bavaria yachts quality

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Bavaria Vision 46 review: from the archive

• Toby Hodges
• June 1, 2021

After a mixed reaction to their Cruiser range, Bavaria turned to superyacht specialists to vamp up the new Bavaria Vision 46. Toby Hodges finds out if a star has been born

This is the first Bavaria with an underdeck furler (Selden Furlex), a retractable bow thruster and an electric windlass in the sizeable chain locker. Credit: Paul Wyeth

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Bringing in a big name to put their design stamp on a new range is an established way for a production builder to boost marketing potential – much like a Hollywood star being drafted into a movie to up box office appeal. But would the new Bavaria Vision 46 benefit from some start quality?

For the revamp of their Cruiser line, Bavaria contracted Farr Yacht Design for the naval architecture and BMW designworks USA for the styling. However, just as a Michael Fassbender or Naomi Watts on a billboard will not necessarily ensure a film’s success, the result was no crowd pleaser.

They produced a stiffer, more balanced and rewarding yacht than Bavaria cruisers of old, but the overall look was not pretty – the ports looked as if they were borrowed from an armoured van.

Faced with strong competition from Bénéteau’s Sense range, Elan’s Impression and Jeanneau’s Sun Odyssey, which were offering clients light, volume and comfort, Bavaria were forced to rethink for the new Vision line.

CEO Dr Jens Ludmann was brought in two years ago from the automotive industry and the Bavaria Vision 46 is the first launch under his watch.

His decision to commission superyacht specialists Design Unlimited for the deck and interior styling proved a shrewd one and, with Farr proving reliable with the hull design, the Bavaria Vision 46 made quite a splash last January.

The teardrop coachroof windows give her a modern look and the sheer level of fresh thinking that has helped make this Vision so light, comfortable and easy to spend time on is immediately obvious once you step aboard.

In fact, the quality throughout this boat shines. It’s the first time Bavaria have used a split mould, and the build has obviously been meticulous.

Then there’s the glitz of push-button gadgets to help promote the ease of sailing short-handed.

There have already been four sales of the Bavaria Vision 46 in the UK and we went to test the first with Clipper Marine.

Director Richard Hewett sees the Cruiser line more for those staying in the UK, while Vision clients head further afield. The test boat was going to a Scottish client who plans to cruise her in the Mediterranean.

Sailing the Bavaria Vision 46

Although styled by some of the best design brains in the business, the Bavaria Vision 46 is still a slab-sided lump to confront on the pontoon. But needs must; volume has to be conjured from somewhere.

The designers have clearly put a premium on cockpit comfort. Bavaria had an exclusivity deal with Lewmar to stock their new self-tacking Revo winches, which allow you to tack the boat at the push of a button.

Mounting the main and primary winches close to the twin wheels leaves the cockpit benches clear of lines, with one coachroof winch for halyards.

In perfect South Coast conditions – Force 4-5 and warm sun – we found the boat comfortable to sail.

• Although the side decks are narrow aft, the high coachroof and integrated rail makes it safe to go forward when heeled.

A single-point backstay leaves those beamy aft quarters unimpeded and, with cushioned backrests – which should surely double as lifebuoys – this area proved very comfortable for the helmsman.

Although from behind the wheel this seems a big boat, the Bavaria Vision 46 always felt manageable.

Beside the wheel an area has been sculpted out to allow the helmsman to straddle the wheel, rest a foot on the pedestal and reach the primaries.

Foot chocks on the sole are well-positioned for helmsman and crew, and it’s easy to move between wheels. Visibility forward (with the sprayhood down) is good.

In 15-18 knots boat speed was adequate – and this was backed up by the polars – thanks to a long waterline that’s just a foot shorter than LOA, although it was hard to ascertain precisely with a roaring spring ebb and no working paddlewheel log.

Push-button tacking

Winches that tack the sheets across automatically at the push of a button are a strange new phenomenon to get your head around: hold a button down and the active winch begins to backwind. Then after a pause to allow the bow to swing, the other winch winds in automatically.

The system certainly worked, but Bavaria’s control panel needs rethinking as it is not intuitive. I have since sailed a Hallberg-Rassy with a similar system which had a much clearer control panel.

Bavaria’s Trim Control system can be linked into a Garmin plotter and autopilot, allowing the helmsman to press ‘tack’ and the whole thing will happen automatically. It’s still a lot to keep an eye on if you are sailing single-handed.

