bavaria /jeanneau advice

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saltyrob

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Hi Folks,

We are considering purchasing a for a bigger boat to accomodate a growing family and are looking for something around 32 foot.I am trying to find out the chronological order in which the Bavaria 31,32 and 33 were built.I would also appreciate any advice /comments from owners of these models and the Jeanneau Sun Oddyssey 32.2 which has also caught our eye.
Our normal season consists of weekend coastal cruising and a summer cruise to Holland,(Deben to Vlissingen.)

Many thanks

Robert
 
Really down to personal preference on all the models listed. I have known owners with problems on all models even when new. So speaking as I have found...my SO32 has been great. She is fast, easily handled but I do need to trim carefully when the wind pipes up and get the reef in smartish. Accomodation is good but stowage is not so good. I like the construction of the Jeanneau as it is a solid laminate hull, I have a thing about sandwich construction ! The SO32 has exceptional access to the underdeck fittings which will prove useful as the boat ages. Viewed a 32.2 but found the 32 had more room and headroom.
 
The 31 was built from 1999-2001, the 32 from 2001-2005ish, the 33 from 2005 to this year and is now being replaced by the new 34!

I have owned the 31 for three seasons now, and she is very different from both the 32 and the 33. She is considerably narrower in the beam, and carries quite a bit of freeboard, in fact is higher than the same aged 34's.

I have also sailed the 32 quite a bit, so will try to give some feel for the differences!

The 31 has a couple of quirks, one is that the mainsheet comes down to apoint on top of the binnacle, which looks a bit wierd at first, but in fact works very well. The narrow beam of the boat means that she heels over quite a bit when working up-wind, more so than a more modern boat or the 32. However rather like a contessa 32 once she has healed she settles down very well and is very well balanced, and will sail herself up wind with very little attention to the wheel. She is also quite quick on a reach, we regularly see seven knots,, and 5.5-6 close hauled. We have the fully battened main and the deep (1.85 meter) keel. The chart table is on the small side, but I have not found that a problem, generally the standard of fitout down bellow I have found to be quite good, much more solid than the subsequent 32, with better quality hatches, etc. There is good storage forward, and in the main cabin. The water tank is on the small side. The heads are excellent and would not be amiss on a 34-35 footer.

We can sleep two up in either the forward or aft cabin, and the saloon seating makes good births as well.

The 31 is a fairly light boat, and I find very easy to sail short handed with all the sheets in easy reach of the helm. She is undoubtedly a much more entertaining boat to sail, with better manners, than the 32, tends to slam less as well.
With current prices around the 40k mark for a good one, then I think that they represent Excellent value, bearing in mind the fact that the angle of heel is more than a broader boat like the 32. There is a now notorious quirk with the boat in that the hatch for the aft starbord locker interferes with the throttle. I have never really found this to be a issue.

The 32 is also a nice boat to sail, but more mainstream, I would definetley look for deep keel though, as I found the preformance to windward much better. The build quality on the 32 is not as good as the 31, and is somewhat on the light side. But I would not say that the build was bad, I would just say lighter. Storage below is better, but things like the latches down below are not as high quality as on the previous 31. She is considerably wider in the beam, and consequently sails more upright, but is not as entertaining. The heads is again good, but no better than ours. She again benefits from that fully battened main.

I know little about the 33, other than she is bigger again. I would say that the 30 from 2005- is a closer comparison, but she sailes no were near to as well as either my 31 or the 32. (I understand, plus I have smoked several 30s , and 32's)

We have had virtually no problems with our boat since we have had her, this year I replaced the compressor for the fridge, last year we fitted some stainless on the bow to prevent chipping from the anchor. No other problems as all.

If you have kids, I would think that the 32 would be a better buy, as the space is better. Get a deep fin and a fully battened main. 45K should get a good boat.

If you want a quiker boat, thats more entertaining, get the 31.

The Jeunea is a good boat as well, remember the Bavarias are ce category a, but the Jeunaue is Cat b. The 31 is also German Lloyds certified...

Any more q's dont hesitate, if you would like a sail, drop me a pm, Im in plym this weekend.

ta
 
We've been pretty happy with our SO32. We looked at the 32.2 when we bought it, as both were available from the factory for a time. The layout of the 32.2 is more traditional than the 32, with access to the aft cabin through the galley. The galley on the 32 is excellent, and the overall layout works really well. Bobbobins comments are right on - the stowage isn't fantastic, and the boat needs to be reefed early, but provided she is kept reasonably upright she sails very well. The latest model has a slightly different cockpit design, which means that a fair bit of the locker space has been sacrificed in order to move the sheet winches back to the wheel for single handing.

There isn't a lot of difference in price between the newer 32.2s and the older 32s.
 
