Design and Construction
Bavaria contracted Farr Yacht Design for the naval architecture and commissioned Design Unlimited for deck and interior styling, while BMW Designworks USA handled the exterior look; the teardrop coachroof windows give her a modern profile, and this was the first time the builder used a split mould in her construction anchor. The hull from Farr makes the boat quite maneuverable and fun to sail anchor, and the long waterline — just a foot shorter than the overall length — supports a displacement-to-length ratio near 161 with 27,116 pounds of displacement and 7,606 pounds of iron ballast for a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about.30. A single-point backstay leaves the beamy aft quarters unimpeded, and the raised central saloon floor, offset companionway with solid grabrails, and huge coachroof and hull windows create a large, light living area below.
Rig and Handling
The Vision 46 is a fractional sloop carrying a 105 percent jib and an in-mast furling mainsail with a vertical batten that eases the usual objections to that rig. Chainplates are outboard with sheets led to a track on the coachroof, and both jib and mainsheets are led aft and close at hand so it is easy to singlehand. Twin helms sit at steering stations set up so the driver can straddle the wheel to either side with a backrest that has room for a partner to slide in; on the sea trial in 10 to 12 knots on Chesapeake Bay she registered 6.5 to 7.5 knots on nearly all points of sail, and she points well, tacking in just over 80 degrees. The automatic docking system — a bow thruster, retractable stern thruster and joystick — is a prominent feature for close-quarters control.
Accommodations
Below, several layouts share a big owner's stateroom forward where 7-foot headroom continues forward to the berth and a vanity table with stool exceeds the size of the saloon's makeshift chart surface. The accommodation is offered in two- or three-cabin formats; the standard layout's twin aft cabin converts to a double, though headroom is constricted above the starboard berth. The offset companionway creates room for a central island galley with plumbing and hot water tank neatly contained beside it and an alcove above and abaft the twin sinks for an optional coffee machine or beer tap. The saloon has no dedicated navstation, but the central part of the portside sofa raises and locks to become a coffee table or chart table, and another adjustable table can serve as a guest double berth. All sole panels have lifting latches for bilge access, and ventilation boards beneath berths lock into place.
Cockpit and Deck
The drop-down transom expands the floor plan with a spacious swim platform reached by a central aft bench that lifts on struts; a bracket holds the shower head for a proper outdoor shower. The cockpit table is a telescoping piece of engineering that lowers on support legs meeting lugs on the sole and whose top swivels to form a sunbed, while a versatile port-side table/lounge uses an electromagnetic lift to change height and becomes a roomy sun deck with cushions. A deep indentation at the foot of the offset companionway on the test boat held a coffee maker. One practical caveat: when raised, the sprayhood stands at a height that smacks foreheads.
Known Issues
Period review of the boat observed that every exposed plywood edge and its end grain were left without treatment, and that an impractical white material used for some vertical panels was already getting grubby. The constricted headroom above the starboard aft berth is a fixed layout limitation rather than a defect.
The Verdict
The Vision 46 is a thoughtfully modern cruiser that traded Bavaria's older softness for a Farr-designed hull that is maneuverable, stiff, and genuinely rewarding to sail short-handed. Her convertible cockpit and saloon furniture, drop-down transom, and bright volume below suit owners who entertain and cruise, though the omitted navstation and untreated wood edges show where the production brief compromised.
Pros
- Farr hull is maneuverable and fun to sail with strong light-to-moderate wind performance
- Easy singlehanding via all sheets led aft and twin comfortable helms
- Flexible two-/three-cabin layouts with convertible berths and bright glazing
- Drop-down transom and engineering-rich cockpit table expand outdoor living
Cons
- Untreated ply edges and end-grain; white vertical panels soil easily
- No proper navstation in the saloon
- Headroom tight above starboard aft berth
- Raised sprayhood at forehead height
