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Bavaria C42 review: The Ford Model T of 40ft yachts

  • Toby Hodges
  • February 11, 2021

The Bavaria C42 needs to offer bang for your buck if it is to stand out in a crowded field of 40ft cruisers. Toby Hodges takes the new offering for a gusty autumn sail to see what she's made of.

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

What constitutes ‘good value’? What you get for your money in any market segment often comes down to size – be that square feet of real estate area or gigabytes of memory. But is bigger necessarily better value?

Sailors with the means and desire to buy new understandably seek as much value for money as they can get for that size. What we’ve seen over the last decade is a marked increase in the volume to length ratio of new yachts, and more recently in the way contemporary hull shapes can further boost internal volumes at each end. 

For a production yard to stay competitive though, it needs to offer more than just bang for your buck. It needs to be shrewd in its design and innovative enough to lure you away from the competition, to make you think its yachts are roomier, brighter and better. It needs to make boats that the crew want to spend time aboard, and are practical to manage or give the helmsman an enjoyable hands-on experience; preferably both. Value should include some emotive quality too – the hard to quantify satisfaction you get from using it.

This is a tall order. But as we surged down yet another wave face on our test sail I came to the conclusion that this new Bavaria offers that extra value. It was a fleeting taster of powered-up offwind sailing, but in a year of abnormality, a particularly memorable one. And in such a competitive marketplace, that extra something is what’s needed to stand out from the crowd.

Ups ‘n’ downs

The production yacht world doesn’t get any more competitive than in the 40ft sector, a size that remains so appealing for both private family cruising and charter. And I’m going to keep referring to the C42 as 40ft, because that’s the hull length without the optional bowsprit.

Before we consider Bavaria’s answer to the 40 footer question, let’s remember this company has been through its share of challenges recently. In 2018 it was flying high with a new C-line from 45-65ft. Yet by September that year, rather than celebrating its 40th anniversary, it was filing for insolvency.

40 ft bavaria yacht

Tall deck-stepped mast and the most sail area in its class help give the Bavaria notable performance. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

This C42 is the first model developed under Bavaria’s new management. It caused a stir when it was unveiled last January, with crowds queuing for an hour to view it at the Düsseldorf Boat Show . But then followed the global pandemic, when “order intake collapsed almost completely,” explains CEO Michael Müller. He points out that work has only been running at full capacity again since October. Bavaria’s financials must read like a heart rate monitor. 

All of which makes the C42 a crucial new model for a yard on the rebound. This is Maurizio Cossutti’s fourth Bavaria design and he opted for a clever and powerful shape, the first Bavaria with hard chines and a rounded ‘V-bow’. As I was to discover, these features make a crucial difference, both down below and on the water.

Article continues below…

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One of the first and most striking things to note about sailing the C42 is the direct feel of the helm, which engages you immediately. This design may be in keeping with today’s breed of production cruiser, with its full bow sections and generous beam carried aft, but it’s unusual not to marry that shape with twin rudders. Bavaria says its owners want the close-quarters manoeuvrability that prop wash over a single rudder helps to provide. The C42 proved easy in reverse too, without the tendency of twin rudders to slam to one side once they catch.

Sailors will feel the benefit under canvas immediately. The Jefa steering linkage from the twin wheels to the single, easily accessible quadrant in-between is kept to a minimum, giving the best chance for direct feel.

Autumnal shakedown

With the in-mast mainsail and self-tacking jib fully unfurled (Elvstrom Sporttech laminate), we punched out into the Solent to meet photographer Rick Tomlinson. It was typical easterly conditions, with big variance in the strong gusts as we dialled down from a beam to a deep broad reach, endeavouring to keep speed up and apparent wind down.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The coachroof line is brought right aft, which draws out the lines and creates protective coamings for the cockpit. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

I particularly enjoyed the feel provided by the modestly sized single spade rudder as we surged down waves, making 7-9+ knots SOG against the tide, with gusts now up to the high 20s. (Note, we had no log installed, but the polars confirm that in anything over 20 knots the C42 is capable of hitting double figures reaching, and over 9 knots in 16 true.)

The chine and beam were doing what they should and buying form stability, while the bulbous stem kept trim bow-up. This powerful hull shape is allied with a 20m mast that sets around 100m2 of upwind sail area. That is a whopping 30% more than the Oceanis 40.1 and makes for a potent sail area to displacement ratio. 

