The first of a new generation of deck saloon cruisers delivers striking style and comfort, and impressive ease of handling under sail.
Throughout our travels we see lots of Bavaria yachts. We have been to the boatyard where they are built. But among all the Bavarias we have sailed and reviewed, the Vision 46 stands out. The Vision series is well positioned as a precursor to this brand’s evolution.
Based on input from customers gathered through a series of workshops, Bavaria developed and designed—in partnership with Farr Design—a striking introduction to the second generation of the Vision series with this deck saloon cruiser. First impressions of its size are somewhat overwhelming both above and below deck. Moving aft, its lines give the Vision 46 vessel a solid look without compromising comfort or style. And a well thought-out option list offers new owners plenty of flexibility to mix and match preferences to suit their sailing needs.
Ease of Handling
We put our test boat, provided by True North Yachts, through its paces recently off Toronto and it proved worthy of its recent nomination as European Yacht of the Year. It is especially easy to handle and sail, with great visibility and numerous options—including joy stick and pushbutton sail trim—to enhance short-handed sailability. Bavaria’s new trim-control system incorporates Lewmar captive winches on main and jib sheets and an auto-tack function on the autopilot; it’s simple and easy to use, no learning curve required. Our boat had a Selden rig with in-mast furling and Elvstrom sails with vertical battens, which maintained great shape and performance throughout our sail. The self-tacking jib is another nice touch that enhances ease of handling.
The comfort and style quotient is high on this boat, starting with the twin-wheeled cockpit, fold-down transom and neat aft seat. The cockpit is not only a comfortable place from which to sail, it is also a fantastic social area. A unique offset companionway to the saloon creates a superbly practical space on the port side of the cockpit. A versatile folding-leaf dinette table with electric pedestal height adjustment enable this space to be used as a large L-shaped settee with coffee table, a huge two-person sunbed or a fantastic six-person dinette.
Other cockpit features include stylish and practical twin binnacles for instrumentation and controls, a fold-down transom complete with shower, and innovative pushpit seats with backrests that are designed for comfort at rest and while the yacht is under sail. The hinged transom offers easy access while docking and doubles as a swim and boarding platform. Electric sheet winches on port and starboard sides work together during tacks so a simple push of a button moves the headsail easily.
The wide side decks, integrated hand-holds and expansive foredeck make moving forward effortless. Hatches are flush with the deck, and solid lifeline integration contributes to the ease and security of movement on deck.
Below Decks
Down below, luxurious upholstery is set off by the brightness of the interior, thanks to the numerous large hatches and ports. Trim and joinery are first-class, and the mix of fabrics with a dark African hardwood inside our test boat was pleasing to the eye. The new owner can choose from a series of options in trim features for upholstery, flooring and wood trim. Two and three-cabin layouts are available.
The saloon is big and bright with a spacious dining table that folds easily when underway. We were impressed by the way the Bavaria design team conceived the nav station so it easily converts into a three-seat settee. Storage is generous and perfectly integrated. The galley has two sinks, a three-burner stove, large refrigeration, a wine rack, plenty of stowage, and room for optional microwave, coffee machine, icemaker or dishwasher.
Forward the main cabin is large with a walk-around berth and plenty of storage; an ensuite head is an option that was fitted in our test boat. The main cabin’s flexible desktop doubles as a vanity with mirror.
The large aft cabin to port in our boat featured a great double berth configuration. The large head with separate shower stall is more than ample, but behind it there is a versatile stowage locker that could be converted into a workshop or, in the three-cabin version, another small double cabin.
Engine access through the stairway is effortless and open.
The Vision 46 represents a tremendous evolution for Bavaria, offering lots of boat in a 46-footer with plenty of opportunity to personalize equipment, layout and finish.
Specifications
LOA 45’ 10” (13.99 m)
LWL 42’ 2” (12.51 m)
Beam 13’ 8” (4.19 m)
Draft - Standard/Option 7’/5’ 6” (2.14 m/1.70 m)
Displacement 27,116 lb (12,300 kg)
Ballast 28%
Power
Volvo Penta D2-55 Saildrive 55 hp
Volvo Penta D2-75 (optional) 75 hp
Fuel Capacity 55 gal (210 L)
Water Capacity 153 gal (600 L)
Sail Area 1,109 sq ft (103 sq m)
Price as tested Approx. $432,000
Canadian Dealers
True North Yachts
Mississauga ON
truenorthyachts.ca
Yacht Sales West Inc.
Vancouver BC
www.yachtsaleswest.com
By John Kerr & John W. Armstrong
