Bavaria Cruiser 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Bavaria Cruiser 39 is characterized by its stability and predictable manners. With a displacement of approximately 8,300 kg and a ballast ratio nearing 30%, the boat is relatively stiff, carrying its sail well into a freshening breeze before requiring a reef. According to an editorial evaluation by Yachting Monthly, the boat performs admirably upwind, though like many high-volume cruisers of its era, it lacks the "bite" of a dedicated performance yacht.

The boat typically features a Selden fractional rig with a large mainsail and a 140% overlapping genoa, though many have since been converted to non-overlapping headsails for easier tacking. The steering is responsive thanks to a deep spade rudder, but the hull's high freeboard—a design choice made to maximize interior headroom—does create significant windage. This can make slow-speed maneuvering in a crowded marina challenging, particularly in a crosswind. However, the standard 2.0-meter deep draft version offers excellent tracking, while the shallow draft variant (1.6 meters) trades some upwind performance for accessibility in thinner waters.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cruiser 39 is where Bavaria's focus on volume truly shines. The layout is almost exclusively configured with three double cabins and two heads, a feat of spatial engineering for a 39-foot hull. The master suite forward features a large island berth and a private en-suite head, a luxury usually reserved for 42-foot-plus yachts. The twin aft cabins provide ample storage and standing headroom, making the boat a viable platform for two families or a group of six adults.

The woodwork is typically finished in a light mahogany veneer, which, when combined with the numerous Lewmar deck hatches and portlights, creates an airy, well-ventilated salon. The U-shaped galley to port is deep and secure for cooking at sea, featuring a standard gimballed stove and a top-loading refrigerator. A key sibling in this lineup is the Bavaria 37 Cruiser; while built on a smaller footprint, it shares much of the 39's design DNA but lacks the second forward head. Conversely, the Bavaria 42 Cruiser serves as the "large sibling," utilizing the same design language but offering an even more expansive salon and additional storage for long-term cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bavaria Cruiser 39 has long been a workhorse of the global charter industry, featured prominently in the fleets of Sunsail and The Moorings throughout the late 2000s. Its reputation as a "reliable mile-builder" is well-documented in various long-distance cruising logs. It gained specific recognition in European yachting press as a benchmark for "value-per-foot," often used as the standard against which competitors from Jeanneau and Beneteau were measured during the mid-2000s boat show circuits.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on several high-signal areas common to the Bavaria Cruiser series of this vintage:

• Saildrive Diaphragm: The Volvo Penta D2-40 engines are reliable, but the saildrive rubber seal has a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval of seven years. If the boat is on its original seal, this should be a priority for the buyer.
• Rudder Bearing Play: The JFA-designed spade rudder is prone to developing play in the lower bearing. If a "thumping" sensation is felt through the wheel while at anchor or under motor, the bearings likely require replacement.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: While Bavaria's construction is generally robust, the Cruiser 39 uses an iron keel. Buyers should inspect the "Bavaria Smile"—a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint—which is often cosmetic but can indicate a need for retorquing the keel bolts or addressing rust expansion.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The stainless steel stanchion bases and cleats were occasionally bedded with insufficient sealant at the factory. Owners report that checking for moisture in the deck core around these penetration points is essential.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Cruiser 39 benefit from a robust global support network. The Bavaria Yacht Owners Association (BYOA) is the primary resource for technical manuals and historical build data. Additionally, the Bavaria Owners Group provides a high-activity forum where specific technical solutions for the Cruiser 39—such as upgrading the standard Elvström sails or installing bow thrusters—are discussed in detail.

The Verdict

The Bavaria Cruiser 39 is a consummate "all-rounder" that prioritizes living space and ease of use without sacrificing structural integrity. It is an ideal choice for coastal cruisers and families who value a three-cabin layout but do not want the docking stress of a 45-foot vessel.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its class.
• Twin-head configuration is rare and highly functional on a 39-foot boat.
• Predictable, stable sailing characteristics in heavy weather.
• High availability of parts due to standardized production components.

Cons:

• High freeboard creates significant windage when docking.
• Iron keel requires more maintenance than lead alternatives to prevent corrosion.
• Standard factory sails were of mediocre quality and likely need replacing on the used market.