Bavaria?

[Reap]

Sorry, but I believe in giving my honest opinion and thats what it was...honest and only my opinion, I leave diplomacy to the magazines who are very careful with their reviews for fear of losing massive advertising revenue.

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[zefender]

There's an awful lot of tosh talked about Bavarias and their french cousins these days.

I have a Bav 40 which is coming up to its third season. It has taken me and the family to Algarve and back, and to France quite a few times, as well as nipping up and down the Solent/S. Coast on many weekends. They are not nearly as 'tender' under sail as some would suggest. Like most modern designs, they prefer to be reefed early though. They have loads of accomodation and are fitted out to be comfortable and manageable, if not luxurious. If you want a narrower, more traditional heavier hull, then buy one if that suits the kind of sailing you want. But you are making a different kind of trade off and not just on money. Bav generally use top brands for deck gear. You will probably need to spend 25% over the base price to get the boat well equipped, which is also not unusual.

But if people are really put off a boat by what they consider to be weak handholds, then have them replaced! It seems silly to be put right off a boat costing around 100K just because of 50 quid's worth of accessories or other irritations that can easily be sorted. And no, I don't think it is an indication of shoddiness elsewhere. If you want a boat full of exquisitely formed carpentry, then buy one. Personally, I hate the trad look down below of some boats which reminds me of a twee suburban pub. I quite like the simplicity of the Bav and the knowledge that a lot of computer power has gone into the integrity of the overall design, rather than wasteful over-engineering. I've found aftersales care to be good too.

...given the number of boats sold by Bavaria every year, I think we would all have heard by now if they really were a poor choice.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Zeff - > Personally, I hate the trad look down below of some boats which reminds me of a twee suburban pub.<

You don't know where I can pick up a half-barrel ice bucket and some horse brasses (preferably in phosphor bronze) for a Twister, do you? A sign saying "grouse or duck' to go over the door to the head would be nice, too.

 

[zefender]

For a Twister, surely a Slug and Lettuce sign would be more apt

 

[Twister_Ken]

Slug and Lettuce would be better for a Bender than a Twister.

But one of those dayglo signs saying "Sixties Nite" or "Rock 'n Roll All Week" might be good!

 

[chops]

hi I sail a 34 bavaria for a company for the the last 3yrs doing over 25000 sea miles, the boat is great to live on in port although lately things are starting to go wrong ie wiring fittings all cheap and car type,
ithe problem is that its done to a price and like everything else you get what you pay for its great to sail upto f6, but pass that you pay the price of of high volume hull.
the question is would i buy one my self , no if i sail in the north west, yes if i was going to the med,
the sigma 38 second hand is the same price as bav new ie 60000 what a boat!! good luck ken

 

[rhinorhino]

It is perhaps worth remembering that build quality may well change from year to year under pressure of cost cutting, and I suspect not for the better.
It is I suppose a question of horses for courses.
I must admit I looked at a Bav 44 and was appalled by the quality of finish, the hand holds were a particular disgrace. Overall if you look at the tankage (tiny) and the cockpit lay-out (twin wheels but nowhere to put any instruments, the galley and many other features you come to the conclusion that at best these boats are designed for day sailing in sheltered waters.
This conclusion was reinforced by the salesperson, when I asked what she was like in a blow he said with some pride that she would be safe up to a force 6!
As I said, horses for courses, Bavs are cheap marina caravans and you get a lot of white plastic for your money, but I would question whether they are good value.
If I could afford to, I would stay away.