Design and Construction
J&J introduced bulbed keels, a more efficient rudder design, and a sleeker, lower hull profile on the Bavaria 44 anchor, shifting the marque from softer cruising shapes toward a lower, purpose-tracking hull.
Rig and Handling
The bulbed keel and efficient rudder answered the 1993 performance brief. The 31.25 percent ballast ratio on 22,440 lb with 6,614 lb iron ballast gives a firm footing; capsize screening of 2.01 is conventional cruising territory.
Accommodations
The Bavaria 44 has six berths in three cabins, a suite forward, and a second heads aft anchor. The saloon is not ideally arranged for offshore use but works well in harbour.
Known Issues
The saloon arrangement that makes harbour life pleasant is the same one judged not ideal offshore anchor; belowdecks bracing was not the priority harbour comfort was.
Refits and Ownership
A charter-orientated Holiday version was also offered anchor and tends to fetch lower prices today. The 44 ran 1992–1996 as the first J&J Bavaria, bounding the hull pool with Holiday examples at the soft end.
The Verdict
The Bavaria 44 is a transitional design: first J&J Bavaria, with bulbed keel, cleaner rudder, lower hull. Roomy three-cabin harbour and coastal cruiser with forward suite and aft heads. Saloon harbour strength is its offshore weakness; short run and cheaper Holiday variant shape the market.
Pros
- First J&J Design Bavaria, with bulbed keel and efficient rudder introduced here
- Sleeker, lower hull profile improving performance and reducing windage
- Six berths in three cabins with forward suite and aft heads
- Saloon works well in harbour
Cons
- Saloon not ideally arranged for offshore use
- Short 1992–1996 run limits hull pool
- Holiday charter version depresses resale relative to standard boat
