Bavaria 32 Cruiser (2011) Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under the guidance of Farr Yacht Design, the Bavaria 32 Cruiser (2011) moved away from the somewhat sedate performance of its predecessors toward a more responsive hull form. The boat features a relatively deep keel option (approximately 1.90m) and a modern, high-aspect-ratio fractional rig. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the moderate-to-heavy side for a modern production boat, it offers a stable, predictable motion in a seaway.

In a technical assessment by Sail Magazine, the vessel was noted for its ability to track well upwind, aided by a large, efficient rudder that maintains grip even when the high-sided hull begins to heel. However, the high freeboard and substantial windage can make the boat susceptible to "sailing" at anchor or being pushed off-course by gusts during low-speed docking maneuvers. The standard sail plan often included an in-mast furling mainsail, which sacrifices some performance for ease of use, though a fully battened slab-reefing version provides significantly better drive for performance-minded owners.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The influence of BMW Group DesignworksUSA is most apparent within the cabin, where the traditional dark mahogany finishes of older Bavarias were replaced by lighter woods, such as oak, and a more "loft-style" aesthetic. The layout is optimized for four people, featuring a surprisingly large aft cabin with a transverse double berth and a traditional V-berth forward.

One of the standout features for a 32-foot vessel is the head compartment, which is oversized for this class and includes a wet locker—a detail often omitted in smaller cruisers. The salon features straight settees on both sides of a central table, providing seating for six. While the 32 Cruiser was primarily offered in this two-cabin configuration, its larger siblings in the "Cruiser" line (such as the 36 and 40) utilized similar design motifs to offer three-cabin layouts. A direct evolution of this model was the Bavaria 33 Cruiser launched shortly after, which utilized the same Farr-designed hull but introduced revised deck windows and minor interior trim updates to further refine the aesthetic.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bavaria 32 (2011) gained significant traction in European "Boat of the Year" circles upon its debut, praised for its price-to-volume ratio. It has also become a staple of the YouTube sailing community for coastal cruising vlogs across the Mediterranean and the Baltic, frequently cited as an accessible entry point for first-time boat owners. While it hasn't achieved the "cult" status of offshore voyagers like the Contessa 32, it is widely recognized in the industry as a benchmark for modern production efficiency.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the 2011 Bavaria 32 should focus their inspections on several areas common to high-volume production builds of this era:

• Saildrive Diaphragm: The Volvo Penta D1-20 or D1-30 engines are standard; buyers should verify the age of the rubber saildrive seal, which typically requires replacement every seven years per manufacturer recommendations.
• Rudder Bearings: Due to the high loads on the single deep rudder, some owners have reported premature wear or play in the rudder bearings, which can lead to a "clunking" sensation at the helm.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The large, flush-mounted deck hatches and the innovative fold-down transom should be checked for water ingress, as the sealant on these larger apertures can degrade, leading to leaks into the cabin or the transom hinge mechanism.
• Grid Structure: While the Farr-designed hulls are robust, it is prudent to have a surveyor inspect the internal fiberglass grid (the "matrix") for any signs of debonding, particularly if the vessel has a history of hard groundings.

Community & Resources

Owners of this model are primarily served by the Bavaria Owners Association, an international organization that provides technical archives and a repository of manuals specifically for the Farr-era boats. Regional groups, such as the Bavaria Owners Group (UK), also offer specific insights into local maintenance services and spare parts sourcing for the Volvo Penta systems and Selden spars used in the 2011 build.

The Verdict

The Bavaria 32 Cruiser (2011) is an exceptionally clever piece of naval architecture that prioritizes living space and ease of handling over raw racing speed or blue-water heavy-weather capabilities. It remains one of the most spacious 32-footers on the secondary market.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: Feels like a much larger boat below deck due to the BMW-influenced design and high freeboard.
• Large Swim Platform: The full-width folding transom is a best-in-class feature for Mediterranean-style cruising.
• Ease of Handling: All lines lead aft, making it a viable candidate for single-handed or shorthanded sailing.

Cons:

• High Windage: The tall topsides make it challenging to handle in tight marinas during high winds.
• Production Joinery: While modern and bright, the interior lacks the heavy solid-wood feel of more expensive, low-volume marques.
• Standard Specs: Many boats left the factory with entry-level sails and deck hardware that may require upgrading for serious cruising.