bavaria 42 sailboat lab

The Bavaria 42 is a 42.58ft masthead sloop designed by J&J Design and built in fiberglass by Bavaria Yachts (GER) between 1998 and 2001.

The Bavaria 42 is a light sailboat which is a good performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

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Technical specifications - Bavaria 42 Cruiser

Photos of the boat, technical features.

• Length HT : 43ft (12.99m)
• Max. width : 13ft (3.99m)
• Weight : 9.2 tons
• Draft : 7ft (2.10m) to 6ft (1.80m)
• Max. sleeping capacity : 8
• Number of cabins : 3
• Bathrooms : 2
• Water capacity : 360L

Standard motorisation

• Engine Power : 55hp
• Fuel capacity : 208L

Standard canopy

• Total sail area : 280sqft (85.47m2)
• Mainsail area : 177sqft (54m2)
• Genoa/jib area : 154sqft (47m2)

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Bavaria 42: A Detailed Examination

Introduction.

The Bavaria 42, a midsize yacht renowned for its superior comfort and impressive performance, stands as a testament to Bavaria Yachtbau's commitment to quality and innovation. This comprehensive review delves into the specifications, design, and capabilities of the Bavaria 42, providing insightful knowledge for boat enthusiasts and potential buyers alike.

Design and Specifications

Exterior design.

The Bavaria 42 boasts an exterior that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. It features a streamlined hull design for efficient navigation and a spacious cockpit that can comfortably accommodate a sizable crew. The twin helm stations provide excellent visibility and control, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize performance.

Interior Design

Moving inside, the Bavaria 42 continues to impress. It offers a well-ventilated, light-filled saloon and practical galley designed for comfort and convenience. With three cabins providing ample accommodation for six people, this yacht is perfect for extended cruising with family or friends.

Specifications

The Bavaria 42 measures 42 feet in length, with a beam of 13.1 feet and a draft of 6.2 feet. Powered by a Volvo Penta engine, it offers a decent cruising speed and range. This yacht's versatility is evident in its balance between performance and comfort.

Performance and Handling

The Bavaria 42 shines when it comes to performance. It effortlessly combines speed and stability, providing a smooth ride even in challenging weather conditions. The yacht's efficient handling makes it an attractive option for both novice and experienced sailors.

Pricing and Value

Offering a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and affordability, the Bavaria 42 offers great value for money. While pricing can vary based on optional extras and the condition of pre-owned models, potential buyers can expect to receive a high-quality yacht that meets their cruising needs.

In-Depth Look: Bavaria 42 Features

On-deck experience.

Upon stepping aboard the Bavaria 42, one immediately notices the spacious, well-designed deck layout. The twin helm stations allow for easy maneuverability, while the large cockpit offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The teak decking adds a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall on-deck experience.

Accommodations and Living Space

The Bavaria 42's interior is equally impressive. The three-cabin layout ensures comfortable accommodation for six, making it an ideal choice for cruising with family or friends. The master cabin offers a queen-size bed and an en-suite bathroom, providing a touch of luxury. The two guest cabins, though slightly smaller, are still comfortably appointed.

The main saloon, with its large windows and comfortable seating, serves as a perfect gathering spot. The adjacent galley, complete with a stove, oven, and ample storage space, is fully equipped to handle your culinary needs while at sea.

Sailing Performance

Under sail, the Bavaria 42 truly shines. The combination of a robust Volvo Penta engine and a well-designed hull allows for excellent sailing performance. Whether cruising along the coast or venturing out into open waters, sailors of all skill levels will appreciate the yacht's responsive handling and stability.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount on any yacht, and the Bavaria 42 is no exception. It comes equipped with a range of safety features, including life rafts, fire extinguishers, and a comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally, the yacht's design, with its sturdy construction and reliable handling, further contributes to its overall safety.

Final Verdict

The Bavaria 42 is a testament to Bavaria Yachtbau's commitment to quality, performance, and value. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a reliable midsize yacht, or a novice boater seeking a comfortable and manageable vessel, the Bavaria 42 is a worthy contender. It offers a remarkable blend of comfort, performance, and value, setting it apart in its class. To truly appreciate what this yacht has to offer, consider arranging a viewing or test sail – it may just be the boat of your dreams.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Bavaria C42 review: The Ford Model T of 40ft yachts

• Toby Hodges
• February 11, 2021

The Bavaria C42 needs to offer bang for your buck if it is to stand out in a crowded field of 40ft cruisers. Toby Hodges takes the new offering for a gusty autumn sail to see what she's made of.

