Design and Construction
The hull J&J Design drew for the 37 Cruiser is a sandwich construction with a foam core above the waterline, laminated with isophthalic acid resin and a powder-bonded mat for good osmosis resistance, while the bow area is reinforced with aramid fabric. Structurally, the floor assembly braces the hull from stem to stern and is laminated over a large area rather than merely glued, and the beams of the jetties and the angle laminate of the main bulkhead read as rock solid. The visible interior quality is solid and durable, with robust mouldings, solid edges, and plenty of real wood; the ceiling uses GRP frames and covered panels that allow access to bolt nuts and cables. The boat holds CE design category A, and a stepped stern with no stern flap closes the hull form.
Rig and Handling
The standard sail plan pairs a high-set genoa with a conventional battened main, though a furling mainsail was also offered and trims performance back somewhat; the test boat and others were fitted with an in-mast furling mainsail and a Furlex first-generation genoa furler on Seldén mast and rigging. A derivative of the German Cupper system sits on the coachroof as a 1:4 sheared tackle led forward on both sides, and some boats run the mainsheet there as well. YACHT measured a sail-carrying capacity of just 4.3 even with the battened main, and noted the boat is only limitedly suited to single-handed sailing without an autopilot. On the water, over 6.5 knots are achievable on a reach with good tacking angles, eight knots comes up quickly on rougher courses, and the test reached 7.5 knots under engine at a tolerable noise level with the more powerful 40 hp Volvo and three-bladed folder. The steering system is somewhat sluggish, and the 100-centimetre wheel on its massive pillar suits the rounded cockpit; a 120-centimetre wheel would pass too awkwardly.
Accommodations
Below, the 37 Cruiser greets guests with massive wooden details and rounded edges, and real glossy-painted veneers rather than fake Alpi. Grab handles are substantial, and the saloon is narrow enough to offer many handholds when the boat rolls heavily. The cabin was offered in two- or three-cabin layouts: in the three-cabin version the head sits forward, while the two-cabin version moves the head aft and pairs it with a huge locker. The bow bunk runs a full 2.00 metres wide, the stern bunk just under 1.50 metres, and with two stern cabins the forward compartments become shallow and small. Light comes from quite large windows, hull windows, two panoramic panes, and a centre hatch; the superstructure windows open and cupboards have ventilation slots. Saloon height runs 1.90 to 2.04 metres, the aft head 1.86. A steep entry ladder and a simple hook to secure doors are period details, and the drop-board rack mounts behind a cabin door.
Cockpit and Known Issues
The cockpit is a throwback — narrow, with high coamings and not very spacious — yet the side benches carry massive teak and the thwarts are a comfortable 1.90 metres long. The massive GRP table base lets a crew wedge safely between table and benches in violent motion, though the teak tabletops fold out to still-small surfaces. The bench ends are rounded so one cannot lean against them facing forward or aft, and the coaming is too narrow to sit on. The steering feels somewhat sluggish, and with full tanks, stowed forepeak boxes, and an occupied cockpit the 37 Cruiser sits markedly down by the stern. Cabinet hinges are not corrosion-resistant, and the sprayhood's original tight-fitting robust bars showed superior quality to later examples.
Refits and Ownership
The period Furlex genoa furler required a trip to the mast to flip a switch between "in and out" and "just reefing," and working winches for the mainsail, furling, and reefing lines sit on the coachroof either side of the entrance with genoa winches on the coamings. Lighting is functional rather than ambient: few light sources, no indirect comfort lighting, and a scarce number of sockets. A 1.60 metre keel was available against the standard 1.95, and the test boat's 40 hp Volvo with folder is a worthwhile reference for repower or prop upgrades.
The Verdict
The Bavaria 37 Cruiser is a genuinely solid, well-moulded coastal-and-offshore cruiser with category A certification and a hull structure that braces thoroughly from end to end. Its accommodations are bright and practical with real-wood finish, but the cockpit is dated and tight, the trim hinges and weight distribution need attention, and the standard rig limits single-handed ease.
Pros
- Sandwich foam-core hull with aramid bow reinforcement and full-length laminated floor structure
- Real wood veneers, substantial grab handles, and a bright, well-windowed interior
- Strong light-air and moderate-sea performance for a heavy displacement cruiser
Cons
- Narrow, high-coaming cockpit with unusable bench ends and no comfortable coaming seat
- Non-corrosion-resistant cabinet hinges; stern-heavy trim when loaded
- Sluggish steering and limited single-handed suitability without autopilot