It was certainly necessary to monitor the active winch to make sure it was releasing correctly as the backwinding winch sometimes didn’t release, which could cause a pickle in a tack.

You can also control the mainsheet in and out from the panel if you have the sheet rigged to the coachroof winch.

The test boat had the mainsheet split-sheeted and led aft, which I preferred, as we could take up the windward winch to coax the boom over and invoke some twist in the sail.

Once I got the hang of it, auto-tacking was very easy, though the Bavaria Vision 46 is set up well for short-handed sailing anyway.

Despite 24 knots over the deck and full sail, the cable-linked helms didn’t loaded up too much, and maintained admirable control when heeled.

The 105 per cent jib is a manageable size, even without electronic aid, and with chainplates outboard and sheets led to a track on the coachroof, the Bavaria Vision 46 points well, tacking in just over 80°.

Smart solutions

As you descend the offset companionway, the Bavaria Vision 46 feels stable, with solid grabrails leading down into a large inviting living area.

Thanks to the huge coachroof and hull windows, as well as overhead hatches and 7ft headroom, there is abundant natural light and a pleasant feeling of space.

The accommodation is offered in two or three-cabin formats – the latter has a second heads forward – but the standard layout with a twin aft cabin that converts to a double makes a practical option.

This provides a useful work/locker space accessed through the heads. The offset companion creates room for a central island.

Rather than simply creating extra galley space, it provides something to lean against when working in the galley, making it a practical place at sea.

All sole panels have lifting latches – a big plus to make bilge checking and stowage accessible – and the plumbing and hot water tank are neatly contained beside the galley.

However, it’s a pity all the ply edges and end-grain is left untreated. Bavaria have also chosen an impractical white material for some vertical panels, which was already getting grubby.

But nitpicking aside, there’s so much smart thinking throughout, including superb stowage solutions and dual-role tables and chairs that swivel and lift, combined with a good level of finish, that this makes for a very impressive, game-changing interior.

On deck details

• Vast stowage in the cockpit quarter lockers, aft lazarette and (in this format) the workshop.
• The cockpit table is a piece of engineering, lowering telescopically on support legs that meet lugs on the sole. The tabletop swivels to form a sunbed.
• The central aft bench lifts on struts for access to the drop-down swim platform, and includes a bracket to hold the shower head, providing a proper shower on the aft platform. Nice.
• This is the first Bavaria with an underdeck furler (Selden Furlex), a retractable bow thruster and an electric windlass in the sizeable chain locker.
• When raised, the sprayhood is, unfortunately, at perfect height to smack foreheads (1.7m).

Below deck on the Bavaria Vision 46

A light and comfortable area, but there is no navstation.

Instead the central part of the portside sofa can be raised and locked in place, the cushion removed to convert it to a coffee table cum makeshift chart table with lifting lid.

The saloon is a light and comfortable area, but doesn’t have a navstsaion.

It’s a clever idea, as long as you don’t mind reducing your navigation area to such a paltry minimum.

The saloon table is a clever jigsaw puzzle, which swivels and lowers, using sole boards raised vertically each end to act as supports. There’s practical, accessible stowage below soles and berth.

A good area to work in at sea. Above and abaft the twin sinks in the central island is an alcove for optional coffee machine or beer tap (it is German!), although I reckon this space would prove ideal as a draining rack.

Left: the central part of the portside sofa can be raised and locked in place and convert to a makeshift chart table. Right: there’s plenty of work surfaces in the galley.

Good stowage and a bin under the sinks.

There’s plenty of worksurface and the stowage space is first class: deep drawers, raised lockers, deep bilge for tins/bottles, pan stowage beneath the stove, plus a huge fridge.

Forward cabin

You step down into the forward cabin, so the 7ft headroom continues forward as far as the berth.

In this layout (no en-suite) this master cabin has a lavish amount of space and a vanity table with stool that is larger than the ‘chart table’.

This master cabin has a lavish amount of space.

There’s good stowage in two huge wardrobes and shelved cupboards to each side, and shoe slots in the bilge.

Alcoves in the forward bulkhead for books and cupholders are a neat touch.

A clever, versatile cabin, with twin berths that join to form a large double.

Good stowage and light, but headroom is constricted above the starboard berth.

Ventilation boards beneath berths lock into place.

The Bavaria Vision 46 is a highly innovative design, with a strict attention to detail, a premium regard for comfort and impressive build quality and styling throughout.

As such, the Vision 46 is a distinct step up in both quality and style, which was certainly needed to keep Bavaria up to speed with their French rivals.

