Design Brief & Intent
The core mission of the Bavaria Easy 9.7 was to eliminate the cost barrier and operational complexity of modern cruising while maintaining the high structural integrity of a major European shipyard. Bavaria sought to deliver a yacht that could be sailed on a whim with minimal preparation. This design philosophy directly countered the trend of fitting every mid-30-foot yacht with heavy generators, dual steering wheels, and elaborate multi-cabin layouts.
Down below, the character of the Easy 9.7 is defined by an open-concept "loft" layout. By omitting the traditional bulkheads and solid doors separating the saloon from the V-berth, Bavaria created an interior that feels remarkably bright and spacious, closely mimicking the interior volume of a 37-foot yacht. The joinery is clean, utilizing light woods and straightforward, low-maintenance finishes. To save both weight and manufacturing cost, traditional overhead storage lockers behind the saloon settees were replaced with deep, open shelves. The galley is intentionally Spartan in standard configuration, featuring a single sink and basic shelving. This minimalist approach appeals to sailors who prioritize active daysailing or weekend gunkholing over long-term liveaboard comfort.
Variations & Configurations
While the hull and deck structure of the Easy 9.7 remained uniform, the yacht was offered with several critical configuration options that dramatically altered its cruising utility. Below the waterline, buyers could choose between the standard deep-draft cast-iron bulb keel drawing 6.4 feet (1.95 meters) and an optional shoal-draft bulb keel drawing 4.9 feet (1.50 meters). The deep keel maximizes upwind tracking and stability, whereas the shoal option caters to shallow-water estuarine cruising.
The most significant variation, however, lies in how the boat was optioned from the factory. While the base model was a pure daysailer lacking cabin doors, a stove, or a refrigerator, Bavaria offered the pivotal "Easy Living" package. This package transformed the vessel into a highly capable coastal cruiser. It added solid wooden doors for the forward and aft cabins, a gimballed two-burner gas stove, an 80-liter 12V refrigerator, a warm water boiler, a holding tank, a second halyard winch, and an upgraded marine head with a shower. Furthermore, it included shore power integration and a larger 25-amp battery charger to handle the expanded house electrical loads. Consequently, used models on today's market vary widely; some remain bare-bones, while others are fully outfitted pocket cruisers.
Sailing Performance & Handling
Thanks to its Farr Yacht Design pedigree, the Easy 9.7 delivers a level of responsiveness and agility that outclasses many of its more heavily laden cruising contemporaries. With a displacement of 11,464 pounds and a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of 208.98, the hull sits on the lighter side of medium-displacement, enabling it to accelerate rapidly in light winds.
The sail-area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.24 points to a balanced and reasonably powerful sail plan. Under a fractional sloop rig, the yacht flies a closely sheeted 106% genoa alongside a conventional mainsail. Because the genoa tracks are located inboard on the coachroof, the Easy 9.7 is capable of tighter sheeting angles and highly efficient upwind performance. Helming is highly intuitive, typically controlled via a single large steering wheel (though tiller versions were produced). A capsize screening ratio of 1.99 places the boat right on the threshold of traditional ocean-crossing recommendations (2.0), confirming its ideal status as a coastal and nearshore cruiser. In a seaway, its comfort ratio of 23.47 denotes a relatively active but predictable motion, characteristic of modern, wide-beam hulls with flat aft sections that require early reefing as the breeze climbs past 15 knots.
Market Snapshot & Economics
On the brokerage market, the Bavaria Easy 9.7 occupies a highly specific niche. It stands as a modern, late-model alternative to older, heavily used 30-to-33-foot cruisers, typically trading at a value-oriented price point compared to the standard Cruiser 33. Because it was produced in more modest numbers than Bavaria's mainstream cruising lines, finding one on the market can require patience.
The economics of purchasing an Easy 9.7 are highly dependent on the boat's existing equipment. Buyers looking at a base-model "daysailer" version must budget for the installation of essential cruising equipment—such as refrigeration, ground tackle, and cooking facilities—if they intend to cruise. Conversely, finding an Easy 9.7 equipped with the factory "Easy Living" package or subsequent owner-completed upgrades presents an exceptional value, offering modern hull performance and a spacious layout at a fraction of the cost of a comparable Beneteau or Jeanneau of the same vintage.
Known Issues & Triage
The structural backbone of the Easy 9.7 is robust, utilizing a solid laminate fiberglass hull with a PVC foam-cored deck for rigidity. However, there are several key areas that surveyors and buyers must scrutinize.
- Aftermarket Electrical and Plumbing Upgrades: Because many base-model boats were retrofitted by owners, the quality of wiring, plumbing runs, and battery charging systems can vary. It is critical to inspect the DC panel, fuse blocks, and wire sizing to ensure that owner-installed equipment meets marine safety standards.
- Saildrive Diaphragm Age: The standard 18-horsepower Volvo Penta D1-20 engine is paired with a saildrive unit. Volvo Penta recommends replacing the rubber hull diaphragm seal every seven years to prevent catastrophic failure. Buyers of original 2015-vintage models must verify if this crucial maintenance item has been completed.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: The cast-iron bulb keel is secured via heavy backing plates. While structurally sound, the cast-iron keel is prone to surface oxidation if the protective epoxy coatings are neglected, and any evidence of weeping at the keel joint during haul-out should be immediately addressed and re-torqued.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Easy 9.7 is a refreshing exercise in maritime minimalism. It successfully bridges the gap between high-performance day sailing and practical coastal cruising, offering a stiff, well-balanced hull that is an absolute joy to sail. While the minimalist interior of the base model may shock those accustomed to traditional, wood-heavy cruising cabins, the open-loft layout provides unmatched light and ventilation for a boat of this size. For couples or single-handed sailors seeking a modern, low-maintenance boat with excellent sailing manners, the Easy 9.7 represents one of the most cost-effective entry points into modern yacht ownership.
Pros
- Outstanding upwind performance and light-air responsiveness due to the Farr-designed hull.
- Extremely bright, open, and ventilated interior with an airy "loft" feel.
- Highly uncomplicated deck layout makes single-handed or shorthanded sailing effortless.
- Economical to maintain and operate compared to more heavily systems-reliant cruisers.
- Modern construction quality and solid structural backbone.
Cons
- Base models lack basic cruising amenities like cabin doors, stoves, or integrated refrigeration.
- Minimalist interior lacks the traditional warm woodwork and extensive cabinet storage of older cruisers.
- Single wheel configuration can make the cockpit feel tight compared to modern twin-wheel designs.
- Relatively lively motion in heavy chops due to the light displacement and flat aft hull sections.
