Design and Construction
Bavaria Yachts built the Cruiser 31 during its long partnership with J&J Design. The hull uses solid fiberglass laminates with selective reinforcement, in keeping with the builder’s standard method, while the deck is solid fiberglass.
The boat measures 32 feet 1 inch overall, with a 27 foot 4 inch waterline and an 11 foot 1 inch beam. Displacement is 10,364 pounds. Depending on the keel ordered, draft is either 6 foot 2 inches or 4 foot 8 inches.
Aft, the upper part of the transom hinges down to create a platform one step below sole level. It provides a practical step for swimming and boarding while complementing the social cockpit layout. A molded recess conceals the folded dodger, and a seahood molding covers the control lines led from the mast, keeping the centerline uncluttered.
Rig and Handling
The mast sits well forward on the Cruiser 31. This shortens the mainsail and shifts the drive forward, but the sail plan compensates with a large overlapping genoa to restore power forward of the mast.
The fractional sloop rig carries about 540 square feet of sail area against 10,364 pounds of displacement. The wide cockpit opens aft, making it easier for the crew to move around and handle docking work.
Accommodations
Below, the Cruiser 31 places the head aft with an integral wet locker. It’s a sensible arrangement that keeps damp gear out of the main living space. A large chart desk serves the navigator, while the compact galley keeps the cook close to the companionway.
The straight saloon has facing settees, an honest cruising arrangement, with double cabins fore and aft for a family or two couples. Three centerline deck hatches provide light and ventilation to the forward cabin and saloon, bringing daylight deep into the hull.
On deck, the wide cockpit opens aft to the hinged transom platform, connecting the exterior social space with the interior plan.
Verdict
The Bavaria Cruiser 31 is a small cruiser of its era, combining J&J Design’s then-new styling with a practical, beamy hull and a layout intended for real cruising. She isn’t a racer, but her forward mast and overlapping genoa make her manageable. The aft head and wet locker, large chart desk, and double cabins fore and aft cover the essentials without pretension.
Pros
- Beamy, seaworthy package with new styling for its year
- Aft head with integral wet locker keeps wet gear separate from the living space
- Double cabins fore and aft, with a central saloon and large chart desk
- Hinged transom platform and concealed dodger recess improve cockpit usability
Cons
- Compact galley limits working room for extended liveaboard use
- Modest sail area favors steadiness over sparkle
