Bavaria 37 2006-8. Any first hand experience?

[Charlie P]

Looking at buying a Bavaria 37 and scanning UK/Dutch markets for mid-2000s example. Has anyone had experience of these yachts? Are the under-engined with 29hp? Has anyone sailed one in stronger (40+ knots) winds? Really appreciate any feed back.

Have previously owned a Bavaria 38 so am familiar with the brand.

Very appreciated!

 

[CJ13]

We have a B39- 2006, which I imagine is similar.
Our engine is D2-40 (40hp), which is fine on flat water/ down wind, but hopelessly underpowered going upwind in any sea.
The boat is quite light- we reef when the apparent wind gets above 15kts. It’s much more comfortable with no significant loss of speed. More than adequate off the wind, but upwind we probably tack though 60 deg +. Any significant waves take a huge amount of speed off.
We wouldn’t willingly go out in 40kts wind and certainly wouldn’t buy one if that was the plan. However as a semi liveabaord in the Med they’re great!

John

 

[Tranona]

The D1 30 is adequate, but as with any modern high volume boat with significant windage battling against high wind and seas will be hard work. Most boats of that size will struggle to go to windward in 40 knots of wind and it is more a question of comfort than capability to withstand heavy weather. don't think you will find any fitted with the larger engine. You can improve motoring performance by choosing a better propeller than the standard Volvo item.

Really if you have had an older 38 you will know what to expect - the later 37s from J&J are just developments of the same basic design so share the same characteristics.

Worth joining the Bavaria Yacht Info forum www.bavariayacht.org There are owners of the 37 you are considering that post on there.

 

[Charlie P]

Many thanks John - I like the B39 as well but most are a touch more expensive than I feel like paying. I agree that they are great boats - but yes, you have to keep them on their feet with early reefing.

 

[Charlie P]

The Bavaria yacht info site is great - appreciate the heads-up.

 

[Tachyon]

Owned a Bavaria 36 ( 2005) for 5 years. Very nice boat for 1 to 2 couples sailing intercostal waters around Vancouver & Gulf Islands. Excellent fiberglass workmanship, and wood work inside equal or superior to the competition. Wiring is excellent - no issues. Sailed well to windward up to 20 knot winds, the Bavaria 36 became quite light going down wind ( like to wander on wave tops) and like to float off the top of waves and come down hard ( it is lightweight - volume...fat width boat) . Seemed more like a cork. Ballast to Displacement is on the low side....20 to 25%. Our previous off shore boat was 50%. It punched it's way through rougher seas. Heavy winds the Bavaria 36 like to float light on top 4 to 6 foot curlers and slap off the top of waves instead of going through them. Personal opinion, years ( 5 decades) of sailing including Toronto to Caribbean and back in a blue water boat. The Bavaria is a very nice, comfortable coast cruiser but is not an off shore boat. I would be nervous in a 30 to 50 knot gale. Other downside....anchoring.....Lofrans windless works great but anchoring in deep water with chain caused problems with bunching of stacking of 100 to 200 feet of chain.....frustrating....had to stop lifting anchor and clear chain. It would be nice if there were 2 anchor rollers. ( It is what it is.) We did redesigned the position of the windless to minimize it's problems. I'm not a Volvo Penta- sail drive proponent ....It is what it is in the Bavaria. This 2005 Bavaria had gone though 2 engines ( less than 1000 hours each time) with the previous owner ( low hours) and then we had a couple of slightly higher than average temperature time - caught it well in time.....heating issues with barnacles and mussels making a home in the intakes and plugging them. ( we carry an infra-red gun) Users must watch to make sure lots of water is coming out on start up, and while using the engine and if there is any odd noises stop immediately if you are concerned about the water intake in the sail-drive leg of the engine. If the boat sits for a month or so and over abundant sea animal growth issue in your marina ; then dive on the boat or use a GO-PRO to check the tiny intakes are not covered with growth. Otherwise a fabulous boat. We recently sold our 2005 36 ( held it's value) and we may buy a newer Bavaria model if we do not find another manufacturer's model of interest in the next 6 months.