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

What constitutes ‘good value’? What you get for your money in any market segment often comes down to size – be that square feet of real estate area or gigabytes of memory. But is bigger necessarily better value?

Sailors with the means and desire to buy new understandably seek as much value for money as they can get for that size. What we’ve seen over the last decade is a marked increase in the volume to length ratio of new yachts, and more recently in the way contemporary hull shapes can further boost internal volumes at each end. 

For a production yard to stay competitive though, it needs to offer more than just bang for your buck. It needs to be shrewd in its design and innovative enough to lure you away from the competition, to make you think its yachts are roomier, brighter and better. It needs to make boats that the crew want to spend time aboard, and are practical to manage or give the helmsman an enjoyable hands-on experience; preferably both. Value should include some emotive quality too – the hard to quantify satisfaction you get from using it.

This is a tall order. But as we surged down yet another wave face on our test sail I came to the conclusion that this new Bavaria offers that extra value. It was a fleeting taster of powered-up offwind sailing, but in a year of abnormality, a particularly memorable one. And in such a competitive marketplace, that extra something is what’s needed to stand out from the crowd.

Ups ‘n’ downs

The production yacht world doesn’t get any more competitive than in the 40ft sector, a size that remains so appealing for both private family cruising and charter. And I’m going to keep referring to the C42 as 40ft, because that’s the hull length without the optional bowsprit.

Before we consider Bavaria’s answer to the 40 footer question, let’s remember this company has been through its share of challenges recently. In 2018 it was flying high with a new C-line from 45-65ft. Yet by September that year, rather than celebrating its 40th anniversary, it was filing for insolvency.

Tall deck-stepped mast and the most sail area in its class help give the Bavaria notable performance. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

This C42 is the first model developed under Bavaria’s new management. It caused a stir when it was unveiled last January, with crowds queuing for an hour to view it at the Düsseldorf Boat Show . But then followed the global pandemic, when “order intake collapsed almost completely,” explains CEO Michael Müller. He points out that work has only been running at full capacity again since October. Bavaria’s financials must read like a heart rate monitor. 

All of which makes the C42 a crucial new model for a yard on the rebound. This is Maurizio Cossutti’s fourth Bavaria design and he opted for a clever and powerful shape, the first Bavaria with hard chines and a rounded ‘V-bow’. As I was to discover, these features make a crucial difference, both down below and on the water.

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One of the first and most striking things to note about sailing the C42 is the direct feel of the helm, which engages you immediately. This design may be in keeping with today’s breed of production cruiser, with its full bow sections and generous beam carried aft, but it’s unusual not to marry that shape with twin rudders. Bavaria says its owners want the close-quarters manoeuvrability that prop wash over a single rudder helps to provide. The C42 proved easy in reverse too, without the tendency of twin rudders to slam to one side once they catch.

Sailors will feel the benefit under canvas immediately. The Jefa steering linkage from the twin wheels to the single, easily accessible quadrant in-between is kept to a minimum, giving the best chance for direct feel.

Autumnal shakedown

With the in-mast mainsail and self-tacking jib fully unfurled (Elvstrom Sporttech laminate), we punched out into the Solent to meet photographer Rick Tomlinson. It was typical easterly conditions, with big variance in the strong gusts as we dialled down from a beam to a deep broad reach, endeavouring to keep speed up and apparent wind down.

The coachroof line is brought right aft, which draws out the lines and creates protective coamings for the cockpit. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

I particularly enjoyed the feel provided by the modestly sized single spade rudder as we surged down waves, making 7-9+ knots SOG against the tide, with gusts now up to the high 20s. (Note, we had no log installed, but the polars confirm that in anything over 20 knots the C42 is capable of hitting double figures reaching, and over 9 knots in 16 true.)

The chine and beam were doing what they should and buying form stability, while the bulbous stem kept trim bow-up. This powerful hull shape is allied with a 20m mast that sets around 100m2 of upwind sail area. That is a whopping 30% more than the Oceanis 40.1 and makes for a potent sail area to displacement ratio. 