Farr showed their influence in the Cruiser line and the Vision too demonstrates admirable seakeeping and is sturdier and quieter below at sea than any Bavaria I’ve sailed.

The German company have a good team in place now which, as well as Farr and Design Unlimited, includes Peter Meyer and Daniel Kohl to oversee the roll-out of the new lines.

With a Cruiser 33 and a 56 to come using the same fresh thinking and styling, it can only mean good things.

I’m glad all the gadgetry aboard is offered as an optional extra, as it’s easy to overcomplicate this simple, relaxing pastime.

But all the mod-cons aside, it’s the build quality and sailing ability that counts – and both impressed me. For a couple or family this new Vision looks a smart choice.

First published in the December 2012 issue of YW.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Bavaria 32 Cruiser: A boat built for family fun afloat

• Rachael Sprot
• January 11, 2022

Can a practical family cruiser also deliver performance? The Bavaria 32 Cruiser straddles both worlds with ease, says Rachael Sprot

The Bavaria 32 Cruiser came with a deep-fin keel which delivers good manoeuvrability. Credit: Nic Compton

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

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.

The Cruiser range, launched in 2011, is the product of a marriage between this renowned designer of performance yachts and one of the most prolific boat yards of modern times.

I jumped on board Solid Aire belonging to Nick and Tracey Hindmarsh, in Plymouth, to find out more. Nick and Tracey have owned the boat for three years.

Most of their cruising has been done locally, with Fowey and the Yealm within easy reach for a quick weekend getaway.

Nick and Tracey Hindmarsh wanted a yacht suitable for sailing with family. Credit: Nic Compton

They have five grown-up children between them and three grandchildren. Their choice of boat was pragmatic from the outset: they wanted to get the family afloat .

Sharing your passion for sailing with your children is never an easy task; it’s even harder when they’re too old to press-gang into the crew.

They knew that they’d have to win over hearts and minds if they were to get them on board.

The day I joined them they had Tracey’s daughter, Abigail, and grandson, Arlo, on board, and it was his first taste of life afloat.

The Bavaria 32 Cruiser, which later became the 33, is the smallest of the range, which went up to 55 foot.

The Bavaria 32 Cruiser was the smallest yacht in Bavaria’s Cruiser range. Credit: Nic Compton

Solid Aire came with the Avantgarde spec which included lots of extras like the Webasto heating system , 30hp engine (instead of the standard 18hp) and electric windlass.

Of course all of these can be added by the owner subsequently but the quality of the installation is usually better when done by the factory.

The construction is solid GRP below the waterline, and foam core above and on deck.

A laminated grid gives strength in the bilges.

She is 10% heavier than some of the other 32 footers on the market, which is reassuring.

The high cockpit coaming makes the space feel secure. Credit: Nic Compton

The pale grey hull is distinctive in the marina, although there is a white hulled version too.

Her lines are somewhat unforgiving on the eye but the overall look is sharp and there’s a hint of her racing parentage in her angular looks and bold bow.

What strikes me most, though, is how much boat there is squeezed into a mere 10 metres of length: every centimetre is used and the rewards of that are reaped when you step below.

The interior, designed by BMW, is phenomenally light and spacious for a boat of her size.

Even in light airs, the Bavaria 32 Cruiser performs well upwind. Credit: Nic Compton

The angular look is continued below decks, where rectangular door frames and straight lines disguise the fact that we’re inside a boat and not a chic modern apartment.

The boat feels warm, dry and comfortable without a trace of damp or mildew thanks to the ample ventilation and good build quality.

Nick remarks that the only time they find a dribble in the bilges is if they’ve worn wet clothing below decks.

The companionway is particularly attractive with solid teak trim, substantial stainless grab rail, and an elegant set of steps.

Instead of a washboard there’s a handsome pair of saloon doors, which allow light in when closed, and save the faff of having to stow the board somewhere.

In-mast furling came as standard. Credit: Nic Compton

Bavaria certainly know how to make an entrance, they know their market and they know when to splash out on the details.

I suspect the swing doors would lose their charm if you had to stand in the hatch and brace yourself against them to take in a reef in a blow.

Most people probably wouldn’t buy this boat for long-distance offshore cruising itineraries.

Having said that, I did witness a group of Norwegian students setting off to Greenland in one.

They made it home OK, but there are other 32 footers which might be more appropriate if those are your cruising ambitions.