Budget is around 50k. We have a Moody 28 which sails really well, handles roughish weather as have been caught out in F7/ 8,good accomodation for size, but need a more space

Robert
 
That Moody is a good boat, I think that if go to Bav 31/32/33 or Jen 32 you will be dissapointed, they are a lot lighter!

If your used to a moody 28, then how about something like a Sadler 34? You should be able to get a good one for around 40k. I dont also think that the Bav 31 will give you a whole lot more space over your 28,, and the Jeunnaue will just not be as seakindly.

Take a look at the Moody S31, I think their is one for sale about for 45k or so,

Westerly Storm (33 footer), Bavaria 34 (1999-2000) Moody 346 (Several kicking around in Plymouth at about 50k.) or maybe the Hanse 331.

I would have thought these would have been more up your street!
 
Hi,

Thank you for your replies.A factor in making a decision will be the age of any prospective boat. I am concerned that buying an older boat will mean there is more risk of having to replace high cost items,osmosis etc.This will be a big purchase for us and a few years of relatively predictable costs is an important factor.Unfortunatley the options of an affordably late 90's Moody in our price range seem very limited.
Have just recieved details of a Dehler 33 and 34,any advice re these models would be gratefully recieved.

Many thanks

Robert.

p.s This will be our third boat and making a decision doesn't seem to get any easier.
 
Interesting that no one has commented over price- value- age.

Many on here slate Bavarias and often include other AWB's. If their stories are correct you will pick up a 1 yr old Bavaria for £5 or other ridiculous low price and the punters will beg you to take it off their hands!!

To create some balance to this Forum and include some rare info called "facts" please tell us what you discover/your views/impressions about the boats you are offered and their respective costs
 
[ QUOTE ]
Don't

Seriously though, why downgrade from a Moody?

[/ QUOTE ]Thats a thoroughly condescending remark.... and adds no value to the discussion at all....

There is a balance between age, condition, comfort, performance, space, and modernity of electronics that all boats mentioned will have pluses and minuses against.

It is fortunate that the forum has a range of people that place different values against different elements of these factors, and thus we have a wide range of different boat types owned...

For me, I'd go for a newer Jen/Ben/Bav against an older Moody every time, but thats personal preference, and i'd encourage anyone else to make a decision based upon their own criteria.....

I recently upgraded from an older heavier built boat to a modern design....

Ok... to the subject in hand.... an opinion that hopefully adds value to the discussion...

I've sailed an SO 32 a few times..... cracking boat to sail.... really nice handling.... and superb interior... one thing I didn't like.... the coamings were very low, and not so comfortable to sit against for long periods of time....
 
[ QUOTE ]
For me, I'd go for a newer Jen/Ben/Bav against an older Moody every time, but thats personal preference, and i'd encourage anyone else to make a decision based upon their own criteria.....

I recently upgraded from an older heavier built boat to a modern design....



[/ QUOTE ]

Personal preference is 99% of the matter.

I would venture to say that based on the composition of both our families/crew our requirements would be roughly similar.

Yet... I recently upgraded from a modern design to an older, heavier boat.
 
Exactly.... different views... same situation.....

so no-one claim rightly claim that their view is the 'upgrade'... for others it would be a 'downgrade'... whats important is recognising that, and not criticising people for making a decision different to the one you would of made..... from their perspective you are the one that got it wrong!

Hence my reaction to Wotayotties post....
 
I would suggest the Dehler is a higher quality product with better design than the Bav/Jea but the cost will reflect this, and many of them have been raced and it shows...

With a similar budget to yourself I found myself a Van De Stadt Rebel 41 from 1966 and she's as good as gold, and I cannot recommend older tougher boats enough...

But my personal experience has been good. If I had had nothing but trouble I expect I would have a different opinion.

Whatever boat you buy get a really good survey from a locally recommended (not buy the seller) surveyor so you know where you stand.

I have sailed all of the boats you mention, along with lots more besides including a Dehler 34 which is for sale privately for about £35k I believe and would be a good buy.

Go and ask around your local sailing clubs, find owners who are friendly and get some trips on older and newer boats and see which will suit your style best.

For that kind of money I would look at Van De Stadt Excalibers, Rival 38s, Nich 38s, and things of that ilk. There is also a Rustler 42 unfinished and never launched in Deacons, or there was the last time I went through there for a very low price, but would be a project. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Good luck, hope I have helped more than confused!

Ben
 
Hi
All your comments are appretiated and give me food for thought.As a matter of interest I have spoken to owners of Balvaria's here and in Holland and they dont seem to have had any more problems than owners of other mass production boats and like them.I am trying to keep an open mind and your comments are useful.

Robert
 
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