Bavaria 350 Buyer's Guide
The Bavaria 350 occupies a specific and important place in cruising yacht history. Launched in 1991 by the German yard Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, the design by Axel Mohnhaupt signaled a new direction for the builder, quickly becoming one of its most successful early models. It’s a boat that makes a compelling case on the brokerage market for anyone seeking a straightforward, manageable cruiser. The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, a construction choice that keeps seasonal maintenance demands pleasingly low. With a modern, beamy hull and a well-thought-out interior, the 350 remains a sensible option for coastal cruising and weekend living aboard.
Layouts on the Used Market
The most common layout you will encounter is the owner-oriented three-cabin version, though the charter-spec layout also appears regularly. In either configuration, the interior was designed as a practical compromise between keeping the crew secure at sea and providing genuine comfort in harbour. A defining feature is the large saloon, which feels generous for a boat of this length, paired with a chart table that is notably well-proportioned and functional for real navigation work. The sleeping cabins are, predictably, on the compact side, but the boat compensates with excellent stowage throughout, making it practical for extended cruising. Given the model’s popularity in charter fleets, a significant number of boats on the used market will have seen commercial service; this history is worth investigating during your search, as it directly impacts the level of wear on systems and sails.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
When browsing listings, you’ll find that a few comfort items are standard expectations. Hot water systems and a bimini for cockpit shade are often seen on these boats. Beyond that, the equipment list becomes a reflection of how the boat was used and where it sailed. Some owners have upgraded their vessels, and you may find examples with heating for extended-season cruising, an inverter for off-grid AC power, or a cockpit shower for rinsing off after a swim. Sailing gear like an asymmetric spinnaker is an occasional owner addition for light-wind performance, as is a swim platform at the transom. In terms of electronics, you may occasionally find boats equipped with radar, autopilot, and a chartplotter, along with a life raft, all of which represent valuable additions if they are in current service date and good condition.
What to Inspect
A pre-purchase survey is essential, and there are specific areas that deserve a hard look on the Bavaria 350. The keel is made of iron, a material often misjudged; it is only 30% less heavy than lead, so the performance penalty is not as significant as some assume. The boat’s performance characteristics should guide your expectations: the design has a ballast ratio significantly below average, which correlates to a reduced ability to resist heeling. Speaking of the rig, the masthead configuration means the boat carries a notably large sail plan; in fact, the design has more rig than 90% of similar sailboats, indicating it is significantly overrigged. It means you must carefully inspect the chainplates, standing rigging, and mast step for any signs of fatigue. Also, confirm the condition of the inboard Volvo Penta diesel engine, a common installation, with a thorough mechanical survey. Finally, check the specification level carefully, as Bavaria offered a "Sportline" version with a simplified inventory and lower specification, which may lack gear you consider essential.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
The Bavaria 350 is a well-traveled design, and the brokerage market reflects this. You can expect to find a strong selection of boats in the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, with inventory also available in Switzerland. This wide distribution means a buyer willing to search across borders has a good chance of finding the right combination of layout and upgrades.
Before you commit, a quick mental checklist will keep your search on track:
- Confirm whether the boat is an owner or charter layout.
- Assess the service history and current condition of the iron keel.
- Check standing rigging age and chainplate integrity, especially given the powerful rig.
- Verify the specification level, watching for ex-charter or Sportline inventory gaps.
- Inspect the condition of the engine for proper maintenance records.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Bavaria 350. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 9 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25 | 1 | $ 53,385 | — |
| Sep 25 | 1 | $ 55,820 | +4.6% |
| Jan 26 | 1 | $ 56,484 | +1.2% |
| Feb 26 | 1 | $ 33,341 | -41.0% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $ 56,389 | +69.1% |
| Apr 26 | 2 | $ 49,611 | -12.0% |
| May 26 | 2 | $ 51,109 | +3.0% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $ 49,554 | -3.0% |
| Jul 26 | 2 | $ 59,238 | +19.5% |
Where they're listed
Bavaria 350 listings appear across 5 countries. Netherlands has the most listings with 5 (41.7%), followed by Greece and Italy.
Country view
12 listings · 5 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $ 54,111 | 5 | 4 | 41.7% |
| Greece | $ 48,107 | 3 | 1 | 25.0% |
| Italy | $ 55,592 | 2 | 1 | 16.7% |
| Switzerland | $ 73,479 | 1 | 1 | 8.3% |
| Croatia | $ 44,428 | 1 | 0 | 8.3% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
11 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 350 | 35.42' | $ 98,750 | 142 | 41 |
| Bavaria Yachts 36 | 37.89' | $ 68,237 | 124 | 26 |
| Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 30 | 31.08' | $ 55,845 | 114 | 43 |
| Bavaria Yachts 34 | 35.6' | $ 56,762 | 68 | 17 |
| Bavaria Yachts 37 | 37.89' | $ 72,063 | 50 | 16 |
| Island Packet 350 | 34.67' | $ 119,000 | 44 | 15 |
| Beneteau Oceanis 350 | 33.83' | $ 33,606 | 33 | 15 |
| Bavaria 300 | 31.33' | $ 36,340 | 33 | 13 |
| Hanse 350 | 34.74' | $ 80,111 | 28 | 3 |
| Dufour Classic 30 | 30' | $ 34,118 | 24 | 10 |
| Bavaria Yachts 350You are here | — | $ 54,111 | 12 | 7 |