Design and Construction
Cossutti gave the C45 a plumb bow and a beamy hull, with the keel flattened to reduce wetted surface for better light-air performance. Bavaria introduced VacuTech, their vacuum-infused sandwich construction, on this series to optimize weight savings without abandoning structural integrity. The nearly vertical transom opens into a swim platform almost eight feet across, with gently angled port-side steps easing the move between platform and cockpit for less mobile crew. A small molded-in bulwark on the side decks gives secure footing when the boat heels, and six oversized pop-up cleats are distributed along the deck for clean lead management. The overall design and deck layout are described by the builder as clear and uncluttered, a picture of clarity in functional organization.
Rig and Handling
The C45 carries a tall 70-foot-9 keel-stepped Selden mast with double aft-swept spreaders on a 9/10 fractional rig, supporting a sail plan of over 1,300 square feet. A performance rig assists in perfect trimming, and all halyards and sheets run to the stern inside the superstructure to keep the deck tidy. Twin metal five-spoke wheels command a single deep, balanced rudder, and the boat obeys every rudder movement under sail and when maneuvering in port. On the test day reported by Canadian Boating, she glided at 7.8 knots at 60 degrees apparent, held 7.2 knots hardened to 40 degrees, and fell to 6.8 knots off at 150 degrees — evidence of a hull that is safe even under severe conditions when it comes to sailing performance anchor. The standard 57-hp Yanmar with Saildrive moves her efficiently, while the optional 80-hp upgrade pushed the test boat to 8.1 knots wide open on flat water.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The deep, fully enclosed cockpit is divided into work and leisure spaces so sailors can trim while loungers relax; the lounging area converts to twin sunbeds, with additional double sunpads on the bow and under the boom. A drop-leaf table opens down the middle rather than from one side, and an optional outdoor galley can be fitted below the transom seats. Trim and steering happen from two aft pedestals, with B&G instruments and multifunction displays on both sides so the driver need not move for data. An optional Sidepower bow thruster is controlled at the starboard helm, and digital switching manages most systems via screen rather than a breaker panel. Four winches handle sail setting and trimming, and the helmstand gives a clear view over navigation gear, sails, and course.
Accommodations
Below, the C45 offers nearly 600 square feet of accommodation with a choice of three to five cabins and one or two heads. The owner's version places an island berth in a nearly full-beam forward master with twin overhead hatches, served by a split head — shower stall to port, toilet and sink to starboard. Two aft cabins are always present. The L-galley to starboard features Isotherm refrigeration drawers, dual sinks, a two-burner stove, and solid-surface countertops with molded fiddles. Interior wood comes in dark walnut, red mahogany, or light oak, and USB ports are built into the many reading lights. Three equipment tiers — Holiday, Style, and Ambition — let buyers scale layout and gear, with Ambition adding open transom, taller rig, deeper keel, bowsprit for Code 0, and upgraded sails.
Known Issues
None documented in available sources.
The Verdict
The Bavaria C45 is a thoughtfully modern 45-footer that bridges racer-cruiser and family-charter worlds without compromise on either front. Cossutti's beamy, flattened-keel hull with vacuum-infused sandwich construction delivers volume and credible speed, while the clear deck and twin-wheel, single-rudder layout make her manageable short-handed or with a crowd. The modular interior and equipment tiers extend her appeal from owner cruisers to fleet use.
Pros
- Beamy, volume-rich hull with nearly 600 sq ft of accommodation and up to five cabins
- VacuTech sandwich construction for weight savings; flattened keel reduces wetted surface
- Strong performance across wind angles with safe handling under severe conditions
- Clear, uncluttered deck with all lines to stern and twin helms with full instrumentation
Cons
- Deep draft (7'2" standard, 8'2" performance option) limits thin-water cruising without the 5'8" shoal choice
- Digital switching replaces traditional breaker panel, a learning curve for some owners
