Bavaria 43 Cruiser Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria 43 Cruiser followed in the successful wake of the Bavaria 42 Cruiser, evolving the design to offer even more comfort and space. Bavaria Yachts, founded by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, rapidly gained a reputation for its pioneering adoption of assembly-line production methods, enabling the efficient construction of high-quality yachts at an accessible price point. During the production run of the 43 Cruiser from 2008 to 2010, Bavaria continued to leverage these advanced manufacturing techniques, ensuring a consistent and robust build.

J&J Design, known for their pragmatic approach to yacht architecture, penned the lines of the 43 Cruiser. Their philosophy often centers on creating designs that balance performance with comfortable living spaces, aligning perfectly with Bavaria's market strategy. The vessel was available with a standard keel drawing 6.07 feet (1.85m), with an optional deeper lead keel drawing 2.1m also offered for those seeking enhanced performance. The hull was constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of Bavaria's commitment to robust construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria 43 Cruiser is characterized by a design that prioritizes comfortable cruising without sacrificing capable performance. With a reported sail area of 1017.19 sq ft and a displacement of 21605 lbs, she boasts a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 21.01. This relatively high ratio suggests that the 43 Cruiser is well-powered for its displacement, indicating good performance in light to moderate winds. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 31.6% indicates a moderate level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind while maintaining a comfortable motion. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 184.77 places her in the moderately light to medium displacement category for her length overall of 42.98 feet and waterline length of 37.4 feet. This contributes to her agility and respectable cruising speeds.

Anecdotal reports describe the Bavaria 43 Cruiser as a "breeze to sail," highlighting its ease of handling and balance. Her classic layout and rig contribute to straightforward sail management, with the helmsman typically able to reach the mainsheet winch directly from the helm. Overall, she is noted as a "rugged sailing performer," capable of delivering enjoyable sailing experiences in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The lasting impression of the Bavaria 43 Cruiser's interior is one of remarkable space, light, and air. With a maximum headroom of 6.56 feet, the salon feels particularly open and inviting. The interior typically features a classic layout, often configured as an "owner's version" with berths for six persons across three cabins. The forward cabin is dedicated to the owner, offering generous space and amenities.

The finish quality is in line with Bavaria's production ethos, featuring panel-matched Mahogany timber work that provides a warm and traditional aesthetic. The layout usually includes a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and a head. Thoughtful design ensures ample storage throughout the vessel, catering to the needs of cruisers on extended voyages. Large portlights and hatches contribute significantly to the interior's bright and airy feel, enhancing comfort below deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria 43 Cruiser frequently praise its spacious interior, abundant natural light, and overall ease of sailing. Many appreciate the robust construction and the comfortable motion the boat exhibits in a seaway, making it a reliable platform for coastal and offshore cruising. Some owners have described the 43 Cruiser as an ideal "sportscruiser," particularly suited for day sailing and short trips due to its manageability and responsiveness.

While generally well-regarded, common discussions among Bavaria owners across various models sometimes include a recurring theme of leaks from original deck fittings over time, potentially requiring re-bedding. However, the overall consensus for the 43 Cruiser points towards a high degree of satisfaction with its blend of comfort, performance, and value.