Farr Bavaria Cruiser 40 S Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The performance profile of the Bavaria Cruiser 40 S is defined by its Farr-designed hull and a series of technical enhancements that distinguish it from the standard cruising version. The most critical change is the deeper T-keel, which extends to 2.30 meters (approximately 7.5 feet) and utilizes lead ballast rather than the standard cast iron, significantly lowering the center of gravity and improving the ballast-to-displacement ratio. According to technical analysis by Trade-A-Boat, the Sport version features a tapered Selden mast that is taller than the cruising rig, carrying an increased sail area of approximately 78.1 square meters (841 square feet).

On the water, these modifications translate into a boat that is notably stiffer and more responsive. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of roughly 19.5 places the 40 S in the "high-performance cruiser" category, allowing it to accelerate more rapidly in light airs than its predecessor. Handling is aided by upgraded deck hardware, including Lewmar Evo winches and adjustable genoa cars, which allow for finer sail trim. While the standard 40-foot hull can sometimes struggle with drag in light winds, the 40 S utilizes its increased leverage and sail power to maintain momentum. The twin-wheel steering configuration provides excellent visibility from the windward side, though the wide beam—common to Farr's modern designs—requires the helmsman to stay attentive to heel angles to prevent the single deep rudder from losing grip in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the standard Cruiser 40, which occasionally offered a two-cabin owner’s configuration, the "S" variant was predominantly built as a three-cabin, two-head yacht to maximize its utility for racing crews and charter groups. The layout remains remarkably spacious, benefitting from the high freeboard and wide beam characteristic of this generation of Bavaria. The interior is finished in a choice of mahogany, oak, or walnut veneers, and the use of numerous flush-mounted deck hatches ensures the saloon is flooded with natural light.

To compensate for the added weight of performance hardware, Bavaria’s engineers lightened the interior of the 40 S by several hundred kilograms compared to the standard model. This was achieved by simplifying some of the cabinetry and using lighter materials where possible, though the functional elements—a large L-shaped galley, a generous dining area for six to eight people, and a full-sized navigation station—remain intact. The forward master cabin features an en-suite head, while the two identical aft cabins share a second head located to starboard. This configuration has made the 40 S particularly popular in the Adriatic, where it often serves as a "one-design" platform for competitive charter regattas.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bavaria Cruiser 40 S has carved out a distinct niche in the European racing circuit. It gained international prominence as the backbone of specialized one-design charter fleets in Croatia, where up to 20 identical boats compete in match-racing style events. Documentation from Boatyard Solutions notes that the project was specifically engineered to conform to international measurement definitions, allowing the boat to achieve a competitive handicap for club racing. It is frequently cited in European maritime journals, such as Germany’s YACHT magazine, as a benchmark for how a mass-production builder can successfully "up-spec" a cruising hull into a performance-capable vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Bavaria Cruiser 40 S should focus their inspections on the high-load areas where the sport-specific upgrades place additional stress on the hull and rig.

• Keel and Grid Integrity: Because the 40 S is often used in racing or regatta environments, the internal structural grid (the "matrix") should be closely inspected for any signs of delamination or stress cracking near the keel bolts, particularly if the boat has a history of groundings.
• Standing Rigging: The taller, tapered rig and Dyform wire rigging used on the Sport model are under higher tension than the standard cruising rig. A professional rigger should check for "meat-hooks" in the wire and any signs of compression or fatigue at the mast step.
• Seacock and Thru-Hull Materials: Like many production boats of this era, Bavaria frequently used brass or DZR (Dezincification Resistant) fittings rather than true bronze. These should be checked for pinkish discoloration, a sign of electrolysis and structural failure.
• Deck Leaks: Owners often report "weeping" from the seals of the large hull windows or the flush deck hatches. Checking for water stains behind the interior cabinetry is a critical step during a survey.
• Saildrive Seal: The Volvo Penta saildrive requires a rubber gasket replacement approximately every seven to ten years. If the history of this seal is unknown, it should be factored into the immediate maintenance budget.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and owner discussion is the Bavaria Owners Association (BOA). This group maintains an extensive technical wiki and forum database that covers specific part numbers and DIY repair guides for the Farr-designed Cruiser series. Additionally, because the 40 S was designed by Farr Yacht Design, technical drawings and original design specifications (Project #720) are often accessible through their official archives for owners seeking to optimize their rating for ORC or IRC racing.

The Verdict

The Bavaria Cruiser 40 S is a rare example of a mass-production boat that successfully balances a voluminous "condo-style" interior with genuine sailing performance. It is a "sleeper" on the used market, often selling for a slight premium over the standard Cruiser 40 but offering a vastly superior sailing experience.

Pros:

• Excellent light-air performance and pointing ability due to the Farr-designed rig and T-keel.
• Massive interior volume with high-quality natural lighting.
• Upgraded deck hardware makes the boat easy to handle for a small but experienced crew.
• Strong resale value due to its popularity in club racing and charter fleets.

Cons:

• Deep 2.30m draft limits access to shallow-water anchorages and some smaller marinas.
• The high freeboard creates significant windage, making docking in crosswinds a challenge.
• Lightened interior materials may feel less "heavy-duty" than earlier Bavaria Ocean or Exclusive models.