies in the open-plan main cabin of the SR33, where the forward double berth is only curtained off. This design choice creates a relaxed interior ambiance and allows for a spacious pantry area, along with a nearly identical toilet and shower compartment compared to the SR36.

For cruising as a family or couple, the layout of the SR33 is highly functional. If cruising as a couple, the open cabin design essentially becomes your private stateroom, complete with a lounge, bar, and ensuite. Additionally, there is a proper, separate mid-cabin with full-standing headroom at the entranceway, ample ports, and a useful bench seat. If the need arises for two separate cabins, the SR36 is the better option. However, if you're willing to pay for a bit more space and the luxury of a private toilet and shower, the SR41 is the ideal choice.

As the details come together, the rationale behind each model within the SR range becomes clearer, allowing buyers to find the perfect fit for their cruising needs.

Interior Accommodation

An unmistakable trait of the SR series, which we wholeheartedly support, is the preference for cooking on deck rather than below. In the SR33, a galley unit below decks serves primarily for storage and additional refrigeration, while a deep sink facilitates washing up efficiently. The adjacent dining area, though neat, is more functional than convivial, providing a space for gathering, enjoying coffee, and dining in privacy with a bench and stool arrangement.

The open forward double berth is positioned low for easy access and is surrounded by lockers and pockets for convenient storage. Generous stowage options abound throughout the SR33, with lockers strategically placed and clean storage voids under seats and berths. While some boats in this size class offer a closed forward cabin, few manage to combine two cabins with a lower lounge, and none rival the spaciousness and sense of openness offered by the SR33.

The toilet and shower compartment in the SR33 is indeed not identical to the SR36, but it closely mirrors its size and design. The compartment features a sensible layout, with the toilet and shower thoughtfully separated from the sink and vanity unit. This configuration ensures that one-half of the compartment remains dry while also creating a convenient seat for the shower.

Separate Mid-Cabin

Accessed through its portside door, the mid-cabin of the SR33 is truly impressive. Bavaria has cleverly extended the cockpit footwell well into the cabin, providing standing headroom throughout. While the SR36 features a bench seat that could serve as a child’s berth, the SR33, is simply a seat — but a highly functional one. Here, you can comfortably spend time and enjoy panoramic views through two tiers of hull-side windows.

Helm Station

At the single helm, a raised lounger and a tidy little seat to port provide seating for two or three additional passengers to join the skipper. Sliding side windows on each side offer not only valuable ventilation when the sunroof is closed but also facilitate easy communication with the deck or shore.

The console design is simple yet elevated, especially with the optional Glass Helm—an integrated Raymarine design featuring two 12-inch MFD screens. Reflecting Bavaria's confident character, the helm boasts a sleek sports steering wheel and prominent branding on the seat. Bavaria's expertise shines through in the throttle setup, particularly with the optional joystick positioned further back for optimal control.

Deck Lifestyle

The SR transom seat design, consistent across the three models, shines particularly bright here, offering a superb lounge area and captivating seascape views on a smaller vessel. Positioned outside of the hardtop overhang, it remains open to the elements and easily converts into a sunpad. While options like the telescopic table or extra storage infill are available, ample storage space is already provided under the transom seats.

Moreover, the transom design facilitates excellent dual access from the swim platform and onto the side decks, enhanced by strategically placed grab rails and stanchion posts extending aft.

Remarkably, this 11-meter boat boasts proper side decks—an often overlooked feature in vessels of this size. While many boats struggle to provide adequate decks at this length, some don't include them at all. Here, you'll find two wide, secure decks that lead seamlessly to the foredeck. Although there's no foredeck seating akin to the Beneteau GT32 or Regal Grande Coupes, an optional pad is available, with the transom lounge offering a comfortable alternative.

A Cooking Cockpit

The transom seats merge with the cockpit lounge, with a pivoting backrest creating a fluid connection between the two. A standout feature is the wet bar, a common inclusion on boats, but this one stands out for its larger size and thoughtful design to accommodate a two-burner hob and deep lockers. While an additional wet bar fridge is available as an option, it's a common feature on most boats.

Regarding the hardtop design, there's the option of a GRP electric sunroof, as seen here, or a more cost-effective canvas roof. Each option has its pros and cons — the canvas roof has a limited shelf life, while the electric sunroof offers less open sky for a higher price. Regardless of the choice, investing in the aft canopy curtain will be necessary for added comfort and protection.

Value For Money

Bavaria's forte has long been providing diesel-powered sportsboats and cruisers to a market largely dominated by petrol-engined US brands. Particularly appealing to European buyers, these diesel boats offered lower running costs without sacrificing the ability to cruise comfortably at 30 knots.

While there were still some areas for improvement on the options list, the overall package — whether petrol or diesel — remained highly valued for its combination of practicality, style, and affordability. This trend continues today, although there are indications that the pendulum may be shifting back towards petrol options.

At €UR 290,000, the Volvo Penta D4-300 diesel base price still represents excellent value when compared to other offerings in the market. However, this option does alter the dynamics of the boat. In contrast, the standard €UR 248,000 355hp 6.2l V6 Mercruisers seem like the more favorable choice. The additional €UR 10,000 for the Mercruiser joystick, compared to the €UR 15,000 for the Volvo Penta option, further emphasizes this point. Opting for a bow thruster adds €UR 5,000 to the total cost.

Beyond engine choices, the optional €UR 15,000 Comfort Package offers enticing features such as underwater and deck lighting, stylish teak decking, a cockpit fridge, and an electric flush toilet. Investing in the GRP sunroof will set you back around €UR 8,000, whereas opting for the canvas option costs a more modest €UR 1,700. Additionally, the sleek 12-inch Simrad Glass Helm comes in at approximately €UR 9,000.