It points to a yacht that you can keep sailing in light winds – indeed my fellow European Yacht of the Year judges confirmed the C42 performs handsomely in sub 10-knot breeze – and one that should be able to maintain respectable passagemaking speeds even while reefed.

With power comes the need to treat it with respect. Thankfully, the rudder did what it should do and let me know when we were pressed and provided the chance to let off more sheet. Again, this is a marked difference from the majority of today’s cruising yachts with deep twin rudders, which tend to maintain grip at all angles and make you question what the fuse will be when you do push the boat.

The C42 features hard chines and a full bow, both of which help buy internal volume. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

A German mainsheet system is only an option on the Bavaria, and not one chosen for the test boat. Instead, and unusually nowadays, the main was sheeted to one of the companionway winches. So although you get the polite notification to ease from the rudder, you need to communicate this to a crewmember by the winch. Therefore, were I buying this boat for short-handed easy cruising – as is suggested by the self-tacking jib and in-mast mainsail set-up – I’d opt for the extra set of winches aft for the mainsheet.

The pedestals are mounted as close to the transom as possible to maximise the length of the cockpit benches. So it’s a little cramped in the quarters, particularly by the split backstay, but it doesn’t feel unsafe and the pay-off in cockpit size is worthwhile.

The mainsheet bridle set-up is a common system, which keeps the mainsheet out of the cockpit. But there’s no traveller option and it’s mounted more than half way forward along the boom, which puts a lot of load on the midboom section and places a reliance on the vang for mainsail shape. However, this arrangement does allow for a large companionway entrance.

The helms are right aft in the quarters. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The winch layout spreads out the sheets and running rigging, so it’s not all piling up in one place. But there is no provision for the tail ends as standard, so bags or clips would need to be fitted to prevent a snake pit at the base of the companionway.

Sailing deep was manageable in the Force 6 gusting 7, with active crewmembers manning winches, but with the wind against tide conditions producing 1.5-2m overfalls to head back into, we needed to shorten sail to turn upwind.

With a couple of metres taken out of the foot of the main and three rolls in the genoa, the Bavaria felt comfortable as we beat upwind at 35-40° to the apparent breeze (7-8 knots SOG with tide). Given the conditions, the motion was not uncomfortable. The boat seemed relatively stiff without launching off waves or slamming. 

However, after a couple of tacks the rig called time and the shrouds went alarmingly slack. Without rigging tools on board to tighten up the bottlescrews properly, we had to furl sails and accept a long motor home. 

We tested the Bavaria on the Solent, UK in easterly winds of 18-29 knots. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Disappointing as it was, this was a new boat, sailing in strong breeze and waves for the first time. I would estimate that the standing rigging had only been loosely tightened and the wire shrouds had not had any chance to settle, stretch and be adjusted accordingly . Indeed the dealer, Clipper Marine, commented later: “the rig hadn’t been bedded in, nor had the riggers had a chance to do the pre-delivery inspection because of COVID restrictions – when we would have re-tuned the rig before handover.”

The aft helms leave room for a very generous cockpit table and long benches, which have proper coamings to give backrest support and some protection. Locker space is conservative in two shallow bench lockers, a port quarter locker and a sail locker. The latter has only a small hatch, which will limit the size of sail (or fenders) that it can accommodate.

The berth in forward cabin is particularly large. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Outer and inner space

The coachroof is a clever design, which starts far forward to maximise headroom below. It is kept low and flat-topped, which allows good visibility forward from the helms and means the roof itself can accommodate sunbathing cushions.

Bavaria has incorporated an extra-long companionway roof, to allow for maximum light to enter the interior and for a gently angled descent. First impressions and a sense of space when going below is crucial, as it helps create that feeling of getting a lot of boat for your money.

Hanse was early onto this with the development of its loft-style interiors, which began over a decade ago. And latterly Groupe Beneteau has found a new way of increasing living space by adding volume to the bows in conjunction with increased beam aft. Bavaria seems to have combined the best of both ideas, so you really do keep asking yourself if this boat is really only 40ft. 