With the helm seat dropped, the swimming steps easily slot into place. Credit: Nic Compton

What she will do very well is get you on the water with minimum fuss and in maximum comfort.

The saloon comfortably seats six and there’s almost 6ft of headroom.

The table is enormous, which creates a great space for socialising, and combines clever stowage in the form of cutlery drawers in the end and a central locker for glasses in the top.

There’s also a small chart table which can be used from the port saloon seating.

The Bavaria Cruiser 32 comes as a two-cabin arrangement with a v-berth forwards and an enormous double aft that extends under the cockpit sole.

Portlights in the hull and cockpit allow plenty of light into the aft cabin where there’s a decent-sized locker and useful shelf running the length of the bunk.

Solid Aire was bought with lots of extras like an electric windlass and a 30hp engine. Credit: Nic Compton

The galley is small but functional, with covers for the sink and hob to extend the work surface, and a useful stainless grabrail.

Engine access is relatively good in the spacious engine bay, but the seacock was behind the engine and awkward to reach if the engine is hot – not ideal if you’ve sucked something into the strainer and want to clear it out.

The heads compartment would be the envy of many 40 footers: it is a decent-sized wet room with an independent shower – no more crouching under the short hose of a combined tap and shower head in order to wash your hair.

The generous wet locker is a welcome sight in our northern European climate.

But the thing that earned my greatest respect was the set-up of the holding tank: as a yachting instructor I could write a book entitled ‘When heads go wrong’ and I usually find the maintenance of plumbing systems to be totally overlooked by designers. Not here though.

The main is sheeted onto the cockpit table. Credit: Nic Compton

The waist-height locker for the holding tank is a very civilised location for a very uncivilised item: there’ll be no grovelling around in the bilge if it gets blocked.

The outlet seacock was easily reached under the sink so that when the time comes you have a fighting chance of a swift resolution.

The clever layout and quality details don’t fully mask the fact that this is a boat built to a budget.

The inside of the hull next to the bunks and in the saloon is finished with a thin, plastic panelling that on first glance looks wooden but is actually quite flimsy.

Lift up a saloon cushion and the plywood edges of the joinery appear to have been sanded off but left unsealed, and there are several edges finished with sealant.

The saloon has almost 6ft of headroom and can comfortably accommodate six. Credit: Nic Compton

Nick and Tracey have maintained Solid Aire meticulously, but I wonder how the interior would look with less fastidious owners.

There’s no compromise on the important stuff though and on deck things work well.

The cockpit coaming is high at the forward end making the space feel secure, and its gentle slope creates a comfortable backrest for relaxing with a book.

The table is a decent size and will comfortably host six adults for sundowners.

As with the saloon table, the integral locker provides useful storage for water bottles and sun cream.

Swept back spreaders mean the lowers cut right across the side deck. Credit: Nic Compton

The bold decision to do away with a traveller entirely and sheet the main onto the cockpit table makes sense for the kind of cruising most owners are likely to do.

I’ve always felt that the traveller is overrated in cruising boats – if you’ve got a decent purchase system on the mainsheet and a powerful rudder you can cope with the odd gust and most cruisers will put a reef in rather than constantly play the traveller.

If you were regularly out there in 30 knots or racing around the cans, you might think differently.

It certainly got the thumbs up from Arlo, who thought it made a great climbing frame.

The cockpit locker was another score point.

Deep and wide, it’s easily big enough for a decent-sized dinghy, stand-up paddle boards or kayaks.

I’d have liked a drop-down front on it because in comparison to the size of the space, the access hatch is quite small.

There’ll be a temptation to throw bulky items in on top of each other and getting them out could be a struggle.

I had to get inside myself to stow the swimming steps for exactly that reason, and I was finding the space so big that it’s actually hard to work with from on top.

But ultimately it’s a luxury to have the space to carry a decent selection of toys and handy for a family that want to mess around in small boats as well as big boats.

The swimming platform is the pièce de résistance of the Bavaria Cruiser line.

The helm seat drops down like a drawbridge and swimming steps slot into place, followed shortly by a graceful dive into an azure sea…

The V berth forward is light and airy. Credit: Nic Compton

The weather may not always be ideal for making the most of this clever design on our shores but it’s a lovely touch of superyacht on a small family cruiser.

Salcombe and St Tropez aren’t so very different, are they?

So far we hadn’t yet seen much of the ‘Farr’ effect.

We set off into Plymouth Sound with very little wind to see if we could eke some speed out of her.

