Should I buy a Bavaria yacht?
I am looking at a 2006 Bavaria 37 Cruiser. It seems like a lot of boat for the money compared to a Hallberg-Rassy or even a Beneteau of the same age. Are they built well enough for Channel hopping and summer holidays, or will it fall apart?
Answer
A used Bavaria offers excellent value and unmatched interior volume for coastal cruising and family holidays, provided you buy the right generation and check its history. While they lack the bespoke finish of premium Scandinavian yards, a well-maintained Bavaria is a tough, predictable boat perfectly capable of cross-Channel passages and Mediterranean living.
Bavaria Design Generations
Bavaria went through three distinct phases of design and build. Identifying the era sets clear expectations for performance and finish.
- Pre-2000 (J&J Design): Often considered the golden era for build quality. Models like the Bavaria 38 Holiday or 41 Exclusive have solid GRP hulls below the waterline, Kevlar-reinforced bow sections, and real mahogany joinery. They carry significant weight and sail well in heavy weather.
- 2000 to 2008 (Mass Production): This includes the popular Cruiser series (32, 36, 37, 42). Bavaria ramped up CNC manufacturing to lower prices. The hulls use lighter laminates, and the interiors feature thin veneers. Charter companies bought many of these boats, meaning engine hours and interior wear often run high.
- 2010 to Present (Farr and Cossutti): Later models introduced modern hull chines, twin rudders, and drop-down bathing platforms. They offer vast interior space and sail much like modern French production boats, with improved natural light and ventilation.
Inspecting the Keel Matrix
Bavaria took a reputational hit in 2005 when a Match 42 lost its keel due to a structural failure in the internal grid. If you view a Match series boat from this era, ensure it has the factory-approved structural reinforcement before going offshore. The standard Cruiser series uses an entirely different construction method and remains highly dependable.
Bavaria uses a large internal GRP grid glued into the hull with high-strength structural adhesive, then glassed over in high-stress areas. When inspecting any boat, lift the cabin sole boards. Check the galvanised steel washers on the keel bolts for heavy rust. Look for hairline cracks in the gelcoat where the transverse floor timbers meet the hull. If the boat has grounded hard, the grid can detach from the hull, requiring a £4,000 to £8,000 fibreglass repair.
Common Faults and Costs
Because the yard built these boats to a strict price point, certain components show their age faster than on a premium yacht. Pay close attention to four specific areas.