Bavaria 49 or 50

[CMO]

Hello,

We are a family of 7, 5 very young kids. We are looking to buy a boat to travel on for a few years, maybe longer. I like what I see for value in the Bavaria line of boats. Unfortunately I'm in Canada, and most of the boats are in Europe, not a huge problem for buying, but is a drag for tire (fender) kicking.

I'll have lots of questions, but I'll start with this. Why buy a 50 over a 49? The 49 appears to be slightly cheaper due to age, but is there other compelling reasons.

I can't get a definitive number on waterline to mast top on either boat, are either under 65'? It's not a deal breaker, but I'd like to be able to park at least part time at my folks place on the ICW. But like I said not the end of the world if I can't.

[Yngmar]

Mast height is 20m (49) vs 22.3m (on the 50). I've found the data sheet for the Bavaria 49 and added it to the Downloads page here.

[SYJetzt]

and here for the 50

[CMO]

Thank you for the brochures.

Any advice on one over the other?

I'm putting aside 30% to refit the boat for cruising. Where is the best place on the boat to install a generator? Is there a good place?

Thanks

[SYJetzt]

Both are pretty similar.
They are common in the Med and mostly run for charter companies.
All have their wear and tear, and a diligent survey is necessary.
The most common cause for sorting them out is a worn engine.
Usually they are advertised for being available after the charter season (in fall).
Its often a good advice to charter the boat this season to get an impression of its condition.
This charter boats aren't equipped as owners usually want it to be, so a major refit is likely, and in my opinion 30%  is the lower limit to spend.

[IslandAlchemy]

Which model 50 are you talking about?

The J&J 50 (1999-2002), and the 50 cruiser (2005-2008) are the same hull as the 49, just internal changes and changes to the coachroof.

The Farr designed 50 is a totally different boat.

I have a 49, and am happy to answer any questions you have regarding it.

Bob

[elias]

I have chartered a 49 couple times and it was nice and fast . There is one that is on sale the last year in Lefkas - Ionian Sea in good condition . It is a charter boat.

[IslandAlchemy]

Thank you for the brochures.

Any advice on one over the other?

I'm putting aside 30% to refit the boat for cruising. Where is the best place on the boat to install a generator? Is there a good place?

Thanks

Those 2 models share the same hull and the same rig.

My advice would be to find one with the deep lead keel option.  Draws 2.1m instead of the standard 1.8m, and is 2 tons heavier, which helps the boat stand up to the wind a lot better, and means that you go faster, flatter (which makes life much more comfortable).

The lead keel version also had bigger diameter cap shrouds to stand up to the additional load on the rig.