She slipped easily out of her berth and followed her rudder nicely under power with the sail drive giving little prop kick and her deep fin keel giving the manoeuvrability you’d expect on a modern cruising boat.

The heads are impressively large for a small, cruising yacht, with excellent storage. Credit: Nic Compton

The 30hp engine gave a cruising speed of 5 knots at 2,000rpm, and we squeezed her up to 5.8 knots at 2,500rpm.

The Bavaria 32 Cruiser was supremely easy to get sailing thanks to the in-mast furling which comes as standard.

Her cast iron, fin and bulb keel is deep at 1.95m (although there is a shoal draft version drawing 1.5m) so I expected her to have good upwind performance.

She did: in 5-6 knots of breeze she skimmed along at 4 knots on 35° apparent.

There wasn’t enough wind to put her through her paces but she gave an impressive upwind demonstration in light airs , and I expect she’s quick off the mark when the breeze fills in.

Solid Aire didn’t have the additional sprit for rigging a cruising chute, and I suspect that due to the small jib and swept back spreaders you’d have to sail very broad angles downwind to keep her moving, making the most of her shallow hull profile by taking a fast, reaching route.

Continues below…

Bavaria 34 - practical cruiser with plenty of room

Beneteau Oceanis 323

Extra photographs from Yachting Monthly’s test of the Beneteau Oceanis 323

The most boat for your money? Bavaria C38 yacht test

Competition is hot for high-volume cruisers, but have Bavaria built a boat that is fun to sail as well as…

The well balanced and responsive Dufour 30 Classic

Duncan Kent finds out you get plenty for your money in the 30ft coastal cruising market when he looks at…

The chainplates are attached to the outside of the hull, just under the solid aluminium toe-rail.

Although it feels logical to make the most of the yacht’s beam for the rigging, the lowers cut right across the sidedeck and are a little awkward to navigate when going forward.

One safety concern is that the jackstays didn’t reach all the way to the bow, so if there was a problem with the furler at sea you could end up in a compromising position.

Admittedly this isn’t likely to be an issue on coastal cruises in fine weather.

After a couple of decades of phenomenal productivity during the nineties and noughties, the Bavaria brand became ubiquitous in sailing schools and on the charter scene.

They had a reputation for mass-produced boats that were perfectly functional but lacked the charm that might attract someone looking for their dream yacht.

Below the waterline the 32 Bavaria Cruiser is solid GRP with a foam core above and on deck. Credit: Nic Compton

The quality touches of the Cruiser range indicate a determination to buck this trend.

I asked Tracey if she thought the Bavaria 32 Cruiser would do the job of tempting the rest of the family on board. She replied: ‘I hope so… I mean, what could they possibly object to?’

And it’s true, the Bavaria 32 Cruiser is really nice in the best possible way. You don’t need a thoroughbred yacht to have a thoroughly good time on the water.

The sea provides the magic if you’ve got a good way of accessing it.

Bavaria has made all the right compromises with this boat. It’s affordable but still has some very stylish features.

There has been plenty of thought about ‘real life’ stuff such as ablutions.

But above all Bavaria has prioritised the things that make sailing fun in the first place – spending time with friends and family, and that little thrill when wind fills the sails.

The real testament doesn’t come from me but from Abigail and Arlo.

There aren’t many new mothers who would take their baby to sea, but seeing how relaxed they were on board I realised Tracey and Nick had made all the right compromises too.

Alternatives to the Bavaria 32 Cruiser

Jeanneau sun odyssey 33i.

The 33i was popular in the charter market. Credit: Jean-Marie Luiit/Jeanneau

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 33i was launched as a direct competitor to the Bavaria 32 Cruiser.

There are lots of these yachts on the charter market, for good reason, as they tick a lot of boxes on the entry-level, fast-cruiser list.

The interior is bright and modern, if a little minimalist, and she lacks some of the soft touches of the other family cruisers.

The standard two-cabin layout is slightly different in that the aft bunk is athwartships rather than fore and aft.

Although this might take some getting used to, it means that you can actually sit up and read a book or drink a cup of tea in bed.

This is unusual in a boat of any size, let alone a 33 footer.

The cabin door for the forward cabin is on the centreline, which also gives the layout a fresh feel. The saloon is spacious with a small, forward-facing chart table.

There isn’t as much storage as there could be, with a large empty space above the saloon lockers crying out for a fiddle to turn it into a more useful shelf.

The pay-off for the dedicated chart table is that the heads is quite compact.

