Bavaria Cruiser 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria Cruiser 39 emerged from the German shipyard Bavaria Yachts, a builder renowned for its "German engineering expertise, precision, and quality". Founded in 1978, Bavaria revolutionized yacht manufacturing by adopting assembly-line production methods, allowing them to efficiently produce a high volume of vessels. The Cruiser 39, launched in 2005, reflects this ethos, combining robust fiberglass construction for both its hull and deck with a design aimed at accessibility and widespread appeal. While specific design philosophies from J&J Design for this model emphasize a balance of comfort and performance, significant variations or "Mk" versions of the Bavaria Cruiser 39 during its production run (which continued until 2014) are not commonly noted in reviews or specifications.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria Cruiser 39 is designed as an all-around cruiser, balancing comfortable living spaces with reliable performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.53, she suggests capable light-air performance for a cruising boat of her size. Her displacement to length ratio of around 187.8 places her in the lighter-to-moderate range, indicative of a vessel that offers respectable speed without sacrificing too much stability for comfort. The ballast to displacement ratio, at approximately 30.2%, suggests moderate initial stiffness, with some owners noting that the boat is "best sailed with a reef in winds exceeding 16 knots". However, anecdotal reports from owners praise its handling, describing it as "easy handling" and capable, even feeling "safe in extreme weather".

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria Cruiser 39 is highly regarded for its spaciousness and sophisticated design, often described as having a "charming and cozy interior that gives her a feeling of a home on the sea". Typical layouts feature three comfortable cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements, and the vessel is generally equipped with two heads (WCs). The saloon boasts generous standing headroom, with reported measurements reaching up to 202 cm (approximately 6 feet, 7 inches), accommodating taller individuals comfortably. While specific details on interior finish materials beyond a "teak deck" are not extensively detailed in general overviews, the emphasis on a "luxurious interior" suggests a focus on comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bavaria Cruiser 39 generally express high satisfaction, commending the boat's overall quality and performance for its value. Many highlight its solid construction and reliability, with one owner expressing delight after sailing the boat slowly from the UK to Greece with "very few problems". Strengths frequently mentioned include the quality of the engine, mast, and rigging, contributing to a "good boat for its money".

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points have been raised by owners. One recurring comment pertains to the design of the transom seat, which some find to be of limited utility for extended cruising due to a small storage capacity. Discussions on owner forums have also touched upon the design of the keel attachment, noting that Bavaria Cruiser models utilize "fiberglass embedded steel reinforcing the keel," which differs from some other Bavaria models. However, no widespread, inherent issues with this design are commonly reported as a significant weakness across the fleet.