Design and Construction
Bavaria laid up the hull by hand at its European production facility, using chopped-strand mat and biaxial fabric in isophthalic polyester resin. Coremat is used below the waterline and Airex foam above, while a top-hat internal grid reinforces the structure.
The deck is also Airex-cored, then screwed and bonded to the hull along a generous internal flange. Boats sent to the United States received an epoxy barrier coat for improved blister resistance.
The ballast keel is iron. Standard draft is 6 feet 8 inches, with a shoal-draft option drawing 5 feet 5 inches. The boat carries 6,131 pounds of ballast, displaces 19,135 pounds, and has a beam of 12 feet 11 inches.
Rig, Sailing, and Handling
The split twin-wheel helm provides two steering stations in the cockpit, but the Cruiser 40 does not have twin rudders: steering loads run through a single rudder.
The mainsheet consists of two separate sheets arranged as a bridle. They run forward along the boom and then back to winches on the coachroof, working with a powerful mechanical vang. The blade jib sheets lead to winches at the forward end of the cockpit coamings. None of the primary sail controls is within reach of the helm, so trimming falls to the crew rather than the helmsman.
Test sailors on Chesapeake Bay found the helm crisp and accurate. They also reported that the yacht was easy to control while backing down and had a turning radius at speed of about one and a quarter boatlengths. Light-air performance under a furling main and small jib was more modest, at only 2–3 knots.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit is comfortable and functional, with long bench seats and high coamings that provide back support. A fixed table with folding leaves stands between the seats.
A large fold-down swim platform has a hydraulic hinge that increases resistance as the platform drops, preventing it from slamming down suddenly. Elsewhere, the deck has aggressive antiskid and numerous well-sized cleats.
The anchor rode locker has a small inspection hatch on deck, but physical access is through a gasketed hatch behind the forward-cabin bulkhead.
Accommodations
The test boat had a three-cabin layout, with two aft staterooms beneath the cockpit and a large owner’s stateroom forward with an ensuite head. In the two-cabin version, a large storage area replaces the port aft cabin.
The aft cabins are well arranged, with dressing areas and decent headroom over the berths. However, the double berth has a kink at its inboard shoulder to make room for the engine compartment. The aft berths measure 6 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 4 inches.
Forward, the berth measures 6 feet 9 inches by 6 feet 8 inches. General headroom is 6 feet 4 inches.
In the saloon, the dinette seats seven easily, and its settee can provide an additional berth. The Euro-style galley runs along the port side. A dedicated navigation station sits behind it, though its desk is rather small. Buyers could choose oak, mahogany, or walnut joinery.
Known Issue
The access hatch behind the forward-cabin bulkhead can be obstructed by an overstacked pile of chain in the anchor rode locker. This is the one documented design quirk affecting routine ground-tackle service.
The Verdict
The Cruiser 40 is a thoughtfully engineered, spacious cruiser. Her Farr hull and BMW-styled deckhouse look modern, while her construction uses a conventional fiberglass laminate with cored sections. The cockpit ergonomics should suit a cruising couple or family.
Light-air performance under minimal canvas was modest in testing, but the helm response and close-quarters maneuvering impressed. The chain-locker access problem is a genuine but manageable nuisance.
Pros
- Crisp, accurate helm, tight turning radius, and easy handling in reverse
- Roomy two- or three-cabin layouts with 6 feet 4 inches of headroom
- Well-structured hull with a top-hat grid and an epoxy barrier coat on U.S.-bound boats
- Twin helms and a comfortable cockpit
- Cleverly damped fold-down swim platform
Cons
- Forward-cabin chain-locker hatch can be blocked by excess chain
- No primary sail controls within reach of the helm
- Light-air speed under a furling main and small jib was only 2–3 knots
- Iron ballast keel rather than lead
