Design and Construction
Farr’s involvement brought a noticeable emphasis on structural integrity. The bulkheads are laminated directly to the hull and deck, and sturdy handholds are fitted throughout the boat.
The electronically operated fold-down transom becomes a large swim platform. Twin rudders help the boat track in a seaway, while the flat, low coachroof gives the helmsman clear views forward and provides easy access to the side decks. Lift-up sole plates offer secure footing.
Exaggerated freeboard and numerous windows create a light, airy interior, though the styling is unapologetically modern rather than classic.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The test boat’s sails were specified by its owner for bluewater use. Its in-mast, vertical-battened mainsail and 107 percent jib were made from Elvström Epex aramid membrane rather than standard Dacron. With good luff tension from the Selden mast, the in-mast rig produced impressive roach and sail shape.
Sailing upwind in a Force 4 gusting 5, with a 1.5 to 2 metre swell, the boat touched the low 7-knot range at 40 to 45 degrees to the true wind. She maintained consistent speed without slamming. Cracked off 30 degrees in 15 knots, she reached at 8.5 knots. At 130 degrees true, she made 8 knots, while goose-winging produced 6 knots in 12 knots before comfort gave out.
The steel-link steering system doesn’t feel direct, although the twin rudders track well. What the boat lacks in feel, she makes up for in seakindliness.
Under engine, the test boat’s upgraded 75 hp motor delivered 6.8 knots at 2,000 rpm. An optional Gori propeller’s overdrive also allowed her to rack up good speed.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The cockpit is arranged around a large table that provides an excellent brace. Three large lockers can swallow a deflated tender, although the split backstay restricts seated comfort in the after quarters.
Deck gear includes an aluminium toerail, large cleats, and a double bow roller. Forward, there’s a proper sail locker with steps. The starboard helmsman’s seat lifts to reveal the engine controls, while the fold-down transom platform is a genuine selling point for swimmers and dinghy users alike.
Accommodations
Below, the single-level living area brings together the galley, saloon, and navigation station. Headroom is generous enough to satisfy a professional basketball player in any cabin.
The saloon table can seat eight at a squeeze, but the space remains no-frills even with the optional leather upholstery. 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 plenty of flush worktop space. Refrigeration consists of a 140-litre front-opening fridge backed by a large lift-top unit. The two-burner stove, however, has limited room to gimbal.
The aft cabins are uncramped, with 6 ft 10 in of headroom and generous berths. Their en-suite compartments are light and roomy, with standing shower space for someone 6 ft 3 in tall, although the sinks are small and rather plastic.
Forward, the grand master cabin has 6 ft 8 in of headroom. Its berth can be used athwartships or fore-and-aft, and a hallway separates the sleeping area from the seated shower and heads. Each cabin has its own heads, which is unique at this size.
The test boat had mahogany veneers, with light oak and walnut also available. Buyers could choose from ten upholstery colour schemes.
Stowage and Practical Drawbacks
The most consistent blemish is the relative lack of stowage in all cabins and the absence of a dedicated navigation seat, which would alarm many cruising sailors on a boat this size. 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 feels plain even with the upgraded fit-out.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a thoughtfully engineered modern cruiser that trades tactile feedback for composure and interior volume. Farr’s structural influence shows in the bonded bulkheads and abundance of handholds. The twin rudders and folding-transom layout provide both seakindliness and a superb swim platform.
Accommodation is exceptional for the boat’s length, with private heads for every cabin and headroom that puts some larger boats to shame. For longer passages, however, the shortage of stowage and lack of a dedicated navigation seat are real penalties.
Pros
- En-suite heads for every cabin, with stand-up showers
- Farr-designed structural reinforcement and abundant handholds
- Electronically operated fold-down transom and good tracking from twin rudders
- Strong upwind and reaching speeds, with composure in a swell
- Exceptional headroom and uncramped aft cabins
Cons
- No dedicated navigator’s seat
- Relatively little stowage in any cabin
- Narrow, steep companionway
- Steering lacks direct feel despite its steel-link system
- Plain saloon, even with leather upholstery