It points to a yacht that you can keep sailing in light winds – indeed my fellow European Yacht of the Year judges confirmed the C42 performs handsomely in sub 10-knot breeze – and one that should be able to maintain respectable passagemaking speeds even while reefed.

With power comes the need to treat it with respect. Thankfully, the rudder did what it should do and let me know when we were pressed and provided the chance to let off more sheet. Again, this is a marked difference from the majority of today’s cruising yachts with deep twin rudders, which tend to maintain grip at all angles and make you question what the fuse will be when you do push the boat.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The C42 features hard chines and a full bow, both of which help buy internal volume. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

A German mainsheet system is only an option on the Bavaria, and not one chosen for the test boat. Instead, and unusually nowadays, the main was sheeted to one of the companionway winches. So although you get the polite notification to ease from the rudder, you need to communicate this to a crewmember by the winch. Therefore, were I buying this boat for short-handed easy cruising – as is suggested by the self-tacking jib and in-mast mainsail set-up – I’d opt for the extra set of winches aft for the mainsheet.

The pedestals are mounted as close to the transom as possible to maximise the length of the cockpit benches. So it’s a little cramped in the quarters, particularly by the split backstay, but it doesn’t feel unsafe and the pay-off in cockpit size is worthwhile.

The mainsheet bridle set-up is a common system, which keeps the mainsheet out of the cockpit. But there’s no traveller option and it’s mounted more than half way forward along the boom, which puts a lot of load on the midboom section and places a reliance on the vang for mainsail shape. However, this arrangement does allow for a large companionway entrance.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The helms are right aft in the quarters. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The winch layout spreads out the sheets and running rigging, so it’s not all piling up in one place. But there is no provision for the tail ends as standard, so bags or clips would need to be fitted to prevent a snake pit at the base of the companionway.

Sailing deep was manageable in the Force 6 gusting 7, with active crewmembers manning winches, but with the wind against tide conditions producing 1.5-2m overfalls to head back into, we needed to shorten sail to turn upwind.

With a couple of metres taken out of the foot of the main and three rolls in the genoa, the Bavaria felt comfortable as we beat upwind at 35-40° to the apparent breeze (7-8 knots SOG with tide). Given the conditions, the motion was not uncomfortable. The boat seemed relatively stiff without launching off waves or slamming. 

However, after a couple of tacks the rig called time and the shrouds went alarmingly slack. Without rigging tools on board to tighten up the bottlescrews properly, we had to furl sails and accept a long motor home. 

40 ft bavaria yacht

We tested the Bavaria on the Solent, UK in easterly winds of 18-29 knots. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Disappointing as it was, this was a new boat, sailing in strong breeze and waves for the first time. I would estimate that the standing rigging had only been loosely tightened and the wire shrouds had not had any chance to settle, stretch and be adjusted accordingly . Indeed the dealer, Clipper Marine, commented later: “the rig hadn’t been bedded in, nor had the riggers had a chance to do the pre-delivery inspection because of COVID restrictions – when we would have re-tuned the rig before handover.”

The aft helms leave room for a very generous cockpit table and long benches, which have proper coamings to give backrest support and some protection. Locker space is conservative in two shallow bench lockers, a port quarter locker and a sail locker. The latter has only a small hatch, which will limit the size of sail (or fenders) that it can accommodate.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The berth in forward cabin is particularly large. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Outer and inner space

The coachroof is a clever design, which starts far forward to maximise headroom below. It is kept low and flat-topped, which allows good visibility forward from the helms and means the roof itself can accommodate sunbathing cushions.

Bavaria has incorporated an extra-long companionway roof, to allow for maximum light to enter the interior and for a gently angled descent. First impressions and a sense of space when going below is crucial, as it helps create that feeling of getting a lot of boat for your money.

Hanse was early onto this with the development of its loft-style interiors, which began over a decade ago. And latterly Groupe Beneteau has found a new way of increasing living space by adding volume to the bows in conjunction with increased beam aft. Bavaria seems to have combined the best of both ideas, so you really do keep asking yourself if this boat is really only 40ft. 

