Design and Construction
Farr's involvement brought a noticeable shift toward structural integrity. Bulkheads are laminated directly to hull and deck, and sturdy handholds are fitted abundantly throughout the boat anchor. The hull carries a fold-down transom that lowers electronically into a large swim platform, paired with twin rudders that aid tracking in a seaway. A flat, low coachroof gives the helmsman clear views forward and easy side-deck access, with lift-up sole plates for secure footing. The exaggerated freeboard and multiple windows produce a light, airy interior, though the styling is unapologetically modern rather than classic.
Rig and Handling
On the test boat, sails were owner-specified for bluewater use: an in-mast, vertical-battened main with a 107 percent jib, built from Elvström's Epex aramid membrane rather than standard Dacron, giving the in-mast rig impressive roach and shape thanks to good luff tension from the Selden mast anchor. Upwind in a Force 4 gusting 5 with a 1.5 to 2 metre swell, she touched early 7-knot speeds at 40 to 45 degrees to the true wind and kept consistent speed without slamming. Cracked off 30 degrees in 15 knots, she reached across at 8.5 knots; reaching at 130 degrees true produced 8 knots, while goose-winging yielded 6 knots in 12 knots before comfort gave out. Steering uses a steel-link system but does not feel direct, though the dual rudders track well. Under engine with an upgraded 75 hp motor she made 6.8 knots at 2,000 rpm, and an optional Gori prop's overdrive let her rack up good speed. What she lacks in feel she makes up in seakindliness.
Accommodations
Below, the single-level living area merges galley, saloon, and nav station, with headroom that would satisfy a professional basketball player in any cabin. The saloon seats eight at a squeeze at its table but is a no-frills zone even in optional leather, and there is no dedicated navigator's seat — a notable omission on a 45-footer. The galley is linear with an L-shaped aft end and abundant flush worktop, backed by a 140-litre front-opening fridge with a large lift-top unit, though the two-burner stove has limited gimbal room. Aft cabins are uncramped with 6 ft 10 in headroom and generous berths; their en-suites are light and roomy with standing shower space for a 6 ft 3 in person, though sinks are small and rather plastic. Forward is a grand master with 6 ft 8 in headroom and a berth usable athwartships or fore-and-aft, separated by a hallway to a seated shower and heads. Each cabin having its own heads is unique at this size. Interior veneers ran to mahogany on the test boat, with light oak and walnut available, and ten upholstery colour schemes were offered.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The cockpit is built around a large table superb for bracing against, with three big lockers capable of swallowing a deflated tender. A split backstay, however, restricts seated comfort in the after quarters. On deck, an aluminium toerail, large cleats, and double bow roller are practical, and a proper sail locker with steps sits forward. The starboard helmsman's seat lifts to expose engine controls, and the transom platform is a genuine selling point for swimmers and dinghy users alike.
Known Issues
The most consistent blemish is a relative lack of stowage in all cabins, and the missing dedicated navigation seat on a boat this size would alarm many cruising sailors anchor. Locker space elsewhere is also wanting despite excellent machinery space and good engine access between the aft cabins. The companionway is narrow and steep, and the saloon reads as plain even with upgraded fit-out.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a thoughtfully engineered modern cruiser that trades tactile feedback for composure and volume. Farr's structural hand shows in the bulkhead bonding and handhold density, and the twin-rudder, folding-transom platform layout delivers both seakindliness and a superb swim platform. Accommodations are exceptional for the length, with private heads for every cabin and headroom that shames larger boats, but the stowage deficit and missing nav seat are real penalties for longer passages.
Pros
- En-suite heads for every cabin with stand-up showers
- Farr-designed structural reinforcement and abundant handholds
- Electronic fold-down transom with twin-rudder tracking
- Strong upwind and reaching speeds with composure in swell
- Exceptional headroom and uncramped aft cabins
Cons
- No dedicated navigator's seat
- Relative lack of stowage in all cabins
- Narrow, steep companionway
- Steering lacks direct feel despite steel-link system
- Saloon plain even in leather fit-out
