Barry_Hill
New member
I am considering the purchase of a Bavaria 40 and would be interested in any impressions from owners or charterers. Also any comments in general on Bavaria boats
Bavaria 40
- Thread starter Barry_Hill
- Start date
DoctorD
New member
Incredibly good value boats. New price is low - second hand price is also correspondigly low. If buying new - just about everything - decent lights, anchor, sails are extra. Normal Bavaria Sails are dishrags so spring for a decent set and the boat will be miles better for it.
Usually hose clamps need to be tightened and few hoses seem to be double clamped. The main sheet track arrangement can be very sticky (due to friction in the system) - worth upgrading the track/cars.
Despite the already amazing price of a new Bavaria 40, I believe they can be bought cheaper through German dealers - though you would have to pay for delivery or sail it to your home waters yourself.
You cannot buy a better 40 footer cheaper. But if I were you I would talk to some owners to see what improvements they have made in their first year or two of ownership.
Usually hose clamps need to be tightened and few hoses seem to be double clamped. The main sheet track arrangement can be very sticky (due to friction in the system) - worth upgrading the track/cars.
Despite the already amazing price of a new Bavaria 40, I believe they can be bought cheaper through German dealers - though you would have to pay for delivery or sail it to your home waters yourself.
You cannot buy a better 40 footer cheaper. But if I were you I would talk to some owners to see what improvements they have made in their first year or two of ownership.
PeterGibbs
New member
By all means give me a ring on 020 8 440 3086.
PWG
PWG
zefender
Active member
I bought mine last April and have been very pleased with it overall. No major faults found (so far). It's true that the initial price bears little relation to the final finished cost with all the 'extras' but it really depends on what are considered 'must haves' and 'nice to haves'. Opal's cost for extras isn't bad, given that it includes fitting and saves a lot of faffing about. I too looked at buying abroad (I found Holland cheapest) but by the time I worked out cost of sailing her back, possible warranty issues, manuals in English etc, the difference wasn't that great. Agree about the mainsail options issue. I went for fully battened with lazyjacks, rather than the plain vanilla version or furling. If you select the first two, I would suggest you go for the optional 3rd reef.
If you would like specific info, please send me a pm.
If you would like specific info, please send me a pm.
stiknstring
Member
Agree with all of the above. I bought mine from a French dealer in Oct 2000. Delighted with her. Performance is surprisingly good (we have the roller main) although being a reasonably big boat (10,000kgs all -up), she takes abit to really get going (12-15 knots+). We brought her back from Ouistreham in 22 knots of wind on her maiden trip and she averaged 7.4 kts. It was a great ride!
Few problems - all related to gear ('fridge, engine, electronics). All put right under warranty with no problems at all with the exception of the UK 'fridge fitters.
Sailed 750 miles first season varying conditions (mostly windy) - no breakages. One thing I would want to change is the toerail which is not perforated and water collects at the stern. Also very narrow side deck here right at the stern makes it awkward at times. Another concern was the size of the backing plate on the jackstay fittings. Mine developed leaks where they had pulled up under load - don't ask! I had them rebedded and now fine.
They are, IMHO, good solid boats, alot heftier foot-by foot than some of their French-built competitors- and with a long waterline length and suitable set of sails will eat the miles.
I would not be put off by buying abroad. It is easy, fun (as long as you get a good dealer), and can save appreciable sums of money. If you buy from France, you may be eligible for a French lease which benefits from a 50% VAT rebate to the financing company. When this is passed back to the lessee, it effectively gives you an interest free loan over up to 5 years (max 50% of the value of the boat). You will have to keep the boat on the French register until she is all yours, and in compliance with French safety regulations - but the latter is probably no more than you would want to do anyway - and maintaining the French registry is not difficult either, even to a non- French speaker like myself.
I wish you all joy with whatever boat you choose.
Stiknstring
Few problems - all related to gear ('fridge, engine, electronics). All put right under warranty with no problems at all with the exception of the UK 'fridge fitters.
Sailed 750 miles first season varying conditions (mostly windy) - no breakages. One thing I would want to change is the toerail which is not perforated and water collects at the stern. Also very narrow side deck here right at the stern makes it awkward at times. Another concern was the size of the backing plate on the jackstay fittings. Mine developed leaks where they had pulled up under load - don't ask! I had them rebedded and now fine.
They are, IMHO, good solid boats, alot heftier foot-by foot than some of their French-built competitors- and with a long waterline length and suitable set of sails will eat the miles.
I would not be put off by buying abroad. It is easy, fun (as long as you get a good dealer), and can save appreciable sums of money. If you buy from France, you may be eligible for a French lease which benefits from a 50% VAT rebate to the financing company. When this is passed back to the lessee, it effectively gives you an interest free loan over up to 5 years (max 50% of the value of the boat). You will have to keep the boat on the French register until she is all yours, and in compliance with French safety regulations - but the latter is probably no more than you would want to do anyway - and maintaining the French registry is not difficult either, even to a non- French speaker like myself.
I wish you all joy with whatever boat you choose.
Stiknstring