40 ft bavaria yacht

The darker walnut veneer of the test boat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Inviting the considerable amount of natural light in through hatches, portholes and coachroof windows helps. The space is also used smartly, apportioning it most where it’s typically needed – in the saloon and cabins. The L-shaped galley is practical enough and there is a navstation of sorts, which shares the forward end of the port saloon berth.

The berth in the forward cabin looks particularly large as it is taken right out to the hull sides (1.80×2.07m). The fact that there is room to mount the headboard forward and to house the extra (optional) 250lt water tank below the berth points to the sheer volume in the bows. 

Fine Detailing

40 ft bavaria yacht

The forward end of the port sofa forms the chart table seat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

You can tell Bavaria has paid close attention to detail, in particular with the wood and veneer work, the lighting and home comforts. Personally I prefer the lighter Alpi veneer rather than the darker walnut of the test boat and find the use of dark grey panels on the bulkheads and heads area a little cold. I’d also choose a second heads if having a three-cabin boat. 

The saloon feels especially roomy, a perception aided by the deck-stepped mast. Credit to the yard for including a table that can seat so many in its open format yet can fold over to halve in size and give walkthrough access. 

However, I did take issue with the square edges and sharp corners this leaves on the saloon table (and chart table). Bavaria’s product manager, Pascal Kuhn, has assured me these will be modified, and you can see in the main saloon picture how the corner is now angled, but the edges remain an area of concern.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The table doubles over to join the port sofa. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

An extra couple of grab handles around this space between the galley, heads and saloon table would also be useful, but the galley surfaces are all fiddled and there is a sturdy support post by the curved companionway steps.

The joinery feels solid. The sole panels in particular were noticeably quiet underfoot. Although Bavaria’s method of screwing these down is not so practical for accessing the bilge in a hurry, there are numerous panels to allow access to all areas.

All five companionway steps lift to get at the forward end of the engine and there are good side panels in each aft cabin. 

Look beneath the scenes and you begin to notice a few scrappier details. I don’t like seeing electronics mounted in non-watertight lockers, for example, and the use of bare ply and veneered bulkheads here are unlikely to prove durable. I also think it a backward step that Bavaria has returned to using hand lay-up for manufacture instead of vacuum infusion.

The Bavaria C42 is designed to hit that broadest of markets, the Ford Model T of 40ft production cruisers, yet it shows that mass market does not have to mean boring. Take the wheel of this powerful design in a breeze and you’ll soon find you can have your new voluminous family cruiser and still actively enjoy the sailing. The Bavaria is not without its flaws, but wherever you look you seem to discover added value. There is maximum space where you want it, in the accommodation, saloon and cockpit, all fitted into a clever hull shape that offers stability and performance. Every industry needs models that set the standard in their range. The C42 sets a new bar in the 40ft sector and, therefore, potentially what should be deemed ‘good value’ today.

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Bavaria 40

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British Marine

40 ft bavaria yacht

40 ft Bavaria 2022

Price: $799,000, btc price: 12.327.

40 ft bavaria yacht

Description

Current slip at Elliott Bay Marina is available for transfer to Buyer.

This Bavaria R40 has been extremely well cared for and outfitted for extended passage making. 150 engine hours.

Upgrades and Equipment of Note: Watermaker, Generator (70hrs), Dishwasher, 2023 Highfield Center Console Tender with 20hp Tohatsu Outboard Engine, Underwater Lights, Rear Facing Camera with Repeaters at both Pilothouse and Flybridge with Joystick Controls for the Outdrives as well as Bow Thruster Controls at each Helm, Two (2) Identical Cockpit Enclosures (one of which is unused and unpackaged), Victron Battery Monitor with Siren Remote Monitoring and High Water Bilge Alarm, Rod Holder & Mounts Built in Cockpit Combing, Stainless Steel Rocna Anchor Chain & Windlass, Magma Propane Grill and Spare Propeller Set. 

Upon commissioning the hull was coated with an epoxy barrier and bottom painted with Seahawk Cukote. The swim platform holsters the tender on chalks with the entire platform electronically lowering 2.5′ below the waterline for easy tender deployment/retrieval, as well as easing swim ladder boarding capabilities. 

