A few comments please

[cmedsailor]

Hello,
Could, owners or people who have actually used the following models, tell me their personal opinions (simply write anything you like or dislike, not necessarily a comparison) about these sailing boats?
(Please refer to 2000-2002 models)
- Bavaria 37
- Beneteau Oceanis 361
- Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37

You may even distinguish to deep or shallow keel version since this usually makes a difference.

Thanks

 

[iangrant]

SO 37 fantastic - no niggles - standard stock boat -

Ian

 

[josira2]

OC361: Used one on charter in BVI 2002. No problems. Didn't like the interior layout as much as (my own) OC351, but that's a matter of personal taste. Had the usual vicious propwalk going astern.
Haven't used the SO37 (but have used 35 and 36). From my experience, OC build quality beats SO.

 

[Tranona]

Bavaria 37 shallow draft. 3 cabin in mast furling. 2001

Likes
Very well put together
Mostly durable
Good quality equipment, particularly deck and anchoring gear
Excellent access for maintenance
Good stowage
Comfortable accomodation
Wood finish good, cosy ambience (or gloomy, depending on perspective)
Roomy but safe cockpit
Sails well in light to medium winds
Well balanced so low load on autopilot
Motors well (Volvo 2030) and goes backwards under control
Looks good

Dislikes (to varying degrees)
Not good to windward in a blow, but comfortable if well reefed
Heads compartment cramped on 3 cabin, but adequate
Short on lounging space down below (3 cabin)
Cabin lights rubbish, but replacements seem better
Cooker needs regular replacement of burners and grid - but get a lot of use by charterers
Upholstery plain and poorly fitted, but lasted better than expected. Note the 2000 boats are better than later.
Lots of visible sealant, but you gwt used to it and it seems to do its job OK

Overall we have been delighted with ours. Bought new in 2001, completed 7 seasons as a charter boat and still in good condition. New sails (made in Greece) vast improvement on originals. Decided to keep it at the end of the charter contract. Spending about £3k on upgrading and some re-upholstery and should be good for another 5 years with minimal expenditure. Shallow drafts are rare (at least in the Med) but we specified this because we are going to bring her back to UK through the Canal du Midi.

If you are thinking of buying an ex charter boat in the Med there are a few for sale. One particularly good one is for sale in Lefkas - same spec as mine but with teak decks.

Feel free to PM me if you want more information on either the Bavaria 37 or buying in Greece