Bavaria 55 - How could they get it so wrong?

[Cerddinen]

The advance publicity meant the Bavaria 55 was one boat I had to see at the Show. I was left wondering how the design could go so wrong. Even though it was bright sunlight and all the internal lighting was switched on, the interior of the boat was dark and gloomy. Only a row of small windows at deck level, but no overhead hatches, provided a very small amount of natural light. Quite simply, not an interior in which you would want to spend any time at all. Contrast this to the Hanse 54 with very large portholes just above the waterline - easy to imagine spending all day just watching the water go past. The dinghy store on the Bavaria 55 also looks clever from outside but takes away considerable space from the aft cabins. This leaves two 1 1/2 size cabins rather than good doubles. This is not the accomodation expected on a 55.

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

If you thought the Bav was that bad, you clearly didnt even look at the Moody deck saloon jobbies. They were quite the worst bit of industrial design I have even seen, even beating the likes of the Trabant or the Hummer at ugliness

 

[BuzzFan]

what is ugliness?

If you thought the Bav was that bad, you clearly didnt even look at the Moody deck saloon jobbies. They were quite the worst bit of industrial design I have even seen, even beating the likes of the Trabant or the Hummer at ugliness

Moody 45DS? Ugly by traditional standards - yes, but probably the best bit of marine design for 25 years - if measured in terms of innovation and practicality.

After spending much time on it, flybridge mobos and teh usual motordailers & catamarans, I cannot think of any other sub 50' sailing boat that is such a good place to lounge
around on, either at anchor in in a marina. Who wants to be in a tight, cramped cockpit, sitting on top of a hull. I havent sailed it, but respect the deep bulwarks, and assume Bill Dixon will have got the dynamics right.

My only grip is price - I'd happily pay £ 250k, but no £ 400k.

 

[jonjo]

If you thought the Bav was that bad, you clearly didnt even look at the Moody deck saloon jobbies. They were quite the worst bit of industrial design I have even seen, even beating the likes of the Trabant or the Hummer at ugliness

Judging by the photos I thought it was quite refreshing. The flush deck snout is reminiscent of the Moody eclipse range or even some pre war TSDY designs. The benefit of a level floor connecting the deck saloon and cockpit would be understood and appreciated by many an LM 30 owner. And lots of new cruising cats have similar solid cockpit roofing.

Anyhow is does not matter that 90% of yachtsmen hate it, providing the other 10% of potential 50 foot buyers say, "that is exactly what I have been waiting for" and write out a cheque for a deposit.

http://www.adls.org.uk/t1/sites/default/files/images/Wanda_156_1.jpg

 

[Saguday]

Discovery 55 was by far the biggest hit with the Kioni family this time round

If only...

 

[BoyBlue49]

Bavaria 55

What else do you expect from an American designer, they have bu..ered up the BMW car range. The Leg ends interior are like fair ground gipsy caravans which are designed to be best static, all from the pen of American car designers and we all know how the American car industry is fairing.
I understand BMW no longer use their design office over there, you can't beat good old European design, whether cars or boats. I was suprised to learn that a solid German company had even thought of useing the Yanks, if I were designing a car or boat they would be the last people to ask.

 

[mjcp]

I understand BMW no longer use their design office over there, you can't beat good old European design

If it makes a difference, it was the European office of the American based global design firm that did the design...

mjcp

 

[BoyBlue49]

Still Yanks with their superior not know how.

 

[bav36]

Bavaria 55 - changes needed

I have just been at the Genova boat show and managed to view the Wauquiez 55, Jeanneau 57 and Bavaria 55.

Wauquiez 55 would be my ideal boat, great layout, bright interior, seaworthiness, very high quality. The most expensive but definitely more value than the Jeanneau.

Jeanneau is also a very nice boat with a pleasant interior layout and possibly perfect for the summer with a huge cockpit and external living. I would not be comfortable in that cockpit in a rough sea. Not cheap.

Bavaria 55 was simply great outside, I liked the hull, bridge and cockpit very much but I was really disappointed once inside the boat. Huge volumes but very dark - I find unbelievable such tiny openings were used, not even transparent plexi but almost black plexi was used and openings were deep through deck and internal lining so that the light could not spread. The boat was 5 cabin version but the 3 cabin version would not be better having the same openings.
I think bavaria should immediately reconsider this aspect, bigger and more openings are needed! This would not make the boat a raised saloon of course but it would make it a great boat and amazing value for the price - out of the three is the only one I can dream to own, in a 3 cabin layout.
(I have a Bavaria 36 2 cabins and very happy with her after 5 years)