The cockpit is comfortable for four people but might be tight for six as the fixed table takes up much of the available space.

She has a removable helm seat giving easy access to the swimming steps.

She’s over 10% lighter than the Bavaria with a bigger sail area, more weight in the keel and correspondingly higher ballast ratio so she’ll be pretty nifty around the cans too.

If you need to satisfy a competitive streak there is also a performance spec available.

This has an even bigger rig, and originally came with a whole host of extras like laminate sails, bigger winches and a folding prop.

At the other end of the spectrum there was a lifting keel version which reduced the draft to just 0.85m.

This has been popular in the UK and now commands a higher price tag on the second-hand market. Most, but not all examples, come with in-mast furling.

There’s a high turnover of them due to their popularity on the charter market, so you can pick one up relatively cheaply in the Mediterranean, or pay a premium for one which has been in private ownership.

Dufour 325 Grand Large

Single-line slab reefing and short battens came as standard. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Dufour has traditionally designed yachts with slightly sleeker lines than the other big production builders, and the boat manufacturer has a reputation for delivering better-than-average sailing performance.

The Dufour 325 Grand Large is no exception, very much fitting into the ‘fast cruiser’ bracket without compromising too much on comfort and it has proved a highly popular model.

She’s easier on the eye than many of the other high-volume cruising yachts available from this period and she’s rewarding to sail, though you’ll need the deep draft version to get the best from her.

Originally launched in 2006, the Dufour 325 Grand Large was the smallest of the family, which had three bigger siblings – the 385, 365 and 455.

It was the beginning of the long-standing partnership with Dufour’s now resident architect Umberto Felci.

The 325 was eventually replaced in 2011 with the 335.

There’s a warm, dark wooden finish inside and a nice teak toe rail on the outside, so she’ll appeal to those looking for something a little more classic.

The internal layout is the standard v-berth and double aft configuration for boats of this size, but space has been taken from the saloon to give a generous, forward-facing chart table and larger-than-average galley.

If you’re a couple or small family I think this is a worthwhile trade-off as not everyone wants to accommodate six adults around a saloon table.

The heads is a good size and has an additional access hatch to the bottom of the deep cockpit locker – hallelujah!

Owners were offered tiller or wheel steering. Credit: Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

First launched in 2003, the Oceanis 323 still competes well with the newer designs in terms of accommodation and sailing performance.

The layout is as you’d expect from a boat of this size, with a surprisingly spacious heads, small aft-facing chart table utilising the end of the saloon seats, and good-sized galley.

There is over 6ft of headroom in the saloon, galley, aft cabin and heads.

The aft cabin benefits from a portlight in the transom, allowing plenty of light and a good view at anchor!

The cockpit is a bit smaller than the Bavaria 32 Cruiser, partly because the sugar scoop is lost space, but the fact that you can stow the table away gives you more flexibility.

She has a 9/10th fractional rig and more sail area than the Bavaria despite being much lighter, so she’ll probably be a bit flighty in a blow but will perform well in light airs.

The traveller is on the coach roof leaving the cockpit clear.

The mainsails were originally designed for two reefs and single-line reefing, which may not suit those wanting to head further offshore.

The hull is single-skin GRP with some areas of reinforcement, and structural inner moulding bonded and laminated to the hull.

At over a tonne lighter than the Bavaria Cruiser 32, I suspect the build quality may not have been as substantial as it could have been, but they’re an affordable way to get afloat in comfort.

There are deep, shallow and lifting keel versions.

Look for the ones that have had light use from private owners and didn’t end up in a charter fleet or sailing school.

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. 

Builder Speed & Range Data

• 100nm 100nm 200nm 200nm 300nm 300nm 400nm 400nm 500nm 500nm
• 427 nm @ 6.2 knots eco
• 158 nm @ 21.6 knots cruise
• 134 nm @ 32.0 knots max

Bavaria SR33 version 2023. *Data supplied by the manufacturer. View Full Test Results

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

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

Bavaria 50 Cruiser

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: October 19, 2012

As far as boat tests go, I could’ve been easily distracted during my sail aboard the Bavaria 50 Cruiser , the last in the model line to be revamped by the team at Farr Yacht Design . First, the arid, rock-strewn hills of the Turkish coast around Alacati were like nothing I’d ever seen. Greek isles danced in the distance. Atop the surrounding ridges, farms of wind generators stood testament to the fact that this area of the Aegean is among the windiest to be found and the ideal exotic proving grounds for Germany’s largest boatbuilder.