The Bavaria R40 Fly is one of the most versa tile 40′ cruisers on the water with so many interior/exterior adjustability options regarding seating and lounging accommodations. The flybridge has an easily deployable and retractable bimini cover to keep you out of the sun or rain. The flybridge seats at the helm can be rotated 360 degrees alongside a reclining passenger lounging berth with a built in refrigerator. The venturi visor atop the brow keeps the wind at bay at any speed under way.

On the bow is another sun lounge with a retractable awning and dual full reclining seats. The anchor and windlass is creatively hidden and the foredeck is flush atop it to allow for more crew accommodations when foredeck.

The cockpit has numerous arrangements from extra seating to the table being fully adjustable to accommodate more horizontal lounging or can even be removed when more space is needed.

The Salon table is adjustable as well to allow for extra berthing or indoor outdoor lounging as the companionway entrance can fully retract to slide into one panel on the port side behind the flybridge ladder.  

The port galley countertop surface area can be increased by covering the sink basin and two burner electric range. The covers are easily stowed, in built in factory shelving next to the upgraded dishwasher. 

The forward berth is adjustable to accommodate two separate berths (scissor berths) or combine to make a larger queen berth. This two cabin and two head layout (separate showers) has many guests posing the question to Owners, “which one is yours?”, as both are very spacious with ample standing room offering generous features for a family or a pair of couples. 

Under way, this sporty vessel can reach a top speed of 36 knots or cruise on a plane comfortably at 20 knots meeting the apex of fuel consumption with the very efficient stern drive duo props; not to mention all while being extremely quiet at all speeds with or without the salon entrance closed. When taking turns, the robust chine on the hull allows the vessel to rest at a comfortable heel, leaning into the turn, while achieving a minimal turning radius. Very fun and safe!

Disclaimer: FYI Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Windworks Yacht Sales

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  • Data and Options

BAVARIA R40 - Interior

Superior, even below deck..

Below deck, the BAVARIA R40 exudes luxury in the saloon and the two cabins.

When the kitchen becomes a saloon - and vice versa.

Excellent design is characterised by the fact that it does not try to take centre stage. The kitchen on board the BAVARIA R40 is a prime example: our team has practically integrated it into the saloon – or the saloon into the kitchen. The kitchen is so unobtrusive that it looks more like an elegant piece of furniture right opposite the comfortable lounge seating area.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

... becomes bigger: the saloon table folds out.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

Even the sideboards are a pleasure.

Interior Motorboot R40 Coupe | BAVARIA YACHTS

The quality designer worktop.

Lovely panoramic views on all sides.

This is what a saloon should look like. Just the brightness alone already gives you a sense of well‐being – the huge glass windows let in plenty of light. Another important factor is the choice of precious materials – the wood, the fabrics, the upholstery. It is a simply wonderful place to best enjoy your time under way.

Motorboot R-Line R40 Coupe | BAVARIA YACHTS

Everything under control thanks to perfect ergonomics: the helmstand.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

Not only practical but also safe – the side door to starboard.

Motorboot R40 Coupe | BAVARIA YACHTS

A big sliding roof ...

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

... turns the salon to a cockpit.

A dream of luxury.

The BAVARIA R40 has two suites with king‐size beds, lovingly crafted wood finishes and each its own bathroom, which has separate showers and porcelain washbasins. The owner’s cabin aft offers besides a king‐size bed also an elegant sofa for all kinds of rest and relaxation. The guest cabin has a special feature: thanks to a clever mechanism, the double bed can be converted into two single beds – and the other way around, of course.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur Kojen | BAVARIA YACHTS

A gigantic bed and a comfortable sofa … what more could you want?

Das Bad im Motorboot R40 Coupe | BAVARIA YACHTS

Stylish down to the smallest detail: the bathroom.

Only the best for your guests.

You want your guests to feel like royalty. No problem on the BAVARIA R40 – the VIP cabin in the bow meets every demand. The carpet alone already ensures a pleasant feeling of wellbeing. And so does the light – daylight streams through a large deck hatch, while ambient lighting gives the room the desired mood. A huge bathroom including separate shower completes the comfortable amenities.

Doppelbett im Motorboot R40 Coupe der R-Line | Interieur BAVARIA YACHTS

Bright, cozy, simply lovely – the guest cabin’s berth.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

Porcelain washbasins – the bathroom including separate shower.

