The Bavaria 46 Cruiser Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The design ratios of a sailboat are numerical values that indicate its speed potential, stability, seaworthiness, comfort, and sailing characteristics. Some of the common design ratios for the Bavaria 46 are:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): This ratio measures the power of the sail plan relative to the weight of the boat. A higher SA/D means more speed potential, but also more heeling and weather helm. The SA/D of the Bavaria 46 ranges from 16.7 for the standard version to 18.6 for the C46 version, which are moderate to high values for a cruising sailboat.

• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): This ratio measures the stability of the boat against heeling and capsizing. A higher B/D means more stiffness and resistance to heeling, but also more weight and drag. The B/D of the Bavaria 46 ranges from 29.5% for the standard version to 32.4% for the C46 version, which are average to high values for a cruising sailboat.

• Displacement to Length (D/L): This ratio measures the heaviness of the boat relative to its waterline length. A lower D/L means less resistance and more speed potential, but also less carrying capacity and comfort. The D/L of the Bavaria 46 ranges from 166 for the standard version to 145 for the C46 version, which are moderate values for a cruising sailboat.

• Comfort Ratio (CR): This ratio measures the motion comfort of the boat in rough seas. A higher CR means less pitching and rolling, but also more weight and drag. The CR of the Bavaria 46 ranges from 25.9 for the standard version to 23.5 for the C46 version, which are low to moderate values for a cruising sailboat.

Based on these ratios, we can expect that the Bavaria 46 will perform well under sail, with good speed potential, stability, and manoeuvrability, but also some heeling and weather helm. The boat will be suitable for coastal and offshore cruising, but may not be very comfortable in rough seas.

The original Bavaria 46 was discontinued in 2005 after five years of production. However, Bavaria Yachts has continued to produce new versions of the Bavaria 46 with different names and features. The current versions are:

• Cruiser 46: This version was introduced in 2014 and is still in production as of 2023. It is a modernized version of the original Bavaria 46 with a larger cockpit, a twin rudder system, a fold-down transom platform, and an improved interior layout with three or four cabins. It has also won several awards, including the European Yacht of the Year in 2015.

• C46: This version was introduced in 2023 and is also still in production as of 2023. It is a further evolution of the Cruiser 46 with a more streamlined hull shape, a V-shaped bow, a taller mast, a larger sail area, and a more luxurious interior with three to five cabins.

The exact number of Bavaria 46 sailboats built is not publicly available, but it is estimated that there are over 1,000 units worldwide.

Besides the original Bavaria 46, the Cruiser 46, and the C46, there were also some alternative versions of the Bavaria 46 that were built for specific markets or purposes. Some of these versions are:

• Bavaria 46 Holiday: This version was a charter version of the original Bavaria 46 with a simpler interior and equipment, and a five-cabin layout.

• Bavaria 46 Vision: This version was a premium version of the original Bavaria 46 with a higher quality interior and equipment, and a two or three-cabin layout.

• Bavaria 46 Cruiser Exclusive: This version was a special edition of the Cruiser 46 with a teak deck, a bow thruster, an electric winch, and other extras.

• Bavaria 46 Cruiser Style: This version was another special edition of the Cruiser 46 with a light oak interior, leather upholstery, an electric toilet, and other extras.

The differences between these versions are mainly in the interior design, equipment, and cabin configuration, while the hull shape, rigging, and performance are similar.

The number of people that can sleep on board a Bavaria 46 depends on the cabin layout and the use of the saloon.

The original Bavaria 46 had three or four cabins, each with a double berth, and the saloon could also be converted into a double berth.

The Cruiser 46 has three or four cabins as well, but with larger berths and more storage space.

The C46 has three to five cabins, with the option of having a master cabin in the bow or in the stern.

Therefore, the maximum number of people that can sleep on board a Bavaria 46 ranges from six to twelve, depending on the version and the layout.

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Bavaria 46, praising its spaciousness, comfort, performance, and value for money. Some of the quotes from the sailing press are:

• "The Bavaria 46 is a big boat that offers excellent accommodation for long-distance cruising. It is well built and finished, and has a good turn of speed under sail." (Sailing Today, 2001)

• "The new Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a very well designed and engineered boat that delivers across a range of fronts – sailing ability, comfort, space and value." (Yachting Monthly, 2014)

• "The new C46 is an impressive yacht that combines style, comfort and performance in a very attractive package. It is a versatile cruiser that can adapt to different needs and preferences." (Sail Magazine, 2023)

Owners of the Bavaria 46 also have mostly positive things to say about their boats, highlighting their satisfaction with the quality, functionality, and enjoyment of their sailboats. Some of the quotes from the owners are:

• "We have owned our Bavaria 46 for over ten years and we love it. It is a solid and reliable boat that has taken us to many beautiful places. It is easy to sail and handle, even with just two people. It has plenty of room and comfort for our family and friends." (John and Mary, UK)

• "We bought our Cruiser 46 last year and we are very happy with it. It is a modern and elegant boat that performs well in all conditions. It has a spacious cockpit and a bright interior that makes us feel at home. It has everything we need for our cruising lifestyle." (Peter and Anna, Germany)

• "We are proud owners of a new C46 and we are amazed by it. It is a stunning boat that attracts attention wherever we go. It has a sleek hull and a powerful sail plan that gives us speed and excitement. It has a luxurious interior and a flexible layout that suits our needs." (Mark and Laura, USA)

The Bavaria 46 has two keel options: a standard keel and a shoal keel. The standard keel has a draft of 6'9" (2.1m) and a weight of 7,716lb (3,500kg).

The shoal keel has a draft of 5'8" (1.73m) and a weight of 8,157lb (3,700kg). Both keels are made of cast iron and have a bulb shape that concentrates the ballast at the lowest point. The shoal keel allows the boat to access shallower waters but also reduces its stability and performance.