An 11-meter cruising sailboat, the Bavaria 36 blends onboard comfort, solid construction, and ease of handling. Designed for both coastal and offshore cruising, it primarily targets families looking for space and safety. Offered at a competitive price, it has won over a wide audience of European sailors.
History of the Boat
Launched in 2002 by the German shipyard Bavaria Yachts, the Bavaria 36 was designed by renowned naval architect Bruce Farr, with interiors developed by BMW DesignworksUSA. The shipyard bet on advanced industrialization to offer a yacht that was efficient, reliable, and affordable.
Built using laminated polyester with a reinforced structure, the Bavaria 36 achieved considerable success, with several hundred units produced. It preceded the Bavaria 37 and competed with models like the Sun Odyssey 37 (Jeanneau) and the Océanis 361 (Bénéteau), all designed for family cruising.
Interior Layout and Deck Organization
Available in two or three cabin versions, the Bavaria 36 offers a bright and well-ventilated interior, finished with varnished wood and strip flooring. The spacious central saloon seats up to eight guests, and the L-shaped galley is suitable for extended onboard living.
The cockpit is deep and protected, featuring single or twin helm stations depending on the version. The side decks are wide, and roof handrails make movement safer. The stern platform, either fixed or fold-down, provides easy access to the water or dock.
Sailing Performance, Rigging, and Engine
The Bavaria 36 is fitted with a masthead rig, featuring a semi-battened mainsail and a furling genoa. The 65 m² sail area is well suited to its cruising program. At sea, the boat is stable and reassuring, even in strong winds.
It is powered by a 29 HP Volvo Penta engine, which is sufficient for harbor maneuvers and light-wind sailing. The 150-liter fuel tank ensures good autonomy.
Owner Reviews
Owners frequently praise the hull’s sturdiness, generous interior volume, and solid sea performance. The value for money is a strong point, as is the ease of maintenance.
Some criticism is directed at the light construction details (thin bulkheads, limited soundproofing) and a certain slowness in light air. However, these aspects are often outweighed by the comfort onboard and reliability underway.
Bavaria 36 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shipyard | Bavaria Yachts |
| Architect | Bruce Farr |
| Launch Year | 2002 |
| LOA (Length Overall) | 11.30 m |
| LWL (Length Waterline) | 9.45 m |
| Beam | 3.67 m |
| Draft | 1.65 m (standard) / 1.95 m (perf) |
| Displacement | 5,500 kg |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (cast iron) |
| Construction | Laminated polyester |
| Keel Type | Fixed keel |
| Engine | Volvo Penta 29 HP |
| Fuel Tank | 150 L |
| Water Tank | 320 L |
| Total Sail Area | 65 m² |
| Mainsail | 30 m² |
| Genoa | 35 m² |
| Cabins | 2 or 3 |
| Berths | 6 to 8 |
| CE Category | A (offshore) |