Motorboot R40 Coupe Interieur | BAVARIA YACHTS

Do you prefer one double bed ...

VIP-Kabine in der BAVARIA R40

... two singles? Simply press a button to choose.

Exterior R40 Coupe | Motorboot aus der R-Line | BAVARIA YACHTS

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Bavaria 40 ** NOW SOLD **

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

Bavaria 40

40 ft bavaria yacht

Published on April 29th, 2020 | by Editor

Boat Review: Comparing 40 foot cruisers

Published on April 29th, 2020 by Editor -->

Paulo Pernão of Interesting Sailboats takes a look at the new mass production 40-foot sailboat offers: the Bavaria 42 C and the Beneteau Oceanis 40.1:

Judging by the name the Bavaria is not a 40ft but a 42ft and that is misleading. In fact the Oceanis is 1mm longer (hull length) than the Bavaria.

Both boats look good and very successfully manage to disguise the high freeboard and the big interior volume, not to call “fatness”. I would say the Beneteau looks just a bit better, meaning more sportive than the Bavaria, but I admit that some will prefer the more sober and elegant Bavaria look.

Both boats have about the same length being the Bavaria in what regards hull length 1mm shorter (11.98m to 11.99) and about the same LOA, both boats with bowsprit (12.90 to 12.87). The Bavaria bowsprit is optional; it remains to be seen if the one on the Oceanis 40.1 will be standard or also optional.

40 ft bavaria yacht

The Bavaria is beamier (4.29 to 4.18m) with the Oceanis 40.1 slightly less beamier than the previous model, the 41.1, that notwithstanding the name is 1mm shorter in length. The Bavaria has a bigger displacement (9678kg to 8180). This is due partially to the bigger ballast (2698kg to 2007kg with a draft of 2.10m to 2.17).

I confess that this difference in weight is quite intriguing because due to hull building techniques, the Bavaria should be lighter and stronger for the same weight. Bavaria uses vacuum infusion and polyester resins on a sandwich hull having Divinycell foam as core and a structural grid bonded to the hull.

Beneteau uses similar resins but on a monolithic hull with a structural inner moulding bonded to the hull. Only on deck the technologies are similar, using both a sandwich composite using injection technology.

For the same weight the Bavaria should be stronger and considerably stiffer than the Oceanis so it is hard to explain why the Bavaria weights 807kg more (already discounting the difference in ballast weight).

Full report… click here .

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Tags: Bavaria 42 C , Interesting Sailboats , Oceanis 40.1 , Paulo Pernão

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Bavaria 40 Vision

  • By Mark Pillsbury
  • Updated: February 13, 2007

40 ft bavaria yacht

Bavaria Yachts has stepped out with a pair of guns blazing in its hunt for sailors in the upscale part of the cruiser market. Last summer, the German sailboat manufacturer launched the first boats in its new Vision Series, a 40- and a 44-footer, aiming squarely at the deck-saloon offerings of such rivals as Jeanneau, Etap, and Hunter. (So far, only the 40 Vision has made a hop stateside, making its American debut last fall.)

Based on plans drawn by longtime Bavaria collaborator J&J Yacht Design of Slovenia, the 40 Vision and 44 Vision feature beefed-up sail plans, modest-draft and deep-keel options, and performance hulls wrapped around loads of space for comfortable surroundings below. A 50-foot version is also in the works.

Moored side by side against a quay just outside the offices of Yates Alemanes, Bavaria’s largest dealer, in Palma de Mallorca, the 40 and 44 looked virtually identical to me: Both have relatively low coach roofs, cat’s-eye ports, beamy hulls, the telltale Bavaria blue stripe along the coachroof, and teak decks. Both offer stern boarding via a swim platform, twin Lewmar wheels, molded-in teak-topped cockpit tables, and fold-down, recessed dodgers. Both have fractional Seldén rigs with in-mast furling (also available in a conventional rig), Seldén Rodkicker vangs, mast-mounted spinnaker poles, Elvström Sobstad sails, Furlex roller furlers, and single bow rollers that feed chain out of lockers equipped with Lewmar windlasses.

