2003 Bavaria 41 Cruiser

[Onshaw]

I am thinking about buying a 2003 Bavaria 41 Cruiser. Is there anything in particular about this model that I should be cautious about. I have previously had a B36 holiday and a B37 cruiser so I know a little about Bavaria yachts but I have never sailed a B41 nor do I know anyone who has owned one.
I would be very grateful to anyone who has experience of the B41 (2003) or who owns one if they could let me know their experience - good and bad - especially if the detail is relevant to B41 around 20years old.
Many thanks,
Tom

[sy_Anniina]

Based on quick look on one 2003 Bavaria 41, our 2001 Bavaria 40 seems pretty similar.

Pros and cons that I believe would be relevant to your potential boat as well would be:
+ Plenty of space for crew & equipment
+ Linear galley works surprisingly well even in rough weather - the saloon bench is a good backrest for the chef
+ Compared to modern, more open interior designs, these models provide plenty of support and handholds even in rougher weather
+/- as for any older boat, the condition of the boat, equipment and installations is critical
- Original cockpit teak is approaching rebuild age

BR,

Tommi
s/y Anniina

[Onshaw]

Thank you that is helpful. Do you find manoeuvrability in harbour is fine. I often sail with just one crew member and sometimes alone. I can manage fine with a modern Bavaria 37 cruiser and just wonder if a slightly bigger and older design would be similar or if it would be much harder to control ? Any thoughts / experience. Cheers Tom

[symphony2]

Slightly different comparison, but I had a 2001 37 followed by a 2015 33 which are actually very similar size boats in terms of waterline length and displacement. Not a lot of difference except that the 33 had a bow thruster. I had her for 6 years almost always sailed single handed and managed in and out of a tight berth without difficulty except in strong crosswinds.

Would strongly recommend you fit a bow thruster if the boat does not already have it. Takes a lot of the angst out of low speed handling. i always found it much easier to berth in reverse using the thruster to effectively steer the bow of the boat to follow the stern.

[sy_Anniina]

Thank you that is helpful. Do you find manoeuvrability in harbour is fine. I often sail with just one crew member and sometimes alone.

Have not had any issues handling solo or short-handed. However we also have a bow-thruster. The safest way is to plan approach without the thruster and recover from surprises using the thruster.

Also, our previous boat was a 31ft scandinavian design from mid 80s... So I believe our change in handling was bigger than yours will be.

Tommi


Tommi

[Onshaw]

Hi Tommi,
Thanks again.