And then there was the wind itself to talk about, or, to be more precise, the totally baffling near-complete lack of it, which had us bobbing about much of the morning before we motored in for lunch, hoping that the afternoon’s heat might scare up a breeze.

The 50 Cruiser, though, and the crew from Bavaria managed to command my full attention as we motored out and back, the 75-horsepower Volvo and optional Gori propeller pushing us along at a very respectable cruising speed of 7.6 knots at 2,200 rpm and at 8.5 knots or better with the engine wide open. For yuks, I throttled back and threw the power plant into reverse. We came to a sharp halt, backed and turned with ease, and, once under way again, took a tight spin and watched the 50 twirl around, upright and within a boat length and a half of itself. Under power, at least, this all-round-sailer delivered an agile performance.

Post lunch, we’d learn that the boat was a spritely light-air sailer, too.

To be honest, this was the first of the Farr-designed Bavarias that I’d been aboard, and I was struck immediately by the solid feel of the boat and the well-thought-out layout on deck and below. From the dock, we stepped aboard the electric-powered fold-down transom and swim platform, which provided uncluttered access to a cockpit that was flanked at its aft end by a split backstay and twin pedestals with Lewmar wheels and rack-and-pinion steering. A sturdy cockpit table provided a good handhold and could double as a place to brace when the boat heels. In addition to teak on the cockpit sole and swim platform, the model we sailed had optional teak decks that provided solid footing forward.

The double-spreader Seldén in-mast furling main is controlled by a sheet led to a cabin-top winch, an arrangement that’s typical on cruising boats but puts control of the sail several steps away from a singlehanded or short-crewed helmsman. Sheets for the slightly overlapping 106-percent genoa (on a Furlex furler) run to fairleads inboard on the cabin top, and from there to electric winches on the cockpit coamings, leaving the side decks free from clutter and making sail control a fingertip exercise. However, one does have to leave the wheel and step forward around the helm and between the table and seats to handle sheets when tacking.

Under sail, in 9 knots true, we hit just under 7 knots and tacked through 85 degrees. Still, it left me wanting more. The smooth-feeling steering led me to believe that with a little more wind, we’d have heeled smartly, the leeward of the twin rudders would’ve dug in, and we’d have been off for a spirited beat or, better yet, a reach like the one enjoyed by a Bavaria 50 owner with whom I spoke that evening following his arrival from a several-day sail from the Med.

Belowdecks, the 50 is downright spacious, with the saloon laid out to accommodate a crowd. A U-shaped amidships galley to port keeps the cook a part of the party, and the amply sized table with U-shaped seating to starboard and an amidships bench could easily seat eight. I liked the idea of the head to starboard of the companionway and just forward of that side’s aft cabin. It has a separate shower that can double as a place to store wet foulies. A private head and sink is to port for the other aft double. The four-cabin model we tested had a cabin forward of the galley with two bunks and a head and shower opposite to starboard. A large owner’s cabin and V-berth were forward, just aft of a water-tight bulkhead and the deep chain locker in the bow.

Three other layouts are available: a three-cabin model with an enormous owners space forward that includes a large head and shower to port and extended hanging lockers to starboard; a four-cabin layout that splits the V-berth in two, each side with its own head; and a five-cabin model with the split V-berth, a shared head forward, and a cabin with two bunks. The interior is well lit and airy, thanks to 17 opening hatches and 12 ports, and comes with wood and sole options that range from light-colored ones to dark chestnut.

Farr has drawn a hull shape with a fairly fine entry, broad shoulders, and a beam that’s carried aft. The layup consists of gelcoat and a layer of vinylester resin outboard, then solid hand-laid polyester and glass below the waterline and a glass-and-Airex foam sandwich above. The deck is Airex cored as well, with integral aluminum plates in the laminate where hardware is mounted.

Intended to be a well-rounded cruiser for both the private owner and charterer, the Bavaria 50 delivers good value with its $377,000 price tag. Add performance into the equation, and it’s hard not to enjoy an afternoon out on the 50 Cruiser. With a little wind and a destination in mind, a week or more wouldn’t be so bad, either.

Mark Pillsbury is CW ‘s editor.

View photos of the Bavaria 50 Cruiser here.

