C46 (Bavaria) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria C46 emerged in 2023 as Bavaria Yachts' latest offering, continuing the builder's tradition of producing high-quality, series-produced yachts that are accessible to a broader audience. Bavaria Yachts, founded in 1978, has consistently leveraged efficient assembly-line production methods to scale its operations, enabling the construction of hundreds of boats annually. The C46 is a product of this manufacturing ethos, combining German engineering precision with contemporary design principles.

The design of the Bavaria C46 was a collaborative effort between Bavaria's in-house development team and Cossutti Yacht Design. Maurizio Cossutti, the principal naval architect for Bavaria's C-Line models, including the C45, C50, and C57, applied his design philosophy to the C46, emphasizing excellent sailing characteristics and speed. The C46's hull features a distinctive "bluff bow" and wide sections forward, a hallmark of modern design aimed at maximizing interior volume and creating a powerful form afloat. This design approach reflects a new way of thinking at Bavaria, seeking to combine the practical functionality and comfortable living spaces for which the brand is known with enhanced sailing dynamics.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria C46, with its impressive dimensions, offers a compelling balance of performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.79, she carries a powerful sail plan for her displacement, suggesting a yacht that should perform well, particularly in lighter air. Despite a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.202, which might appear modest, the C46 derives significant stability from her wide hull form, a common characteristic of modern cruising yacht designs. This is crucial for her ability to stand up to wind and ensure a comfortable motion.

Her displacement to length ratio of roughly 336.9 places the C46 firmly in the heavy displacement category, indicative of a robustly built vessel designed for comfort and the capacity to carry considerable stores for extended cruising. Despite this substantial displacement, reviewers have noted that the C46 sails "better than might be expected," particularly when the breeze reaches 10 knots or more. She is described as a "beast of a boat" that is "big and powerful," yet capable of "lively sailing". This combination of generous volume and good sailing performance is a key characteristic of the C46, offering an enjoyable experience at the helm and surprisingly agile handling for a yacht of her size and comfort orientation.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria C46 is designed as a "sanctuary of luxury and comfort," prioritizing spaciousness and modern aesthetics. The design team, including Maurizio Cossutti, aimed to create a "light-suffused, open and friendly styled" environment below deck. The C46 offers a high degree of customization with various layout options available, including configurations with up to four cabins plus an optional crew cabin, and up to three heads.

The interior seamlessly blends modern design with high-quality fittings and materials. While specific headroom figures are not consistently provided, the wide beam of 15.42 feet and modern hull shape contribute significantly to the perceived volume and sense of space throughout the living areas. Typical interior arrangements include well-appointed galleys, comfortable salons, and private sleeping quarters, catering to both family cruising and charter operations. Thoughtful details are incorporated to enhance the user experience, reflecting Bavaria's focus on practical functionality and comfortable living spaces. A large sail locker is present forward, though it falls short of being a full skipper's cabin.