Bavaria Cruiser 50 Information, Review, Specs

The Cruiser 50 shares an identical hull with its successor, the Cruiser 51, which was launched in 2014 with minor deck and cockpit refinements. During its production run, it served as a versatile platform capable of serving as a luxurious three-cabin owner’s yacht or a high-capacity five-cabin charter workhorse. Its construction utilizes an Airex-cored hull and deck for weight management and thermal insulation, with integral aluminum plates embedded in the laminate for high-load hardware mounting, a technique discussed in technical reviews by Cruising World.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cruiser 50 is distinguished by its twin-rudder configuration, a necessity driven by the boat's massive 15-foot 4-inch beam. This design ensures that the leeward rudder remains deeply immersed even when the boat heels, providing exceptional grip and preventing the "rounding up" common in wide-stern yachts. With a moderate Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 149.8 and a Length/Beam ratio of 3.34, the boat is surprisingly slippery for its volume. Performance tests conducted by Sailing Magazine indicate that the 50-footer can achieve near hull speeds of 9 knots in modest 12-knot breezes when reaching.

The rig is standard with in-mast furling and a 108-percent overlapping jib. The close sheeting angles, facilitated by chainplates mounted at the hull’s edge and tracks set well inboard, allow the boat to point remarkably high—often tacking through 85 degrees or less. Under power, the standard 75-horsepower Volvo Penta saildrive provides a cruising speed of roughly 7.6 knots, with the twin rudders and an optional bow thruster making the 50-foot hull surprisingly manageable in tight marina environments.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cruiser 50 is defined by its sheer scale, offering up to 6 feet 11 inches of headroom in the main saloon. Bavaria designed the boat to be "sold from the inside out," providing three distinct layout options. The owner’s version features three double cabins and three heads; in this configuration, the forward master suite is cavernous, often including a dedicated "office" or seating area. The four-cabin version converts this master suite into two doubles, while the five-cabin charter variant adds a Pullman-style cabin with bunk berths.

The galley is a "longitudinal" or "drawn-out" style located to port, providing extensive counter space that doubles as a social hub. Materials typically include a choice of mahogany, oak, or chestnut veneers paired with various floorboard options. A notable feature is the abundance of natural light provided by 17 opening hatches and 12 hull ports, ensuring that even the multi-cabin configurations do not feel cramped. In some variants, Bavaria utilized a "Flexschott" system—removable bulkheads that allow owners to convert two forward cabins into one large suite, providing a level of modularity rare for production yachts in this class.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several high-signal areas typical of this generation of Bavaria yachts:

• Electric Transom Platform: The massive fold-down swim platform is operated by twin electric actuators. These are a frequent failure point due to the corrosive marine environment and the load placed on the motors. Verify the synchronization and smooth operation of the door.
• Saildrive Seal: As with most Volvo-powered Bavarias, the rubber saildrive diaphragm has a manufacturer-recommended replacement interval (typically seven years). Check the service logs, as this is a "haul-out" required maintenance item.
• Wobbly Stanchions: Owner reports frequently mention play in the stainless steel stanchion bases. While often a result of the mounting hardware loosening rather than structural failure, it can lead to deck leaks if the sealant is compromised.
• Iron Keel Maintenance: The Cruiser 50 uses a cast iron keel. Buyers should inspect for "Bavaria Smile" (hairline cracking at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint) and ensure the epoxy coating is intact to prevent rust bloom.
• Twin Rudder Linkage: Inspect the rack-and-pinion steering linkage and the crossbar connecting the twin rudders for any play or corrosion, as the system handles significant loads when the boat is powered up.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by a robust network of owners, primarily organized through the Bavaria Owners Association (BOA), which maintains a comprehensive technical wiki and forum dedicated to the maintenance of Farr-era designs. Additionally, because many of these vessels entered the global charter fleet (Sunsail/Moorings), technical support and spare parts for the BMW-styled components are widely available through specialized Bavaria parts distributors.

The Verdict

The Bavaria Cruiser 50 is a high-volume Mediterranean-style cruiser that successfully balances the requirements of the charter industry with the performance demands of private owners.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom, ideal for large families or liveaboards.
• Superior handling in heavy air thanks to the twin-rudder system.
• The "Flexschott" system provides unique layout versatility.
• Excellent value-to-size ratio on the second-hand market.

Cons:

• Complex electric systems (transom and thrusters) require ongoing maintenance.
• Cast iron keel requires more diligent corrosion monitoring than lead alternatives.
• The high freeboard and wide beam can make docking challenging in high crosswinds without a bow thruster.