Bavaria 320 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria 320 emerged during a period when Bavaria Yachts was solidifying its reputation as a leader in serial yacht manufacturing, driven by founders Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl's vision for high-quality, mass-produced vessels. Designed by Axel Mohnhaupt, the 320 was part of Bavaria's concerted effort to make sailing more accessible to a broader audience. The builder's production ethos during this era emphasized "German engineering expertise, precision, and quality," leveraging efficient manufacturing techniques in their Giebelstadt facility. While specific design goals for the 320 are not explicitly detailed, its characteristics suggest a focus on a balance of comfortable living spaces, reliable performance, and sturdy construction. During its production run, variations such as the "Bavaria 320 Sportline" were also available, and it was common for Bavarias of this vintage to offer optional keel depths.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria 320 is generally considered a light sailboat that offers reasonably good performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.5, she is expected to perform well in lighter air conditions, making her agile and responsive. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 37.8% suggests a decent level of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 169 indicates a relatively lighter and more performance-oriented vessel for her overall length.

Equipped with a fin keel, the Bavaria 320 offers splendid maneuverability, which is a common characteristic of this keel type. Reviews suggest the boat is "stable and stiff" and handles predictably in various sea states. Many of the sail controls on these models are often led aft to the cockpit, simplifying handling for a small crew.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria 320 is characterized by a "warm and woody" aesthetic, typically finished in mahogany. While some might find the interior slightly dark due to the extensive use of wood, it generally offers surprisingly good stowage throughout the cabin. The layout is described as "pretty straightforward," ensuring that everything is logically placed and easily accessible. Many Bavaria 320s feature a two-cabin layout, which makes the boat well-suited for accommodating family and friends comfortably. These models are often configured as an "Owners Version," optimizing the space for private use rather than solely for charter.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often praise the Bavaria 320 as a "well-found boat," appreciating its overall reliability and construction quality. The generous stowage capacity is a consistently noted strength, providing ample space for cruising gear and provisions. However, like many boats of its vintage, some owners have noted that leaks can be a common issue, particularly around deck fittings, which may require re-bedding. While some very early Bavaria models were criticized for minor finish imperfections, the 320 generally garners positive feedback for its build, with "few, if any, major problems" specifically attributed to this model.