new boat hunt nearly over - Bavaria 29DC

[ozzie]

When we decided it was time to upsize from our little Drago 600 after a fantastic last season, we were pretty set on the Sealine S28..until I saw a Sunseeker Portofino listed in our price range. We were both quite taken with her, albeit she was a bit bigger than we needed.All was going well until SWMBO tried to access the side decks (shes not the most confident in that area) and as there was a lack of grab rails with the canopy up and difficult to get from the bathing platform upto the side decks, that was the end of the dream of owning a Sunseeker. Back to the hunt for an S28, but in our price range we were looking at year 1996/97 and they either needed engine work or cosmetic TLC. This put me off as engine reliability was my top priority. We did briefly look at a S23 but she was just too much of a compromise.
I then came across a Bavaria 29DC, which although was not the type of boat we were not initially looking for looked interesting.We sat down and analysed what we wanted out of a boat, and as we have a holiday apartment near to the marina mostly we are just bay hopping in the Torquay Dartmouth area in fair conditions and occassionally overnighting when the weather too good to come back in. We decided 2 engines were not essential, neither was a second cabin (its usually just the two of us and the dog) but a large sociable cockpit was. Hence the Bavaria. The one we have viewed is a year 2003/4 one owner with KAD 300. She looks to be extremely well looked after with a comprehensive service record and a good spec including bow thruster and EDC controls.
Does anyone have any experience with this model? I have made an offer and we are close to coming to an agreeement, but would like to hear from any owners/ex owners

 

[Andy Bav]

Looks like you have followed a similar path to us to a Bavaria, but whilst I cant comment on the model you are looking at I would say that it appears the oily bits have been well cared for and if the layout suits, looks like you are close.

We had a single engine 8m cuddy and that was a buggah to back into a berth without a bow thruster, and I have seen quite few comments here as to why, so another positive.

Saw a 32 at Torquay yesterday and we commented how that model looks more sleek than current models but hope someone pops up with some more specific answers for you.

I believe that SWUK took their single engine Bavaria to Jersey a few years ago.

Good luck if it does proceed.

 

[beejay190]

I owned a Bav29 Sport for three years with twin D3 160s. Side decks were a bit narrow so quite often I would go via the saloon hatch on to the bow to attend to the windlass if I didn't feel safe going along the side decks.

The bathing platform does not extend beyond the stern shoulders which means I had to climb over the shoulders to get on to the pontoon. having short legs I found this a bit of a pain , but no problem I guess if you are tall or when you are stern in.

Otherwise I had a lot of fun with the boat which IMHO I think looks much better than the later model.

I guess you are looking at the Bav that is on brokerage with Ancasta. Sounds a nice boat - hope you get it.

 

[ozzie]

Deal done! We have agreed a price and deposit paid. Her service history is impeccable-she has been owned freom new by a very meticulous owner. She is the DC version with a single KAD300.The cabin is only a two berth converible dinette, but the cockpit is very spacious, and for our type of boating this suits us perfectly. Need to sort out the sea trial,engineers report and survey. Happy days!!

 

[U4]

Congratulations Ozzie. Just in time for summer, enjoy!