Design and Construction
The Cruiser 51’s proportions favor space and moderate displacement over the lean shape of a racing boat. Its length-to-beam ratio is 2.98, while its beam-to-maximum-beam ratio is 86 percent, making it broad for its length. A displacement-to-length ratio of 147 places it firmly among moderate-displacement cruisers rather than at the light-displacement end of the range.
The transom has some shape and a slight rake instead of a near-vertical profile. Its turn to the bilge is soft, deliberately avoiding the hard corner of a chine; there is no chine aft at all. These proportions and hull-form details define the Cruiser 51’s broad, moderate-displacement hull.
Twin rudders are fitted. The deck has a teak overlay, and all hatches sit flush with its surface. The cabintrunk is nicely sculpted rather than boxy, while four long, rectangular deadlights in the hull sides bring additional light below.
Rig, Keels, and Handling
The fractional sloop rig has a headstay that nearly reaches the masthead. It leaves just enough clearance at the top to keep a spinnaker clear of the stay when set. The spreaders are swept, and the chainplates are mounted on deck, just inboard of the rail, rather than on the hull itself.
A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 22.81 points to a moderately powered cruising rig intended to provide steady windward performance without demanding an athletic crew. Buyers could choose between two keel options, drawing either 6 feet 1 inch or 7 feet 5 inches, allowing some adjustment for different cruising grounds.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The cockpit is huge, with twin wheels and seating aft of them. A large drop-leaf table fills the center, with the instrument console at its aft end.
Below, Bavaria offered three interior layouts: three, four, or five cabins. All versions have three heads. Each of the two aft quarter cabins has its own head.
In the main cabin, the nav station sits aft to port, with the galley extending forward along the port side. The dinette incorporates a centerline bench seat.
The three-cabin arrangement gives the forward stateroom what appears to be a walk-in hanging locker. The four-cabin plan adds a tight room forward of the main bulkhead to port, fitted with stacked single berths. Another layout divides the V-berth area along the centerline to create two cabins, bringing the total to five separate sleeping compartments.
Verdict
The Bavaria Cruiser 51 is a thoughtfully packaged large cruiser. Its broad beam and moderate displacement provide exceptional volume, while the choice of cabin arrangements makes good use of that space. The consistent three-head layout and cabin counts ranging from three to five make it adaptable to private or charter-style use.
On deck, the broad cockpit and twin wheels suit a cruising crew. The hull is less aggressive than those of chined competitors, while the moderately powered rig favors steady cruising performance rather than sparkling acceleration in light air.
Pros
- Three interior layouts, ranging from three to five cabins, all with three heads
- Broad beam and moderate displacement provide high interior volume
- Twin rudders, two keel drafts, and masthead clearance for spinnaker work
- Large cockpit with twin wheels, a drop-leaf table, and a sheltered instrument console
Cons
- The soft bilge turn and lack of an aft chine don’t provide the contemporary, hard-edged performance look
- A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 22.81 favors steady cruising over light-air pace
- The four-cabin layout’s forward bunk room is tight, with stacked single berths