And that’s the point. When J&J sets out to design a new Bavaria, the company has two goals: optimize performance and optimize manufacturing. In simple terms, that means make the same gear work across multiple models so Bavaria can buy in bulk and keep prices down. Bavaria doors, fold-up companionway steps (for engine access), and cockpit lockers all use the same hinges. Saloon tables are interchangeable, with the 40’s table also designed to fit the Bavaria 37 Cruiser. Volvo engines and saildrives are delivered from the factory in one piece so a lone worker can slip each into place and secure it with eight bolts threaded through computer-cut holes in the boat’s laminated-in integral grid.

When I stepped below I began to see what 4 feet in length means in interior volume. On the 44, you feel as though you can stretch out a bit in the slightly larger saloon and certainly in the forward cabin. Two steps on either side of the V-berth queen offer easy access and flank two large storage drawers under. There’s a small bench seat to starboard with a double hanging locker over; to port is an enclosed head with a foldout shower enclosure. The 40 also serves up a queen berth forward, but without the forward head, and with two smaller lockers on either side of the cabin.

Aft of the main bulkhead, each boat has a large dining table to port with a bench seat amidships that provides a solid handhold while moving forward. To starboard, the 44 has two chairs separated by a table, while the 40 offers a perhaps more practical settee that could be used by a not-too-tall crew for napping. Aft of these are forward-facing nav stations with fiddled desktops, room below for a few paper charts, and ample space to install the electronics of an owner’s choosing.

At the foot of the companionway, both boats have heads with showers to starboard and quite workable galleys to port. Outboard in each are a two-burner propane stove and oven and a 12-volt refrigeration-equipped ice chest. Forward in the L-shaped galleys there are stainless-steel double sinks with front-opening refrigerators. Countertops are Corian with tall, rounded fiddles.

Farther aft are double cabins, each with hanging lockers; thick, comfortable-looking mattresses; and opening ports.

In the saloon of each boat, cabin-top hatches are covered by shades to help cut heat from the sun; blinds over the deck-saloon ports are recessed behind plywood trim that runs the length of the cabin. While handholds are ample throughout the saloon, this trim board is placed in a way that presents a tempting handhold in a seaway, especially in the galley, and I think its heft would be insufficient to support someone grabbing it. I’d also like to have seen a sealer applied to the ends of floorboards.

It’s worth noting that the Visions are at the upper end of the price range at this segment of the market, so more attention to detail and finish might be expected.

On deck, differences between the two Visions emerge, as well, particularly in the cockpit, where the size of the 44 allows for wide coamings that are easy to step up on when headed forward. On the 40, these are narrower, with steps that provide a less secure foothold. Stainless-steel grabrails are found on either side of the cabin top, and with chainplates located inboard, wide side decks make for a worry-free trip forward while under way.

And under way is where you’ll enjoy being.

Heading out of the harbor toward Badia de Palma, the 40 Vision, powered up by its 40-horsepower Volvo diesel and saildrive (a 55-horsepower is optional; the 44 comes standard with a 55-horsepower and an optional 75-horsepower Volvo) accelerated quickly to nearly 8 knots at 2,600 rpms, according to the onboard GPS, and backed well after an initial bout of starboard prop walk.

As we rounded the breakwater into about 8 to 10 knots of breeze, out rolled the sails and we were off, the boat heeling modestly and cutting smoothly through the light chop.

On this day, we had the benefit of the sailmaker’s presence aboard the 40 to tweak, trim, and keep us on pace with the 44. The Vision 40 tacked easily through 100 degrees, and we sailed along at just over 6 knots in about 9 knots of true wind. The boat comes equipped with Raymarine ST 60 Tridata and wind instruments. The chart plotter (mounted at the end of the cockpit table) and autopilot are options.

Cracking off, we continued to hold our own against the 44. Relaxing at the leeward helm station, I took my hand off the wheel for a moment, and then another moment, and then several more. On a reach, this boat just dug in and sailed straight, without need of a helmsman until it was time to tack.

After an hour and a half of enjoyable sailing, it was time to luff up and jump across to the bigger Vision. It, too, moved along at 6.7 knots in about 9 knots of true wind, and I couldn’t help but notice that it was tough to pull away from the nearby 40. Maybe it was that sailmaker?

At the dock, it occurred to this American observer that back home, a Bavaria is a relatively rare sight (Bavaria Yachts USA hopes to import 130 a year), but here, smack-dab in the middle of the Med, they’re everywhere. And indeed, that perception is true. Bavaria makes 3,200-plus boats a year, and now it has two more in its line with which to woo the Yanks.

