Design and Construction
Bavaria Yachts built the Match 42 in its German production era using solid fiberglass laminates with selective reinforcement for the hull and a solid fiberglass deck, and the J&J Design partnership that spanned much of the marque's 1990s and 2000s output is the lineage behind this hull. The 12-foot-3-inch beam and 36-foot-1-inch waterline give the boat volume and a useful wetted surface for its 7-foot-7-inch draft, while the 34.46 percent ballast ratio and 1.93 capsize screen reflect a stiff, comparatively seaworthy platform for the size. A hull speed of just over 8 knots is consistent with the moderate displacement and long waterline.
Rig and Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries 1,227 square feet of sail, and the boat's performance brief is a cruiser-racer that can be sailed hard. The Match series was introduced as Bavaria's cruiser racing series, and the larger 42 shares the brief of appealing to owners who enjoy a higher level of performance with easy handling characteristics under sail anchor. The spade rudder and bulb keel combination supports that intent, giving a responsive helm and a comparatively low draft for a 42-foot performance hull.
Accommodations
Below, the Match 42 was conceived to be enjoyed for its exceptional comfort when cruising, a trait the series promoted alongside its race credentials. With 80 gallons of water and 40 gallons of diesel in tanks, the layout supports extended weekends or coastal passages without constant resupply, and the 23.78 comfort ratio suggests a tolerable motion profile for a boat of its performance orientation. The three-cabin and alternative layouts available in the series give owners flexibility between private accommodation and racing bunk space.
Refits and Ownership
The Volvo Penta D2-55 diesel, rated at 55 horsepower, is the single engine installation, a common and well-supported drivetrain choice for a boat of this size. Owners shopping the used fleet will find both private and ex-charter examples, and the 2004–2006 build window means most survivors are now well into their second or third ownership cycle. A survey should confirm the deck and hull integrity in the usual way.
The Verdict
The Bavaria Match 42 is a purposeful cruiser-racer: quick enough to satisfy a performance-minded owner, comfortable enough below for cruising, and built on a straightforward solid fiberglass structure. Its limited three-year production run makes it a comparatively scarce but coherent example of J&J Design's work with Bavaria in the mid-2000s.
Pros
- High performance cruiser-racer brief with easy handling under sail
- Exceptional comfort below for a boat of its performance class
- Solid fiberglass hull and deck, lead ballast, spade rudder and bulb keel
Cons
- Short production run (2004–2006) limits fleet size and one-design activity
- Fractional race rig demands more active sail handling than a pure cruiser