The darker walnut veneer of the test boat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Inviting the considerable amount of natural light in through hatches, portholes and coachroof windows helps. The space is also used smartly, apportioning it most where it’s typically needed – in the saloon and cabins. The L-shaped galley is practical enough and there is a navstation of sorts, which shares the forward end of the port saloon berth.

The berth in the forward cabin looks particularly large as it is taken right out to the hull sides (1.80×2.07m). The fact that there is room to mount the headboard forward and to house the extra (optional) 250lt water tank below the berth points to the sheer volume in the bows. 

Fine Detailing

The forward end of the port sofa forms the chart table seat. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

You can tell Bavaria has paid close attention to detail, in particular with the wood and veneer work, the lighting and home comforts. Personally I prefer the lighter Alpi veneer rather than the darker walnut of the test boat and find the use of dark grey panels on the bulkheads and heads area a little cold. I’d also choose a second heads if having a three-cabin boat. 

The saloon feels especially roomy, a perception aided by the deck-stepped mast. Credit to the yard for including a table that can seat so many in its open format yet can fold over to halve in size and give walkthrough access. 

However, I did take issue with the square edges and sharp corners this leaves on the saloon table (and chart table). Bavaria’s product manager, Pascal Kuhn, has assured me these will be modified, and you can see in the main saloon picture how the corner is now angled, but the edges remain an area of concern.

The table doubles over to join the port sofa. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

An extra couple of grab handles around this space between the galley, heads and saloon table would also be useful, but the galley surfaces are all fiddled and there is a sturdy support post by the curved companionway steps.

The joinery feels solid. The sole panels in particular were noticeably quiet underfoot. Although Bavaria’s method of screwing these down is not so practical for accessing the bilge in a hurry, there are numerous panels to allow access to all areas.

All five companionway steps lift to get at the forward end of the engine and there are good side panels in each aft cabin. 

Look beneath the scenes and you begin to notice a few scrappier details. I don’t like seeing electronics mounted in non-watertight lockers, for example, and the use of bare ply and veneered bulkheads here are unlikely to prove durable. I also think it a backward step that Bavaria has returned to using hand lay-up for manufacture instead of vacuum infusion.

The Bavaria C42 is designed to hit that broadest of markets, the Ford Model T of 40ft production cruisers, yet it shows that mass market does not have to mean boring. Take the wheel of this powerful design in a breeze and you’ll soon find you can have your new voluminous family cruiser and still actively enjoy the sailing. The Bavaria is not without its flaws, but wherever you look you seem to discover added value. There is maximum space where you want it, in the accommodation, saloon and cockpit, all fitted into a clever hull shape that offers stability and performance. Every industry needs models that set the standard in their range. The C42 sets a new bar in the 40ft sector and, therefore, potentially what should be deemed ‘good value’ today.

Bavaria Yachts Ocean 42

Does the arrival of the centre-cockpit bavaria ocean 42 signal the next stage of a runaway success story for the german marque down under vanessa dudley suggests just that.

The Bavaria range of production yachts from Germany has been something of an overnight success story for Pittwater-based company, North South Yachting. Set up by Ralph and Judith Hogg, building on their world cruising experience and Ralph's background with a production yacht builder in the UK, North South Yachting has sold more than 50 Bavarias since its first import arrived for the 1998 Sydney International Boat Show.

The choice of Bavaria as one the company's two initial ranges (alongside the Danish X-Yachts range; a more recent addition to the 'family' is the English Oyster Yachts line) has proven a wise business decision. Bavaria Yachtbau GmBH has been building yachts since 1978 and while Europe constitutes its established market, sales are growing via dealers further afield.

The company says it currently employs some 400 staff to produce around 1000 yachts per year, in the 31-51ft size range.

All the Bavaria yachts are designed by J&J, the European partnership of the Jacobin brothers who have designed a number of other popular production keelboats.

Bavaria prides itself on building strong, seaworthy hulls which are approved along every step of the production line by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, a German subsidiary of Lloyd's Register of Shipping. This allows the imported Bavarias to meet local survey requirements with a minimum of fuss when they arrive in Australia.

The hull lay-up is solid fibreglass below the waterline, incorporating Kevlar fabric in the for'ard sections, S-glass to reinforce the floor timbers and double laminate thickness in the keel flange, all for increased impact resistance in the event of collision or grounding. Above the waterline, the laminate is GRP/Divinycell foam sandwich.