Bavaria 40 Vision Specs

LOA: 41′ 8″ (12.7 m.) LWL: 34′ 9″ (10.6 m.) Beam: 13′ 1″ (3.99 m.) Draft: 5′ 9″ (1.75 m.) Sail Area (100%): 822 sq. ft. (76.4 sq. m.) Displacement: 18,081 lb. (8,200 kg.) Water: 95 gal. (210 l.) Fuel: 55 gal. (55 l.) Engine: 40-hp. Volvo w/ saildrive Designer: J & J Yacht Design Price: $236,000

Mark Pillsbury is Cruising World’s senior editor.

  • More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , bavaria , Coastal Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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  1. NEW YACHTS

    40 ft bavaria yacht

  2. Bavaria 40 for charter in the BVI with Horizon Yacht Charters

    40 ft bavaria yacht

  3. 2018 Bavaria R40 Flybridge for sale

    40 ft bavaria yacht

  4. 2001 Bavaria 40 Sloop for sale

    40 ft bavaria yacht

  5. 2002 Bavaria 40 A vela Barco en venta

    40 ft bavaria yacht

  6. Bavaria 40 Cruiser

    40 ft bavaria yacht

VIDEO

  1. 10 Best Things to Do in Munich Germany

  2. Bavaria 40 Outside

  3. Zolah Bavaria 40 cruiser 2008 sailing Netherlands

  4. There are multiple features on this newly available Bavaria SR41 yacht. Which is your favourite?

  5. 2023 Bavaria C42

  6. Bavaria 30 Cruiser Yacht

COMMENTS

  1. Bavaria 40 boats for sale

    Find Bavaria 40 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Bavaria boats to choose from.

  2. BAVARIA R40 Highlights

    With the BAVARIA R40 COUPE the difference to the FLY version is clear, saloon is even brighter, thanks to big hatches in the roof, which open at the press of a button. Whether FLY or COUPE version, both of these have a generous, luxurious interior design and a newly designed V-hull for safe, responsive driving.

  3. Bavaria Cruiser 40

    This hearty 40-foot cruising boat from Germany is one in a family of boats recently introduced into the North American market by a revitalized Bavaria Yachts. It sits on a dividing line of sorts: its larger sisters, the Cruiser 45, 50 and 55, all carry twin rudders to help control their beamy hulls when well heeled in a breeze, while the 40 and the smaller 32 and 36 do not. Unlike its smaller ...

  4. Bavaria goes BIG! Is this C42 the best value 40-footer?

    Toby Hodges gives a full tour of the award-winning Bavaria C42 after a punchy sail on the Solent. This, the Ford Model T of 40-footers redefines what you can...

  5. Bavaria C42 review: The Ford Model T of 40ft yachts

    Bavaria seems to have combined the best of both ideas, so you really do keep asking yourself if this boat is really only 40ft. The darker walnut veneer of the test boat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson ...

  6. New and used Bavaria Yachts 40 for sale

    Used Bavaria Yachts 40 for sale from around the world. Search our full range of used Bavaria Yachts 40 on www.theyachtmarket.com.

  7. Bavaria 40

    One hundred extra man hours have gone into building Bavaria's new 40 footer. But has it made a difference? Dick Durham reports. Product Overview. Overall rating: 83%. Product: Bavaria 40. Manufacturer: Bavaria. Price as reviewed: £129,792.00 . She's a very beautiful boat - elegant, graceful and uncluttered. Some will take issue with the ...

  8. 40 ft Bavaria 2022

    40 ft Bavaria 2022 Price: $799,000 BTC Price: 11.727 Seattle, US REQUEST INFORMATION. Brand: Bavaria: Model: R40 Fly: ... FYI Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Windworks Yacht Sales ... 40 ft Sea Ray 2018. $699,000. Jacksonville, US. View Details. 40 ft Mainship 1984. $57,000 ...

  9. BAVARIA R40 Interior

    The BAVARIA R40 has two suites with king‐size beds, lovingly crafted wood finishes and each its own bathroom, which has separate showers and porcelain washbasins. The owner's cabin aft offers besides a king‐size bed also an elegant sofa for all kinds of rest and relaxation.

