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Orca review
Sailing yacht · 39 ft (12 m) · Marina Špinut
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Bavaria
- Model
- Bavaria 40 Cruiser
- Length
- 39 ft (12 m)
- Guests
- 6
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
A practical 40-foot cruiser with a proven layout, decent sailing manners, and strong charter-friendly livability. The 3-cabin, 2-head configuration and 210L fuel tank suit family or group cruising, while the 39hp Volvo Penta is adequate rather than powerful.
Pros
- +3 cabins and 2 heads suit crewed or family cruising
- +12.35m length with a spacious cruising layout
- +Good comfort features: air conditioning, heating, wifi, fridge, oven
- +Useful handling aids: autopilot, bow thruster, electric windlass
Cons
- −39hp engine is modest for the boat’s size
- −No crew cabin; capacity is limited to 6+1 guests
- −Performance is cruising-oriented rather than sporty
- −Fuel capacity is standard, not exceptional for extended motoring
The Bavaria 40 Cruiser is a mainstream production sailing yacht designed for easy family cruising rather than high-performance sailing. Public specs consistently place it at about 12.35m LOA with a 3-cabin, 2-head layout, which gives it a practical interior for charter use and owner-weekend sailing.
On the water, it is best described as steady and manageable. The sail plan and displacement point to a balanced cruiser, while the bow thruster, autopilot, and electric anchor windlass make docking and short-handed handling more approachable. The 39hp Volvo Penta is sufficient for routine harbor work and motoring under calm conditions, but it is not a standout for strong acceleration or heavy motoring reserves.
Comfort is one of its strengths. The listed amenities include air conditioning, heating, wifi, shower facilities, a coffee machine, oven, fridge, audio system, TV, and outside speakers, which makes it well suited to relaxed coastal cruising. With 6+1 berths and 7-person capacity, it works best as a social cruiser where livability matters more than speed.
In value terms, it remains attractive because it combines a popular size, familiar Bavaria systems, and broad charter appeal. It is not the most refined or most powerful 40-footer, but it offers a sensible balance of space, easy handling, and usable equipment.
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