THE CENTRAL OPTION The overwhelming majority of Bavaria yachts landed in Australia to date are aft-cockpit models. But interest is growing in the Ocean range, which provides four centre-cockpit versions (38, 42, 47 and 51 foot) of the equivalent aft-cockpit Bavarias, using the same hull mouldings with different deck and interior configurations.

The most noticeable advantage of the centre-cockpit layout is its ability to provide a large master cabin in the aft section, with good headroom and ventilation. Other attractions are the possibility of all-round access to the inboard engine, excellent headroom throughout the interior, and good vision and distance from spray and waves in the high centre-cockpit.

The trade-off of added weight, with corresponding reduction in sailing performance, has counted against centre-cockpit models over the years, but gradual improvements in hull design, engineering and construction materials have lessened its impact.

Another major issue - added construction and material costs, producing a higher purchase price than that of an equivalent aft-cockpit model - may have reduced in recent years in relative terms, but remains an obvious consideration for buyers.

According to Ralph Hogg, the 42 Ocean is about a tonne heavier than the equivalent aft-cockpit Bavaria, but has a little more sail area to even up performance in lighter airs.

UP ON DECK The 42 Ocean is well set up for cruising or casual twilighting. The rig is seven-eighths fractional with two sets of swept-back spreaders on the aluminium Selden mast. Backstay adjustment is via a Swedish Hasselfors unit which is adjusted using a winch handle.

Standard features include a battened mainsail with Selden RCB sliding system and lazy jacks, and furling genoa on a Furlex roller system. Elvstrom sails are supplied as standard.

Harken 40 two-speed self-tailing winches are provided for the halyards and sail controls, while the genoa sheets tail onto two-speed Harken 48 electric winches - included as standard issue and sure to be appreciated as labour-savers by cruising couples or indeed anyone who feels they've ground on their full share of headsail sheets over the years.

Teak cockpit seats and floor are supplied as standard, while the fully-laid teak decks seen on the test yacht are optional for around $12,000 extra. The substantial dodger was a combination of German structural components and locally-made protective flaps.

The test yacht was equipped with the recently introduced Raytheon ST6000 electronic instruments for speed, depth, wind and navigation, which are very easy to read in the large digital format.

The Whitlock cable steering system is set up via a substantial pedestal, which provides mounting area for the navigation instruments and a Suunto binnacle compass, as well as a hand-hold when moving around the cockpit. A small fold-down cockpit table is housed on the front of the pedestal.

Control switches for the 60hp engine are under the steering wheel on the aft base of the pedestal; requiring the steerer to reach in through the wheel spokes to start and stop the engine. I wondered if this might present problems, but in practice my concern proved unfounded. The throttle is mounted higher up, on the starboard side of the pedestal.

The cockpit is an elevated, comfortable place to be, as is the aft deck, behind the mainsheet traveller.

At the stern there are seats provided in each corner of the pushpit, large storage compartments to either side under flush-mounted hatches, and a two-step boarding/swim platform with stainless steel boarding ladder and a Whale hot and cold shower/tap unit.

At the bow is a split pulpit with timber step which makes boarding easier when moored bow-to, plus a solid self-stowing arrangement for the anchor. An electric windlass is supplied as standard, along with anchor chain, warps and fenders. The guardrails have entry/exit openings amidships on either side, with the stanchions mounted on the broad teak gunwale strake which runs along the forward-rising bulwarks.

BELOW DECKS The interior layout is fairly standard for a centre-cockpit yacht. There's a private double cabin at the bow, with double vee-berth forward, shelved storage, hanging locker and bench seating to starboard and an ensuite bathroom with sink, toilet and shower to port.

The saloon has settee seating to either side, around a large timber table with drop leaf. To starboard of the companionway is the well-equipped navigation station, behind which is a door into the main bathroom. This has a separate shower compartment and is a walk-through arrangement, with an aft door leading into the master cabin. This large area includes a big double berth, bench seating, storage shelves and compartments, and 'his and hers' hanging lockers to either side.

Access back into the main cabin along the port side is via a door into the walk-through galley, which has a double sink, a large refrigeration unit, plenty of benchtop space with high fiddles for food preparation, and a neat protective panel over the oven/stove, which can be hinged out of the way when you want to use the two-burner cooktop.