  10. Used Bavaria 40 for Sale

    Clark 13.0 NZ $149,000. Sunbeam 39 NZ $235,000. Search for more boats. Bavaria 40. 2001 Bavaria 40' yacht. GRP construction, powered by a 50hp Volvo engine with low hours. 2-Cabin layout version (often...Find out more.

  11. Bavaria 40 Cruiser

    Sailboat specifications. The Bavaria 40 Cruiser - Farr is a 39'4" (11.99m) cruising sailboat designed by Farr Yacht Design (United States). She was built since 2010 (and now discontinued) by Bavaria Yachts (Germany). The Bavaria 40 Cruiser - Farr is as well listed, on Boat-Specs.com, in Shoal draft version ( see all the versions compared ).

  12. Bavaria 40 boats for sale

    Find Bavaria 40 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Bavaria boats to choose from. YachtWorld. Boats for sale. Bavaria Yachts. 40 . Bavaria 40 boats for sale. FILTERS. Save Search. Bavaria Bavaria: 40 Clear All. Condition. All. New. Used. Length. Year. Price. Type. Sail (10) Power (3) 1. Make.

  13. BAVARIA 40 (J&J)

    40.90 ft / 12.47 m: LWL: ... Max Draft: 6.40 ft / 1.95 m: Construction: FG w/Divinicell above waterline: First Built: 2000: Builder: Bavaria Yachts (GER) Designer: J&J Design: KLSC Leaderboard. Auxiliary Power/Tanks (orig. equip.) Make: Volvo Penta: ... 30 to 40 indicates a moderate bluewater cruising boat; 40 to 50 indicates a heavy bluewater ...

  14. BAVARIA YACHTS

    BAVARIA YACHTS has been a manufacturer of innovative series yachts for 45 years. Over 42,000 sailing yachts and motorboats have been built on the 200,000 m² site since 1978. What makes us special and what we especially show greatness in, is the experience of our employees. We deliver perfection, for which about 700 employees give their best.

  15. Boat Review: Comparing 40 foot cruisers

    Both boats have about the same length being the Bavaria in what regards hull length 1mm shorter (11.98m to 11.99) and about the same LOA, both boats with bowsprit (12.90 to 12.87).

  16. Bavaria 40 Vision

    Fuel: 55 gal. (55 l.) Engine: 40-hp. Volvo w/ saildrive. Designer: J & J Yacht Design. Price: $236,000. Mark Pillsbury is Cruising World's senior editor. More: 2001 - 2010, 31 - 40 ft, bavaria, Coastal Cruising, keelboat, monohull, Sailboat Reviews, Sailboats. Bavaria launches a new breed of deck-saloon sailboats int he 40- to 50-foot range.

  17. Bavaria 40 Cruiser boats for sale

    2002 Bavaria 40 Cruiser. £72,866. Marina Yacht Sales srl | Liguria, Italy. <. 1. >. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price. Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time of transaction.

  18. Sail Bavaria 40 Cruiser boats for sale

    Find Sail Bavaria 40 Cruiser boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Bavaria boats to choose from.

  19. Bavaria 40 Cruiser

    The Bavaria 40 Cruiser - Farr is a 39'4" (11.99m) cruising sailboat designed by Farr Yacht Design (United States). She was built since 2010 (and now discontinued) by Bavaria Yachts (Germany). The Shoal draft version features a shorter keel to grant access to shallow areas. The Bavaria 40 Cruiser - Farr is as well listed, on Boat-Specs.com, in Standard version (see all the versions compared).

  20. Bavaria Yachts for sale

    Bavaria. Today, Bavaria, a yacht brand has 800 yachts available for purchase on YachtWorld. This collection encompasses 254 newly built vessels as well as 546 pre-owned yachts, with all listings, handled by yacht brokers and boat dealerships, primarily concentrated in Croatia, Spain, United States, United Kingdom and Italy.

  21. 40 Foot Boats & Yachts For Sale

    Explore used yachts and boats for sale worldwide between 40-49 feet. Vessels in this size range are perfect starter yachts to get your feet wet in the yachting world. A 40 foot boats is great for couples or families looking to take extended weekend trips and anglers who enjoy inshore and offshore fishing. Most 40 ft yachts feature 1-2 cabins ...