Bavaria 390 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria 390 emerged from the Bavaria Yachts shipyard in Giebelstadt, Germany, in 1990. At this time, Bavaria Yachts, founded by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, was rapidly establishing its reputation for efficient serial production and a focus on high-quality, accessible yachts. The design brief for the 390, under the guidance of naval architect Axel Mohnhaupt, aimed to create a comfortable cruising platform that offered a balanced blend of practical functionality and enjoyable sailing characteristics.

Consistent with Bavaria's manufacturing ethos, the 390 was built using robust fiberglass solid construction for both hull and deck, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. Throughout its production run in the early 1990s, the Bavaria 390 was offered with variations, including a standard draft of 5.91 feet and a shallower draft option of 4.92 feet, catering to different cruising grounds. Furthermore, models like the "Lagoon" and "Caribic" editions often indicated differing interior layouts, with the Caribic version notably offering a four-cabin configuration to maximize bunk space, particularly appealing to the charter trade. A "tall rig" option was also available, providing enhanced light-air performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 40 feet and a substantial displacement of 17,637 pounds, the Bavaria 390 presents as a stable and capable cruiser. Its sailing characteristics are generally praised, with owners noting a comfortable motion in various conditions and a reasonable turn of speed.

Analyzing its design ratios provides further insight:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At approximately 17.32, the Bavaria 390 is indicative of a cruiser with decent performance. This ratio suggests it will perform adequately in lighter breezes but is not designed as a dedicated light-air racer.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): With a ballast of 6,614 pounds, the 390 achieves a B/D ratio of around 0.375. This is a solid figure, contributing significantly to the yacht's inherent stability and stiffness, allowing it to stand up well to wind and provide a comfortable ride in a seaway.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): Based on its 33.63-foot waterline length, the 390 has a calculated D/L ratio of approximately 463. This high figure categorizes it as a heavy displacement vessel, suggesting a boat built for seakindliness and robust construction over outright speed, capable of absorbing choppy conditions with less discomfort. The hull's roundbilged shape and spade rudder contribute to its predictable handling. Its theoretical hull speed is estimated at 8.3 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The Bavaria 390 was designed with interior volume and comfort as key priorities, a hallmark of Bavaria Yachts' production during its era. While specific headroom details are not always consistently recorded, the ample beam of 13.12 feet contributes to a spacious feel below deck.

Typical layouts often include multiple cabins, such as the three-cabin "Owner's Version" or the popular four-cabin "Caribic" variant, which was favored for charter operations. The interior generally features a conventional arrangement: a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a central table, a well-equipped galley, and a navigation station. Aft cabins are usually generous, benefiting from the boat's wide beam. The finish quality of Bavarias from this period is often described as solid, with functional materials and woodwork designed for durability and ease of maintenance, reflecting the "quality build" noted by some owners. Ventilation and storage are typically ample, catering to extended cruising. Reviewing original brochures or owner forums often provides a more detailed look at the specific interior configurations available.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria 390 frequently praise its comfortable sailing characteristics and robust construction. Many highlight its ability to handle various conditions with ease, describing it as "very comfortable in port" and having a "reasonable turn of speed". The perceived solid build quality often leads to "many years of sailing pleasure" for those who maintain their vessels. The stiff hull design is also a frequently mentioned positive attribute, instilling confidence in choppier seas.

However, some common maintenance points and areas of attention have been noted. Recurring mentions include potential leaks around stanchion bolts, which can be challenging to access for re-bedding. There have also been forum discussions regarding the security of keel attachments on some Bavaria models from this era; however, many owners emphasize that such issues are generally not common for a well-maintained boat that has not suffered damage or grounding. Overall, the Bavaria 390 is often regarded as a reliable and spacious cruising platform, appreciated for its blend of comfort, stability, and good value.