Design and Construction
Bavaria Yachts built the Cruiser 31 in the era of its long J&J Design partnership, and the hull uses solid fiberglass laminates with selective reinforcement as the builder’s standard method. The deck is solid fiberglass. On the aft end, the upper part of the transom hinges down to create a platform one step below sole level, a practical swim and boarding step that also speaks to the boat’s 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 clean.
Rig and Handling
The mast sits well forward on the 31 Cruiser, a choice that shortens the mainsail and shifts 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 that opens aft makes crew movement and docking work straightforward.
Accommodations
Below, the Cruiser 31 places the head aft with an integral wet locker, a sensible arrangement that keeps damp gear out of the living space. A large chart desk serves the navigator, and a compact galley keeps the cook close to the companionway. The straight saloon with facing settees is an honest cruising layout, and double cabins sit fore and aft for a family or two couples. Three deck hatches on centerline illuminate and ventilate the forward cabin and saloon, bringing light deep into the hull. On deck, the wide cockpit opens aft to meet the transom platform, tying the exterior social space to the interior plan.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Cruiser 31 is a 2007-era small cruiser that pairs J&J Design’s new styling with a practical, beamy hull and a layout built for real cruising. She is not a racer, but her forward mast and overlapping genoa make her manageable, and her aft head with wet locker, 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 separates wet gear from living space
- Double cabins fore and aft with central saloon and large chart desk
- Hinged transom platform and concealed dodger recess aid cockpit use
Cons
- Compact galley limits working room for extended liveaboard use
- Modest sail area favors steadiness over sparkle
