Bavaria 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bavaria 39 is characterized by a moderate-displacement hull that favors stability and predictable tracking over raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 8,300 kg and a sail area of roughly 82 square meters, the yacht maintains a respectable Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio that allows it to perform reliably in light to moderate breezes. In editorial testing, such as those conducted by Yachting Monthly, the boat was noted for its "stiff" feel under canvas, largely attributed to its 2.1-ton keel and a beam that is carried well aft.

On the water, the 39 handles with the characteristic neutrality of a J&J design. The single deep spade rudder provides sufficient grip even when the boat is pressed, though the high-volume hull will induce significant weather helm if the sails are not reefed early. Most hulls were delivered with a standard 1.85m draft, though a shallow-draft version (1.50m) was offered for regions like the Chesapeake or the Bahamas. The boat is typically powered by a Volvo Penta D2-40 engine with a saildrive; this combination provides ample thrust to maintain 7 knots in a chop, though the prop-walk can be pronounced in reverse, requiring a decisive touch when maneuvering in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Below deck, the Bavaria 39 Cruiser is a masterclass in space optimization, offering a three-cabin, two-head layout that was considered class-leading for a vessel under 40 feet at the time of its release. The interior is finished in the traditional Bavaria mahogany-stained woodwork, which provides a warm, if somewhat dark, nautical atmosphere. The layout features a longitudinal galley to port in many versions, though a more traditional L-shaped galley was also utilized depending on the specific production year and market destination.

The forward master cabin is particularly spacious, often featuring a private ensuite head and a small dressing seat. The two aft cabins provide generous double berths, though they can suffer from limited ventilation—a common critique of the era’s "Cruiser" series. Headroom is excellent throughout, exceeding 1.9 meters in the main saloon, which makes the vessel feel significantly larger than its 39-foot length suggests. While the 39 remained the core model, its hull shares genetic DNA with the Bavaria 38 that preceded it and the Bavaria 40 Cruiser that followed, with the 39 specifically offering a more refined cockpit layout and a larger swim platform than the older 38.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Bavaria 39 should focus their inspections on the specific structural and mechanical areas common to mid-2000s Giebelstadt production:

• Grid and Hull Liner Bonding: As a mass-produced vessel with a bonded internal grid, it is essential to inspect the "ticking" or bonding points where the interior grid meets the hull, particularly around the keel stump. Any signs of cracking or separation may indicate a history of hard groundings.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: The Volvo Penta saildrive requires a rubber seal (diaphragm) replacement every seven years according to manufacturer specifications. Many boats on the brokerage market are overdue for this critical maintenance item.
• Rudder Bearing Wear: The J&J designs of this era often exhibit play in the rudder bearings over time. Excessive vibration or a "knocking" sensation in the wheel while under power or in a seaway usually indicates the need for replacement bushings.
• Iron Keel Maintenance: Unlike lead keels, the 39's cast-iron keel is susceptible to surface oxidation. Inspect the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") for signs of rust or weeping, which may require dropping the keel to replace the sealant and torque the keel bolts.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The stanchion bases and cleats are known to develop small leaks over time, which can migrate into the balsa-cored deck. A moisture meter check around all deck penetrations is highly recommended.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Bavaria 39 benefit from a robust global network. The Bavaria Owners Association is the primary hub for technical documentation, including original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are often missing from used vessels. Regional groups, such as the Bavaria Yacht Owners Group in the UK and various Mediterranean-based forums, provide a wealth of anecdotal data regarding specific upgrades, such as converting the standard mahogany interior to a lighter finish or retrofitting bow thrusters.

The Verdict

The Bavaria 39 Cruiser is a quintessential production yacht that offers an exceptional ratio of interior volume to purchase price. While it lacks the artisanal joinery of a Scandinavian builder or the racing pedigree of a French performance cruiser, it excels as a reliable, comfortable, and predictable platform for coastal exploration.

Pros:

• Generous three-cabin, two-head layout rarely found in this size bracket.
• Strong secondary market value and high parts availability.
• Predictable, stable sailing characteristics suitable for shorthanded crews.

Cons:

• Cast iron keel requires more diligent maintenance than lead alternatives.
• Interior woodwork can feel dark compared to modern light-oak designs.
• Maneuverability in reverse can be challenging due to saildrive prop-walk.