Bavaria 340 Information, Review, Specs

The Bavaria 340 commenced production in 1986, marking its place in Bavaria Yachts' extensive portfolio of sailing vessels. Designer Axel Mohnhaupt's approach for the 340 aligned with Bavaria's core philosophy of creating boats that offer practical functionality, comfortable accommodations, and reliable performance. Bavaria Yachts, founded on the principle of leveraging efficient assembly-line production, aimed to make yachting more accessible without compromising on build quality.

During its production run, the Bavaria 340 was offered with notable variations to cater to different owner preferences. A "Lagoon" version, typically designed for private ownership, featured a single aft cabin. In contrast, the "Caribic" format was geared towards the charter market and offered two aft cabins, allowing for a three-cabin layout overall (including the forward V-berth). The Bavaria 340 Lagoon model is particularly noted for featuring a Kevlar-reinforced hull, indicative of the shipyard's commitment to higher build standards during this era. The boat's construction utilized a strong yet light foam-cored fiberglass hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria 340 is rigged as a fractional sloop and features a fin keel with a spade rudder, a configuration designed for balanced performance and maneuverability. With a reported sail area of 495 square feet and a displacement of 9480 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 17.59. This suggests a boat capable of moderate performance in lighter winds, well-suited for cruising rather than outright racing.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) stands at roughly 0.38 (38%), indicating reasonable initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 209.5 classifies it as a medium-light cruiser, suggesting a balance between light-air agility and sufficient heft for comfortable passage-making. While performance was not the sole focus, the Bavaria 340 is generally regarded as a quality product that offers competent handling characteristics for its class. The theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.99 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria 340 was crafted to maximize comfort and utility, aligning with Bavaria's reputation for well-designed living spaces. The main salon typically features a wraparound dinette positioned to port, while a longitudinal galley is located to starboard.

As noted, the interior layout varied depending on the version. The "Lagoon" owner's version provided a two-cabin arrangement with a forward V-berth and a single aft cabin, offering more generous space in the single aft cabin. The "Caribic" charter version typically offered a three-cabin layout, adding a second aft cabin to accommodate more crew or guests. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior is generally described as well-crafted, focusing on practical functionality and comfortable arrangements. Standard amenities usually included a marine head, a bow cabin, and the aforementioned aft cabin(s).

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often highlight the Bavaria 340's solid construction, a characteristic consistent with Bavaria's reputation for building to high standards. Its comfortable motion in a seaway is frequently praised, contributing to its appeal as a popular cruising yacht.

However, like many boats of its era, some common maintenance points have been noted by the wider Bavaria owner community that may apply to the 340. Leaks, particularly from original deck fittings, are sometimes mentioned as a recurring issue, often requiring re-bedding over time. Additionally, some owners have reported wiring issues in older Bavaria models, suggesting it can be an area to inspect for potential upgrades or maintenance. Overall, owners generally appreciate the Bavaria 340 for its robust build and comfortable liveaboard capabilities for a boat of its size.