Bavaria 808 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bavaria 808 is characterized by a conservative masthead sloop rig and a high ballast ratio, often cited by owners as providing a "stiff" and secure feel in a breeze. With a displacement of approximately 2,300 kg and nearly 40% of that weight located in the keel, the boat handles gusty conditions with significantly less heel than lighter modern daysailers. This stability makes it an excellent platform for coastal passage-making, though its performance in light winds is modest due to the wetted surface area of its traditional fin keel and skeg-hung rudder.

The steering is typically described as heavy but reliable, offering good feedback through the tiller. The skeg-hung rudder provides an extra layer of protection and tracking stability, which is a hallmark of Mohnhaupt’s early designs for the shipyard. While it lacks the "surfing" capabilities of modern flat-bottomed hulls, the 808 tracks exceptionally well when close-hauled, maintaining a steady course with minimal helm correction.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel measuring roughly 26 feet, the Bavaria 808 offers a surprisingly functional interior that prioritizes traditional craftsmanship. The layout is a classic "pocket cruiser" configuration: a V-berth in the bow, a central salon with two longitudinal settees, and a small galley located near the companionway. The use of dark wood veneers, typical of German boatbuilding in the 1970s and 80s, creates a warm, if somewhat enclosed, atmosphere.

The boat was primarily produced with a single interior arrangement, though variations exist in the auxiliary power. Early models were often fitted with the Volvo Penta MD series or Bukh diesel engines. The 808’s hull served as the blueprint for its slightly larger successor, the Bavaria 828, which utilized the same basic hull lines but refined the deck molding to provide more internal volume. Another sibling, the smaller Bavaria 707, shared much of the same design DNA but was significantly more cramped, making the 808 the preferred choice for owners intending to spend weekends or weeks aboard.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this vintage, the 808 utilized a sandwich construction for the deck. Buyers should inspect for "soft spots," particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, where water ingress can rot the internal core.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Bavaria's early layups were generally thick, the hull lacks the modern vinylester resins used to prevent osmosis. A thorough moisture meter test of the hull below the waterline is essential.
• Engine Service Life: Many 808s still carry their original Volvo Penta or Bukh engines. Given their age (40+ years), parts can be difficult to source, and potential buyers should budget for a repower or a complete professional overhaul.
• Window Seals: The aluminum-framed windows are prone to leakage over time as the original sealant hardens and cracks. Streaks on the interior wood paneling below the windows are a common sign of this issue.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Bavaria 808 are supported by a robust network of European-based associations. The Bavaria Owners Association provides a technical repository for legacy models, offering insights into rigging specifications and replacement parts that are no longer supported by the factory in Giebelstadt. Additionally, because of the boat’s popularity in Northern Europe, various German-language technical wikis maintained by long-term owners remain the best source for original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics.

The Verdict

The Bavaria 808 is a stout, "honest" cruiser that offers a level of seaworthiness often missing in contemporary entry-level boats. It is an ideal choice for a couple or a small family looking for a low-cost entry into coastal cruising.

Pros

• Exceptional stability and stiffness for its size.
• Robust, thick GRP hull construction.
• A skeg-hung rudder provides superior protection for the steering gear.
• High-quality interior woodwork compared to modern price-point competitors.

Cons

• Performance in light air is sluggish.
• Age-related maintenance (engine, plumbing, and wiring) is inevitable.
• Limited headroom for taller sailors in the forward sections.