Bavaria Cruiser 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria Cruiser 30 was in production from 2005 to 2007. During this era, Bavaria Yachts, founded by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, was known for its innovative serial production methods and a dedication to making high-quality yachts accessible to a broader audience. J&J Design's philosophy for the Cruiser 30 aimed to maximize interior volume within a compact footprint, resulting in a vessel that prioritizes comfortable living spaces and practical functionality. While largely conventional in its approach, the design also offered some versatility; for instance, Bavaria later introduced an optional tandem keel, providing a shallower draft while reportedly maintaining sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 400 square feet and a displacement of 9,240 lbs, the Bavaria Cruiser 30 exhibits characteristics typical of a comfortable cruising yacht. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.5 suggests that while capable, she is not intended as a light-air speedster, performing best in moderate breezes. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 24% indicates a balanced approach to stability, prioritizing comfort and ease of handling over extreme stiffness. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 208 places her firmly in the moderate displacement category, indicating she is neither exceptionally light nor heavy for her size, contributing to a respectable hull speed of 6.97 knots.

Anecdotal reports from owners and reviews often highlight the Bavaria Cruiser 30's solid impression under sail and safe steering feel. Many consider her an easy boat to handle, making her suitable for single-handed or short-handed sailing. She is generally described as a well-balanced vessel, contributing to a joyful sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Bavaria Cruiser 30 is celebrated for offering a surprisingly spacious interior, often compared favorably to some 34-footers of its time. The layout typically features a twin-cabin arrangement, providing comfortable sleeping quarters. A large bathroom with a shower adds to the onboard comfort. The design prioritizes suitable bunk lengths and standing heights throughout the interior. While detailed information on specific materials is limited, Bavaria's manufacturing ethos emphasizes clever details and practical design, often incorporating interior mouldings alongside joinery to create a simple yet robust construction. 1, 6, builder article

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria Cruiser 30 frequently praise its straightforward and robust construction, contributing to a sense of reliability. Many appreciate its seaworthy nature and the ease with which it can be managed, even by a single sailor. The spacious interior and comfortable accommodations are consistently highlighted as significant strengths, making it a popular choice for family cruising. As with any pre-owned vessel, some owners have noted potential issues such as corrosion, particularly on poorly maintained examples.