A Great Cruiser with Solid Performance.

Right from the dock, bucking the current, I felt at home in this boat. Great visibility and solid, wonderfully light steering beat the expectations I had. Setting sail with the 135 overlapping genoa, the boats solid upwind tracking (it was easy to find the grove) was evidenced by speeds approaching 7 knots on relative flat sea conditions. In the puffs, the boat was stiff and responded well to the odd sail tweak ajustment. The Elvstrom sails that come standard on this boat are perfect; they fit the spar well and are some of the best sails I have seen in production boats anywhere.

Bavaria is a well-built boat as evidenced by our recent factory tour. Go to www.canadianyachting.ca for the full story! The detail treatments and wonderful workflow and marvellous facility all contribute to a tremendous value proposition. I found no evidence of bad fit or finish anywhere on this boat; the computer technology used provides a nice finish within the cabin joinery. Built for cruising and lots of on water time, this is a robust boat, boasting wide deck passages forward along with cabin top mount hand rails the running the full length.

This boat is configured from four moulded components: hull, deck, the underside of the deck and the interior – which acts like a reinforcement for the hull and the foundation for the cabinetry and furniture components. The interior component is glued to the hull while the hull deck joint is glued and bolted through the hull deck components and mounted independently. Below the water line, the hull uses a special resin cured to provide a solid laminate relying on a sandwich-laminate on the part of the hull that sits above water and in the deck. This technique adds to the stiffness of the hull considerably. For extra reinforcement – to minimize collision damage –Aramid fibers are used. (These fibers are common in aerospace and military applications such as body amour where the curing process of the molecules adds to the strength.)

There are a few neat touches on this boat, from the hidden electric swim platform designed to complete the solid transom look and the wonderful cockpit configuration. Above decks the layout and functionality is well done and the fittings are all well known brand names. The huge starboard locker leaves the ability to drop in a gen set or customize for your storage needs. I like it when builders leave some options, going overboard and designing a storage locker for the masses is a tough call. The mainsheet system is functional and easy to get used too. While all the running rigging is easy to get to and operate, I would add a folding wheel and hydraulic backstay set up. The Furlex furling system works well too with its lead off to port.

The Selden double spreader rig is stepped at the deck and supported nicely with a flush bulkhead section below decks. Below decks the triple cabin layout has a wonderful feel, it’s big and bright with standing headroom throughout. The non-skid, cupped steps below are beautifully done and along with nice handrails access will be safe and easy in any condition. The teak and holly floor treatment adds to the sense of size. The numerous hatches and window portlights allow for tremendous light and super cross ventilation. To port, the galley has solid workspace, great storage and neat integration with the cabin salon. The fridge is well placed and deep enough for any extended cruise. Opposite, the navigation station is large and there is excellent storage. The electrical panel provides easy access and there is tons of room to add a chart plotter and other electronics.

In the main salon, the folding dining table has easy sitting for a group of six through its accompanying side settees. These can also be used as berths if required.

Forward, the fore cabin has a nice hanging locker on the port side with a complimentary shelved cabinet to starboard. Under the double berth, further storage is possible with well hung cabinets above the berth and a drawer below. Again headroom is maintained forward as well.

The aft cabin is welcoming and perfect for a second couple or kids. Access to plumbing and steering systems is through panels in this cabin and are easy enough to access. Storage is possible with the hanging closet and shelf system that wrap the cabin designed around the 6 ft. 8 in. berth.

Aft, behind the nav station, the head is bright and it’s well done with its teak grate shower sump cover and more than adequate cabinetry and storage. Access to the water tanks and engine oil is possible through panel doors.

All in all a wonderful boat for its size and niche and a boat one must add to their shopping list.

By John Kerr

To see if this boat is available, go to www.boatcan.com to check listings!