The interior fitout of the test yacht was in dark-toned mahogany veneers and solid timbers, with bright blue soft furnishings and white padded vinyl headliners secured with timber battens. With lots of headroom, opening hatches and lighting throughout, the interior is well ventilated and lit, and therefore manages to avoid the sombre tones the dark wood might create in a smaller space.

There is lots of shelf and cupboard space and some nice small features. For example, it's possible to lock the bathroom doors for a little privacy if required. Cupboards, lockers and drawers are all fitted with positive locking mechanisms to avoid them flying open and spilling their contents in a seaway. There is even a special rack behind the base of the companionway to hold the washboard when it's not being used.

The nav station in particular is well thought out, as the mounting areas for radios, navigation instruments, CD players, etc, are timber panels which can be opened out or up, to allow direct access to the wiring at the back of each unit.

There is very good access to the 60hp Volvo marine diesel (and the hot-water system) from the galley on the port side, by removing a large timber panel. Mind you, manhandling this into position would be a job for two people in any sort of seaway.

UNDER SAIL We sailed the Bavaria 42 Ocean on the flat waters of Pittwater, in a gusty southerly reaching 20kt at times, but dropping to 10-12kt in the lulls.

This was a fun sail; everything worked well as far as the rig and deck hardware was concerned, and the electric winches made life a breeze for the headsail trimmer, although a bit of grunt was required to trim on the mainsail in the freshest gusts.

Steering was undemanding and enjoyable. Seating and vision are very good at the helm, and the 42 proved very responsive. It will round up into the breeze if you press it too hard, but you get plenty of warning and the eventual round up is gentle rather than savage.

The yacht had a gentle motion which I believe would translate to seakindliness in an ocean seaway.

The dodger provided excellent protection for the cockpit crew, making the sailing conditions very pleasant in spite of the blustery weather around us.

Perhaps it was sheer coincidence, or rather an indication that the centre-cockpit option is building in popularity; in any event this test followed hard on the heels of my test sail of the Moody 42 centre-cockpit yacht for last month's Trade-A-Boat. Comparisons were inevitable, and both boats came out looking good.

Both the Bavaria 42 Ocean and the Moody 42 appear to be solidly constructed and both sail well; breaking free of the old image of centre-cockpits as all interior, little performance.

Both offer aft master cabins which are big and sumptuous enough to be called staterooms, lots of headroom, well-appointed interiors, excellent engine access, decent rigs and quality deck hardware.

Where the two yachts diverge is in their price range, with base prices of $408,000 for the Bavaria and $446,000 for the Moody. This difference is largely in the interior detail - the standard of joinery on the Moody is excellent throughout, putting this boat into the luxury class, while it is possible to find the odd rough edge or untreated timber surface if you poke around the deepest recesses of cupboards and lockers in the Bavaria. Nonetheless, the overall standard of the German yacht is impressive.

On deck, the Bavaria does offer some pleasant 'extras' over the Moody, particularly the electric winch power for the primaries.

While a selection between the two would ultimately boil down to the buyer's personal requirements, taste and budget, it's good to see these centre-cockpit yachts widening the options for Australian cruising sailors.

The Bavaria 42 Ocean would appear to offer very good value for money, and given North South Yachting's success to date with this yacht's aft-cockpit cousins, it will be very interesting to watch its reception Down Under.

HIGHS Sturdy construction: Bavaria hulls have an excellent reputation for strength and quality. A centre-cockpit yacht that can sail, too: The interior benefits are obtained without sacrificing decent cruising performance. Electric genoa winches: A standard inclusion which makes shorthanded sailing much more pleasant. Price: Not cheap by most people's standards, but you get a lot of boat and quality inclusions for your money.

LOWS Dark interior timbers: A matter of personal taste, really; our choice would be for a lighter-hued fitout if given the option.

Big boat dreaming

The Bavaria 51 Ocean adds something extra to the top end of the German centre-cockpit range...

From onboard, the view aft is sensational - overlaid teak decks sweeping astern in a style reminiscent of the J Class yachts which ruled the Big Boat era. From off the boat, the perspective changes and that graceful counter stern of your imagination becomes something far more prosaic, described by the builders as "a bathing platform with integrated gangway, stowage for life raft and boarding ladder".

