Bavaria 51 Information, Review, Specs

The Bavaria 51 entered production in 1993, a period when Bavaria Yachts was solidifying its reputation for efficient, assembly-line manufacturing of sailing yachts. The company, founded in 1978 by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, prioritized building high-quality, series-produced yachts accessible to a broader audience, leveraging their expertise in manufacturing processes. While specific design philosophies for the 51 by Axel Mohnhaupt are not extensively detailed in public records, it aligns with Bavaria's broader ethos of combining "German engineering expertise, precision, and quality" with comfortable living spaces and reliable performance. During this era, Bavaria was known for incorporating "clever details" above and below deck, enhancing the user experience. The relatively limited production run of 19 units for the Bavaria 51 suggests it might have been a more specialized or early large-yacht offering before the advent of the widely known "Cruiser" series.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria 51 features a masthead sloop rig, a fin keel, and a spade rudder, typical configurations for cruising yachts of its era. Its design incorporates a significant length overall of 51.18 feet and a waterline length of 42.0 feet, contributing to its potential for reasonable hull speed of approximately 8.68 knots.

Analyzing its performance ratios provides further insight:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): With a reported sail area of 1133 square feet and a displacement of 31967 pounds, the Bavaria 51 has an SA/D ratio of approximately 17.96. This indicates a moderately powered vessel. While not designed as a light-air racer, this ratio suggests it should perform adequately in a range of wind conditions, providing a balanced sailing experience without being overly responsive to subtle changes in wind.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): The Bavaria 51 carries an iron ballast of 9259 pounds, resulting in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 28.9%. This ratio, while contributing to stability, suggests the boat may be somewhat tender, especially when encountering stronger winds, possibly requiring earlier reefing to maintain a comfortable heel angle and optimal performance.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): Boasting a D/L ratio of approximately 431.45, the Bavaria 51 is categorized as a heavy displacement yacht. This characteristic points to a robustly built vessel designed for comfort and stability in varied sea states, rather than high-speed performance. A heavier displacement typically translates to a more comfortable motion offshore and greater carrying capacity for provisions and equipment, aligning with its role as a substantial cruiser.

Anecdotal information specific to the 1993 Bavaria 51's handling characteristics is scarce, but generally, Bavaria yachts from this period are recognized for their straightforward and predictable handling, suitable for family cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Bavaria 51, consistent with its substantial length, was designed to offer generous interior volume, prioritizing comfort and liveability for extended periods aboard. While detailed original interior layouts for the 1993 model are limited in widely available information, such a yacht of its size from the mid-90s typically features a spacious saloon, often with a large U-shaped seating area, a well-equipped galley, and multiple cabins to accommodate a larger crew or family.

Given its overall length, it is reasonable to expect a forward owner's cabin, complete with a private head, and potentially additional double cabins aft, each with access to shared heads. The emphasis in Bavaria designs of this era was generally on practical, functional interiors with a good use of space, often incorporating wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces. Sufficient storage for provisions and personal gear would have been a design priority. The specific maximum headroom for this model is not readily available in the provided data, but large cruisers like the Bavaria 51 are generally known for comfortable standing headroom throughout the main living areas.