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My Way review
Sailing yacht · 45 ft (14 m) · Lefkada
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Bavaria
- Model
- Bavaria 47
- Length
- 45 ft (14 m)
- Guests
- 8
- Cabins
- 4
Verdict
The Bavaria 47 is a spacious late-generation cruising yacht with a practical layout, moderate performance, and strong charter-friendly livability. It suits relaxed coastal or passage cruising more than spirited sailing, with the main trade-off being that comfort and volume come before sharp handling.
Pros
- +4 cabins and 3 bathrooms suit group cruising
- +48.06 ft LOA with a wide 4.45 m beam for interior volume
- +Fractional sloop rig and 59 hp diesel are proven, simple choices
- +230 L fuel capacity is adequate for cruising use
Cons
- −Not a performance-oriented cruiser; emphasis is on stability and comfort
- −Single 59 hp engine is modest for a 48 ft yacht
- −Deep draft can limit access to shallow anchorages
- −Charter-style layout may feel less private with a full guest load
The Bavaria 47 is a straightforward German-built cruising yacht with a fractional sloop rig, fin keel and spade rudder, and a generous 14.45 m-class footprint that prioritizes usable volume over aggressive styling. Its 48.06 ft length, 4.45 m beam, and moderate draft place it firmly in the mainstream family-cruiser segment rather than the performance cruiser category.
On the water, the boat should feel predictable and stable rather than quick. Published specifications point to a hull speed of about 8.5 knots and a 59 hp Volvo diesel, which is enough for routine maneuvering and motoring under normal cruising conditions, but not especially powerful for a yacht of this size. The fractional rig and balanced hull form suggest manageable handling for a small crew, especially with autopilot and GPS fitted.
For livability, the 4-cabin, 3-bathroom layout and 8-berth capacity make it well suited to family trips or bareboat charter use. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi add comfort at anchor, while the overall layout should deliver good headroom and social space thanks to the beam. The trade-off is privacy and simplicity: this is a practical charter-friendly arrangement, not a highly customized owner’s yacht.
In value terms, the Bavaria 47 remains attractive because it combines size, accommodation, and conservative systems in a widely known production platform. Buyers or charter guests looking for comfortable cruising at a reasonable operating complexity will find it compelling, while sailors seeking lively handling or very shallow access may prefer a more specialized design.


