Bavaria Easy 9.7 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Bavaria Easy 9.7 began its production run in 2015, emerging as a distinct model within Bavaria's extensive lineup. Rather than being an entirely new design from the keel up, the Easy 9.7 was conceived as a "pared down" and more budget-friendly derivative, reportedly drawing inspiration from elements of the Bavaria Cruiser 33. This approach allowed Bavaria to offer a sailboat at a more competitive price point, aligning with their overarching goal of attracting more people to boat ownership.

Bavaria Yachts, co-founded by Winfried Herrmann and Josef Meltl in 1978, has a long-standing reputation for leveraging efficient manufacturing techniques in its Giebelstadt facility. Their ethos of building high-quality, series-produced yachts accessible to a broader audience is clearly reflected in the Easy 9.7's design and market positioning. The collaboration with Farr Yacht Design for the Easy 9.7 underscores Bavaria's commitment to combining practical functionality with reliable sailing performance, even in their more entry-level offerings. The design team reportedly dedicated considerable effort to ensuring the Easy 9.7 offers an agile and athletic sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bavaria Easy 9.7, with its specifications, offers a qualitative sailing experience that balances performance with ease of handling. With a length overall of just under 33 feet (32.78 ft) and a waterline length of 29.04 feet, she boasts a respectable hull speed of 7.22 knots.

Analyzing its performance ratios, the Easy 9.7 presents an interesting profile:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): Approximately 17.19. This ratio suggests a boat with good potential for light-air performance, indicating that it should be responsive and capable of moving well even in lighter breezes. It positions the Easy 9.7 as a lively cruiser, rather than a heavy displacement vessel.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): At approximately 0.25, the ballast-to-displacement ratio is on the lower side. This might suggest a design that prioritizes a lighter overall build or a more comfortable motion in a seaway over extreme stiffness in heavy winds. While generally stable due to its wide beam, sailors might find themselves reefing earlier in stronger conditions compared to boats with higher ballast ratios.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): Calculated at around 209, this ratio indicates that the Bavaria Easy 9.7 falls into the lighter end of the cruiser spectrum, leaning towards a performance cruiser. This lighter displacement, combined with a relatively long waterline, contributes to its "agile and athletic" sailing performance, making it a responsive and enjoyable boat to helm.

Anecdotal reports highlight the Easy 9.7's agile and safe sailing performance, noting it can be handled effectively and efficiently by a minimum crew of two, or even single-handed. Owners and reviewers often praise its responsive nature and balanced feel, contributing to an enjoyable sailing experience across various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Bavaria Easy 9.7 is designed for simplicity and functionality, aligning with its "easy" moniker and value-for-money proposition. While the boat offers a comfortable maximum headroom of approximately 6.04 feet (1.84m) in some areas, the overall layout emphasizes practicality over lavishness.

Descriptions indicate a semi-open plan accommodation, which helps to create a sense of spaciousness within its compact footprint. The interior typically features a V-berth forward, a saloon area, a galley, and a head. The design prioritizes essential comforts, offering a functional yet elegant interior. The saloon generally includes seating arrangements that convert into berths, maximizing sleeping capacity. Storage solutions are integrated throughout, catering to weekend trips and short cruises. Ventilation is usually provided through deck hatches and portlights, contributing to comfort below deck. While some features were initially streamlined to achieve cost savings, an "Easy Living" option package was available to enhance the cruising amenities and transform the boat into a more comprehensive cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently commend the Bavaria Easy 9.7 for its excellent value for money and its ability to provide a genuinely enjoyable sailing experience. Its ease of handling, even with a small crew, is a consistent strength highlighted by many. The boat's agile and athletic performance is appreciated, particularly for its responsiveness and lively feel on the water. The spacious and functional cockpit, along with the open stern, are often cited as major advantages, making it well-suited for daysailing and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

However, some owners note that the initial "stripped-out" nature of the standard model, aimed at cost savings, might require additional investment to achieve a full cruising specification. While the overall construction quality is generally regarded as solid, consistent with Bavaria's reputation, the focus on affordability means that some of the more luxurious finishes or extensive systems found on higher-end models are absent. Despite this, the consensus suggests that for those seeking an accessible, fun, and capable sailboat for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, the Bavaria Easy 9.7 delivers on its promise.