← All reviews / Sailing yacht reviews
Freedom review
Sailing yacht · 38 ft (12 m) · Skiathos
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Bavaria
- Model
- Bavaria 38 Cruiser
- Length
- 38 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 6
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
The Bavaria 38 Cruiser is a practical family cruiser with sensible deck layout, a spacious 3-cabin interior, and easy coastal-croising manners. It is not a performance yacht, but its proportions, 40 hp auxiliary, and 150 L fuel tank make it a capable, well-rounded charter or ownership choice.
Pros
- +3-cabin, 2-bath layout suits family cruising
- +Generous interior volume for a 39 ft cruiser
- +40 hp engine gives adequate auxiliary power
- +150 L fuel capacity is suitable for cruising legs
- +Autopilot, GPS, air conditioning and wifi add charter appeal
Cons
- −Average sailing performance compared with sportier cruisers
- −Length is listed inconsistently across sources
- −Moderate tankage limits longer off-grid cruising
- −2005 build means age-related maintenance should be checked
- −Handling is competent rather than especially lively
The Bavaria 38 Cruiser from 2005 is a typical example of Bavaria’s practical production-cruiser approach: a beamy hull, straightforward deck layout, and a cabin plan aimed at usable space rather than sporty styling. Public listings consistently place it around 39–40 ft overall, with a 3-cabin, 2-bath arrangement that works well for up to six guests and occasional extra berths.
On the water, it should be judged as a stable, moderate-performance cruiser rather than a high-performance sailboat. The reported 40 hp auxiliary and 150 L fuel capacity are in line with a coastal and island-hopping role, while the sailing numbers from public sources suggest decent but not standout light-air pace. Autopilot and GPS are useful for short-handed operation, and the boat should be manageable for owners with some cruising experience.
Comfort is one of its stronger points. The interior volume is generally considered generous for the size, and amenities such as air conditioning and wifi improve its appeal as a charter boat or family cruiser. The trade-off is that systems, finishes, and joinery on boats of this era should be checked carefully for age-related wear.
Overall value is solid if the boat has been maintained properly. It offers a practical balance of space, equipment, and cruising ability, but buyers should not expect refined performance or the latest-generation sail plan. For relaxed cruising, it remains a sensible and often good-value choice.
Request offers
Find a boat