• More: 2011+ , 50+ ft , bavaria , Coastal Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Lagoon 60 Prepares for World Premiere

Now For Sale: Leopard 45

Sailboat Review: Rapido 40

For Sale: 2002 Hylas 46

The Long Way Around

Sailing to the Land of Shrimp

Swallow Tattoos and Sailors

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

Bavaria 40 WELL MAINTAINED AND UPGRADED, QUALITY CRUISER!

Used yachts for sale, sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,        bavaria boats for sale, bavaria 40 boats for sale.

• Virtess 420
• Southerly 420
• Southerly 480
• Southerly Swing Keel
• View Available Inventory
• Yacht Search
• Featured Sail
• Featured Power
• Southerly Yachts
• Island Packet
• Bavaria Yachts
• Buyer Representation
• Sell Your Boat
• Variable Draft Specialists
• Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• Our History

BAVARIA and S&J

S&J Yachts is proud to be Dealers for Bavaria Yachts

Representing both sail and power from the mid-atlantic through florida. bavaria sail ranging from 34’ to 57’ and power ranging from 29’ – 55’.

S&J Yachts continues to grow both in locations and new boat offerings. Now with ten locations from Maine to Florida and offices in Annapolis, MD; Rock Hall, MD; Deltaville, VA; Charleston, SC; and Palmetto, FL utilizing some twenty brokers, S&J Yachts is proud to announce that Bavaria Yachts has appointed them as dealers to represent both Sail and Power from the mid-Atlantic through Florida.  In addition to being the North American agent for the Discovery Shipyard:  Discovery, Southerly, and Bluewater Catamarans, S&J Yachts will now be offering Bavaria Yachts ranging from 33 feet through 57 feet in both sail and power.

Bavaria Yachts itself is one of the largest builders of watercraft in the World with advanced fiberglass technology and the renowned craftsmanship of German quality at its Giebelstadt, Germany, state of the art modern factory.  In North America, Bavaria is offering a line-up of six sailboats attractively priced from $180,000 to $600,000 for the award winning Bavaria C57.  Known for their attention to interior detail and designed for family comfort as well as performance, Bavaria Yachts has a history of balancing sailing capabilities with space all wrapped up in each boat.  On the power side, Bavaria Yachts unites its passion for the water with attention to every detail of comfort and safety adding value to every boat produced with a list of extensive standard equipment and space utilization.  From the NEW Vida 33 outboard to the grand Bavaria R55, S&J Yachts will have the right powerboat for you.

Tour the Bavaria Cruiser 34 and Tour Bavaria C45 sailboats IN STOCK now in Annapolis | C38 stock boat arriving in Florida May | New VIDA 33 stock boat arriving in Annapolis May. Contact S&J Yachts to get on a Bavaria known in Europe as “A synonym for luxury and comfort”.

On the power side, Bavaria Yachts unites its passion for the water with attention to every detail of comfort and safety adding value to every boat produced with a list of extensive standard equipment and space utilization.  From the NEW Vida 33 outboard to the grand Bavaria R55, S&J Yachts will have the right powerboat for you.

A Bavaria yacht is the perfect interaction of many elements. Everything is built around the extensive expertise of German engineering. It is an art that looks back on a long and successful tradition in boat building.

Feel the quality…experience the value.

<– Return to Blog

Related posts

Bavaria Cruiser 51 Standard

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 19th March 2020

Bavaria Cruiser 51's main features

Bavaria cruiser 51's main dimensions, bavaria cruiser 51's rig and sails, bavaria cruiser 51's performances, bavaria cruiser 51's auxiliary engine, bavaria cruiser 51's accommodations and layout.

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

• Data and Options

BAVARIA C42

A new dimension of spaciousness., perfect sailing performance.

The BAVARIA C42 is the logical progression from the BAVARIA C-LINE, but has its own distinct character. A modern, innovative hull shape with chines and a V-shaped bow developed by BAVARIA YACHTS guarantee both the best sailing performance and an unusually large amount of space below deck.

The clever details that BAVARIA YACHTS is known for, both above and below deck, has been further refined in the BAVARIA C42, providing this unusual 12.38m long sailing yacht with the best of the newest innovations in yacht building.

A new sense of space. The foredeck and side decks provide generous room for a sailing yacht of this size.

More performance – BAVARIA CHINES and the BAVARIA V-Bow provide increased stability, a longer waterline and improved performance, combined with a feeling of direct control at the helm.

Many features are standardly included in the BAVARIA C42 series models. These include the self-tacking jib and a sail area of 100.6 m².

• Download Brochure
• Contact Dealer
• Configure Now
• Virtual Tour