This review began by questioning the cohesion of Bavaria's SR range, but now it's clear: these models offer buyers a rare simplicity in their choices. The progression in size, space, and cost is straightforward, supported by a design ethos that balances fun and functionality across the lineup. The SR33 stands out as potentially the best of the trio, encapsulating the SR cruising experience in a smaller hull. It's important to note that everything that makes the SR33 exceptional comes as standard—a testament to Bavaria's commitment to delivering value to boaters.

Reasons to Buy

• All the SR features at 11m
• Spacious interior
• Cockpit design
• Excellent deck access and stowage

Things to Consider

• No forward cabin
• Diesel engines hike price

Bavaria is a dominant force in the under 12m category, but it faces stiff competition from various European rivals.

Galeon, for instance, offers two 11m sportscruisers, the 370HTC and the 365HTS. The former features a coupe design with cockpit doors, creating space for a practical three-cabin layout below decks. Meanwhile, the latter, with its open hardtop design, provides versatility with options for cockpit doors and a separate mid-cabin.

Beneteau adds to the competition with the Gran Turismo 32 and 36, positioned around the Bavaria in terms of size. The GT36 offers a lower lounge and separate cabins, while the GT32 impresses with its social cockpit and convertible dinette below decks.

Sessa's C3X, slightly shorter than the Bavaria, utilizes space effectively with options for a lounge or galley and two separate cabins. Jeanneau's NC37, a coupe design, features a bright and functional enclosed galley and lounge, complemented by an impressive three-cabin layout.

Lastly, the Regal 36 Grande Coupe stands out with its bright deck salon and two-cabin accommodation. It boasts impressive speed, thanks to the option for outboard engines, making it a compelling competitor in the segment.

Specifications

• Builder Bavaria Yachts
• Range SR-Line
• Length Overall 37.402ft
• Beam 11.352ft
• Draft 2.822ft
• Yacht Type (Primary) Sports Yacht
• Use Type (Primary) Weekending
• Cruising Speed Max Speed
• Fuel Capacity 132 Gallons
• Fresh Water Capacity 66 Gallons
• Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-300

Bavaria SR33 Layout

The SR transom design makes full use of the main, wide-body section of the boat and connects to the main cockpit. Note the decent wet bar to starboard.  

The open main cabin is joined by a separate mid and a toilet and shower compartment as good as that found on the SR33. There is no lower galley but there is a pantry areas and fridge. 

Carl Richardson

Carl is a writer, editor, presenter and content creator specialising in yachting as well as men’s luxury. A former magazine editor, Carl has amassed some 20 years of hands-on experience with motorboats, testing over 350 models.

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BAVARIA C38

Joy of sailing., best sailing characteristics meet maximum comfort.

The BAVARIA C38 combines perfect sailing characteristics, easy handling and maximum use of the interior space. Distinctive design features, such as the BAVARIA V-bow and Chines at the stern, guarantee safe and fast sailing characteristics and an incredible amount of space below deck. In the owner’s cabin in the bow, the double bed measures a sensational 1.73 x 2 metres. The berths in the stern cabins measure 1.50 x 2 metres, which must also be close to a record for this size of boat.

The BAVARIA V-bow and Chines at the stern open up completely new opportunities for using the space below decks.

The new hull design with BAVARIA Chines and V-bow increases the stability and velocity of the BAVARIA C38. 

Many features are standardly included in the BAVARIA C38 series models. These include the self-tacking jib and a sail area of 97.3 m².

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• 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.

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Bavaria Reviews

The firm’s current range includes motor boats, catamarans and sailing yachts, ranging in size from 30ft to 55ft.

New models are currently imported to the UK by brokerage firms Clipper Marine (power & sail boats) and Key Yachting (catamarans).

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Fast and fuel efficient, thanks to the space saving benefits of sterndrives the Bavaria R40 packs a lot into 40 foot

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The Bavaria E40 Fly offers full displacement cruising and an aft cabin in a neat 40ft package, Jack Haines gets to grips with it in the Solent

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Germany takes on the establishment as Bavaria launches its first flybridge cruiser.

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Coming in at under £200k, this sportscruiser looks like a lot of boat for the money. But how much bang do you actually get for your buck?

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This 38-footer is a marked step up for the German yard

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Bavaria delivers an affordable cruiser with attitude

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Review Price: £390,000.00

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New Bavaria Deep Blue 46 HT - slightly retro style

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Bavaria 30 Hardtop - roomy and comfortable with more room inside than seems possible!

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Bavaria Deep Blue 46 Flybridge is their first ever flybridge

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• February 11, 2010

Fresh from a makeover at the hands of Farr Yacht Design and BMW, Bavaria presents its new 32ft cruiser. Chris Beeson puts her through her paces

Product Overview

Overall rating:, manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

The quality of life below, while moored at least, has improved hugely in 40 years – the heads is fantastic. She’s quick and lively off the wind but lacks the displacement to match her forebears upwind in a breeze.

Main features:  – Boom-end mainsheeting gives much better mainsail control and the non-overlapping jib means she’ll tack easily upwind  – Coamings are a good height forward, but shorter aft and stop short of the transom, which will dampen the helmsman  – The folding transom is an excellent idea, improving bathing facilities and making the cockpit even bigger  – Cockpit seats are over 7ft long, with good bracing but the tiny winches are out of the helmsman’s reach  – Grabrails start just outside the cockpit but end well short of the mast, where the coachroof jib track begins