Bavaria has transformed the look - and function - of its Ocean 51 with the addition of this optional platform. According to importer Ralph Hogg, it is a response to the typical stern-to mooring arrangements in popular cruising stopovers around the Mediterranean. It also extends the 51-footer to a 57-footer, with the additional deck space (outside of the lifelines), manoeuvring and mooring demands that this entails. And it is a definite head-turner, whether the look pleases or offends your eye.

With or without the bathing platform, the Ocean 51 would attract attention. The largest yacht in Bavaria's range is a handsome and comfortable centre-cockpit cruiser with the full-bodied, clean lines characteristic of J&J designs. Its sailing performance is impressive and below decks there seems to be acres of space, which the well-appointed layout puts to good use for short or longer term cruising, daysailing or entertaining.

The interior arrangement provides three private cabins sleeping six, plus extra space on the saloon settee. The master cabin aft is a true stateroom, with its big double bunk, office space with fold-down stool and private access to a large bathroom with separate shower compartment.

Access to the master cabin is via the walk-through galley to port of the engine and companionway. The navigation area is opposite, providing a well-upholstered, cosy and functional workstation. Forward of this is the saloon with its lashings of dark timber panelling and plush furnishings. There is a U-shaped settee and well-finished timber dining table to starboard, plus two armchairs divided by a storage unit with table top to port.

The forward section houses a second bathroom with integrated shower to port, a cabin with twin bunk beds to starboard and a separate double berth cabin in the bow.

The standard lead/antimony keel is deep draft at 2.05m and the masthead rig towers some 21m above the waterline.

Powered up with the large overlapping genoa and full main in gusts to 20kt on the flat water of Pittwater, the Ocean 51 felt like a big, powerful creature, but not a wild thing. It tracked straight and responded politely to the helm, even when pressed on a tight reach, and happily forged along at 10kt-plus on a broader angle to the breeze.

Roller furling for the headsail and optional in-mast furling for the mainsail were ready and waiting if the breeze increased.

The decks seemed spacious and remarkably uncluttered, with a very large area aft for less experienced visitors, who would like to see what's going on while feeling safe from flailing sheets.

While standard issue teak decking is restricted to the cockpit seats and floor, it would seem a shame not to select the full teak decks option (adding about $23,000 to the base price of $709,500). If only to sustain that Big Boat dreaming...

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• Sailboat Guide

Bavaria Cruiser 42

Bavaria Cruiser 42 is a 42 ′ 7 ″ / 13 m monohull sailboat designed by J&J Design and built by Bavaria Yachts between 2004 and 2008.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Deep draft (w/lead keel): 6.92’/2.11m.

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• Data and Options

BAVARIA C42 - Interior

A new sense of space.

The foredeck and side decks provide generous room for a sailing yacht of this size. The innovative hull design also opens up new dimensions below deck. Select from individual cabin layouts ranging from the luxurious 2-cabin version with a spacious bathroom to the comfortable 3-cabin version with two bathrooms.

The U-shaped seating area at the starboard side and the portside lounge bench easily cater for eight people during a cosy dinner. As in classic layouts, the L-shaped pantry is located portside.

Plenty of daylight in the spacious salon.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner – The large fold-out saloon table offers comfortable space for up to 8 people.

Lounge sofa, chart tabel and home office in one.

The lowerable salon table turns the salon into a chillout area.

Lots of space for you and your guests

Thanks to the V-shaped bow and the large side windows, the bow cabin doesn’t simply appear spacious; when it comes to headroom and the space on offer, it’s close to unbeatable.

Owners can look forward to a real king size bed with a breadth of 1.8m and a length of 2.1m. Cupboards and abundant storage space go without saying.

The owner cabin – sea view included.

A separate shower for maximum comfort.

Not a guest bunk but a real guest cabin with 1.60 meter wide beds.

Cupboards and lots of space for family and friends.

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Vision 42 Standard

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 19th March 2020

Vision 42's main features

Vision 42's main dimensions, vision 42's rig and sails, vision 42's performances, vision 42's auxiliary engine, vision 42's accommodations and layout, vision 42's saloon.

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