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bavaria 38 review
Sailing yacht · 39 ft (12 m) · Lymington
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- bavaria
- Model
- 38
- Length
- 39 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 8
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
A practical, well-sized family cruiser with straightforward systems, solid interior volume and good value in the used market. It is not the sharpest performer, but it delivers predictable handling and comfortable passagemaking for short-handed coastal cruising.
Pros
- +Three-cabin layout with usable accommodation for up to 8
- +Balanced cruising-focused design with modest draft and easy sail plan
- +Comfortable interior volume for a 39 ft boat
- +Strong used-market value compared with many rivals
Cons
- −Moderate performance rather than lively sailing feel
- −Standard engine is small for the boat by modern expectations
- −Build and joinery are functional more than premium
- −Can feel a little heavy and less engaging upwind
The Bavaria 38 from this era is a straightforward production cruiser aimed at comfort, space and affordability rather than pure sailing excitement. At about 39 feet, it offers a sensible beam, a family-friendly three-cabin arrangement and an interior that generally feels larger than its length suggests. The layout suits charter use and private cruising alike.
On the water, it is best described as predictable and easy to handle. The hull form and sail plan favor stable cruising manners over fast, lively performance, so it rewards relaxed passagemaking more than aggressive point-and-shoot sailing. With a modest standard diesel and cruising-oriented rig, it is well matched to couples or families who want uncomplicated operation and manageable loads.
Livability is one of its strengths, with good headroom, practical storage and enough room for extended weekends or longer coastal trips. The trade-off is that finish quality and materials are more functional than luxurious, and the boat’s sailing feel is not as crisp as some performance-oriented rivals. Overall, it remains a strong value proposition for buyers prioritizing space, ease of use and sensible ownership costs.
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