Bavaria Cruiser 56 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria Cruiser 56 emerged in 2013 from the collaborative efforts of Bavaria Yachts and Farr Yacht Design, designated as Farr Design #673M. Farr Yacht Design's philosophy in partnering with Bavaria aims to create "better boats" through refined design and engineering. This aligns with Bavaria's long-standing ethos, established by founders Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl, to produce robust, high-quality yachts through efficient, assembly-line methods. Their vision emphasizes practical functionality, comfortable living spaces, and reliable performance, a balance clearly evident in the Cruiser 56.

During its production run, Bavaria offered significant customization for the Cruiser 56, with available interior layouts ranging from three to five cabins. Additionally, some configurations, particularly for the charter market, extended to six cabins. The yacht also provided a choice between a standard keel and a shallower draft option, allowing owners to tailor the boat to their preferred cruising grounds. The interior and exterior design work was notably carried out by the English yacht design agency, Design Unlimited, contributing to the yacht's "robust and stylish" aesthetic.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 54 feet and a waterline length exceeding 51 feet, the Bavaria Cruiser 56 is a substantial vessel engineered for comfortable passage making. Her design incorporates a plumb bow, an extended waterline, and dual rudders, elements that contribute to both a good turn of speed and excellent handling characteristics.

When analyzing its performance ratios, the Bavaria Cruiser 56 reveals its identity as a heavy-displacement cruiser. Its sail area to displacement ratio, around 14.66, suggests that while capable, the boat is not designed as a light-air performer and thrives best with moderate to stronger winds. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 305, she falls into the heavier displacement category, indicative of a yacht built for stability and comfort in a seaway rather than outright speed. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 30%, combined with her wide beam, contributes to a stable motion under sail, prioritizing comfort for those on board. Overall, the Cruiser 56 is described as "nimble" despite its size, offering solid performance for a cruising yacht with a hull speed of 9.6 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria Cruiser 56 is a testament to spacious luxury and adaptability, heavily benefiting from its generous 15.62-foot beam. While specific maximum headroom details are not universally documented, the new hull design was specifically engineered to allow for extra-wide berths, enhancing onboard comfort.

The Cruiser 56 was designed with a remarkable degree of interior customization, offering 3, 4, and 5-cabin configurations to suit various owner preferences, from private cruisers to charter operations. For the charter industry, even 6-cabin layouts were produced, accommodating up to 12 guests with multiple heads and showers. The interior, penned by Design Unlimited, is characterized by its "outstandingly robust and stylish" modern forms. Typical arrangements include multiple double cabins, convertible berths in the saloon, and well-appointed galleys, aiming to maximize living space and comfort for extended periods aboard. Air-conditioning is a common amenity found on these yachts, further enhancing livability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and charter operators generally find the Bavaria Cruiser 56 to be a spacious and capable vessel. Feedback on charter platforms indicates a range of experiences, with some yachts receiving excellent reviews for quality and service, while others have garnered lower scores, suggesting that the condition of individual boats and the management by charter companies play a significant role in owner satisfaction.

Common themes among discussions from the broader Bavaria owner community, which may extend to the Cruiser 56 given its serial production nature, sometimes include minor leaking issues related to original deck fittings or commissioning, and occasional wiring concerns. Due to its substantial size, the yacht is often noted as requiring an experienced skipper. However, the emphasis on robust construction and practical design remains a consistent strength praised by many, aligning with Bavaria's reputation for producing reliable, well-engineered boats for a broad market.