Farr Bavaria Cruiser 40 Buyer's Guide
The Bavaria Cruiser 40 (Farr) is a 40-foot cruising yacht built by Bavaria Yachtbau in Giebelstadt from 2011, with Farr Yacht Design and BMW Group Designworks USA behind the hull and styling. On the used market she presents as a modern volume cruiser with a high-volume hull and a distinctive concave cabinhouse, aimed at couples or families who want a beamy, comfortable boat rather than a stripped racer.
Layouts on the Used Market
Two interior plans appear in the brokerage pool. The three-cabin version places two staterooms aft under the cockpit and a large owner's stateroom forward with an ensuite head; the two-cabin alternative replaces the port aft stateroom with a large storage area. Aft berths measure 6 feet 8 inches by 5 feet 4 inches but are notched at the shoulder where the engine space intrudes. The saloon dinette seats seven and its settee can take an occasional guest, and the galley is ranged along the port side in Euro style. Headroom is 6 feet 4 inches throughout.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Most used Cruiser 40s carry a 38hp Volvo-Penta saildrive diesel with 55 gallons fuel and 95 gallons water, backed by 2 x 135AH house and 85AH engine batteries. Sail handling centers on an in-mast furling mainsail and a blade jib set ahead of swept-back spreaders, with a mechanical vang and coachroof winches. A fold-down hydraulic swim platform and twin steering stations are standard cockpit features; buyers should note the helm cannot reach any primary sail control, so autopilot and cockpit-organized winches matter more than remote trimmers.
What to Inspect
The one documented access issue is the anchor rode locker: physical entry is through a gasketed hatch behind the forward bulkhead, and excess chain stowed inside may seal that opening off anchor. On any candidate, confirm the forward cabin can still reach the locker and check how the chain falls. Beyond that, verify the U.S.-spec epoxy barrier coat is present on imported hulls and inspect the Airex-cored deck and hull core for soundness.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Buyers should simply scan broad brokerage listings for the Cruiser 40 and compare three- versus two-cabin layouts for intended use.
- Confirm forward-cabin chain-locker hatch is not blocked by chain
- Verify U.S. epoxy barrier coat on imported boats
- Decide between three-cabin and two-cabin storage layout
- Check saildrive service history on the Volvo-Penta diesel
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
10 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robertson and Caine 40 (2005-2009) | 39.27' | $ 334,749 | 357 | 76 |
| Beneteau, France Oceanis 40 | 39.86' | $ 129,000 | 158 | 51 |
| Elan 40 | 39.04' | $ 91,506 | 30 | 6 |
| Hans Christian Christina 40 | 39.83' | $ 99,000 | 19 | 3 |
| Islander 40 | 39.54' | $ 28,750 | 14 | 6 |
| Marlow-Hunter 40 | 41.25' | $ 186,000 | 13 | 7 |
| Jeanneau Sun Fast 40 | 40' | $ 166,795 | 13 | 2 |
| Tartan 40 | 40.25' | $ 79,900 | 11 | 3 |
| Solaris 40 | 40.55' | $ 515,444 | 7 | 3 |
| Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 40 S (Farr) | 40.52' | $ 144,788 | 5 | 1 |