Bavaria 808 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria 808 emerged in 1978, at a pivotal time for Bavaria Yachts, which was founded with the ambitious vision of constructing high-quality, series-produced yachts accessible to a broader audience. 2, 3, Builder Article The company, led by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, leveraged efficient manufacturing techniques, a philosophy clearly reflected in the rapid development and introduction of the 808 after the initial Bavaria 707., 9] Naval architect Kurt W. Schröter was responsible for the design, contributing to a hull form that features a fin keel and spade rudder, a common configuration for cruisers of its era. While there's no evidence of distinct MkI or MkII designations, some variations in rigging or steering, such as tiller versus wheel, may be found across different examples of the 808. The vessel was consistently built with a masthead sloop rig, providing a straightforward and effective sail plan.

Sailing Performance and Handling

For a sailboat of its size, the Bavaria 808 is equipped with a fin keel and spade rudder, a combination generally favoring maneuverability and responsiveness. With a reported ballast of 700 kg (approximately 1,543 lbs) of iron, the 808 exhibits a righting moment that is notably higher than many comparable sailboat designs, suggesting a good degree of initial stability and a solid feel when sailing in a breeze. This characteristic helps the boat stand up to wind, contributing to a comfortable motion in various sea states, a quality often praised in Bavaria's general construction ethos. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.33 knots, indicating its potential for respectable speeds under sail. Owners often describe the Bavaria 808 as an "ideal entry level" vessel, hinting at forgiving handling characteristics that make it suitable for those new to sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 26.51 feet, the Bavaria 808 offers a surprisingly accommodating interior, designed to maximize liveable space for its size. Reviews and listings indicate that the boat typically provides up to six generous berths and features a standing headroom of approximately 5.9 feet (1.80 meters) within the main saloon. Access to the main saloon is usually via a sliding companionway hatch. While specific diagrams are not widely available through general search, the typical layout for a boat of this size would likely include a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette or opposing settees in the saloon that double as berths, a compact galley area, and an enclosed marine head. Some refurbished examples feature updated elements like new headlinings, wiring, lighting, and galley equipment, indicating the enduring potential for owners to modernize their vessels. It is worth noting that some older examples may have experienced water ingress, necessitating repairs to interior elements.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often commend the Bavaria 808 as a robust and well-built boat, consistent with Bavaria Yachts' general reputation for solid construction. Many owners find the 808 to be an excellent "entry-level" option for those looking to get into sailing or coastal cruising, appreciating its manageable size and general ease of maintenance. The quality of Bavaria yachts, including models like the 808, is generally regarded as satisfactory for most cruising sailors. However, like many older vessels, common maintenance points for Bavaria models can include deck fittings developing leaks over time, potentially requiring re-bedding, and some older boats may show signs of past water damage, as noted in various sales listings. Despite these typical issues for a boat of its vintage, consistent maintenance can lead to a "trouble free boating" experience for many years.