Bavaria’s latest model, the Cruiser 34, is aimed at a sportier audience and is also one of the few designs of its size to offer a three-cabin layout. While unmistakably Bavaria above the waterline and below decks, this Farr design sports a keel that would not have been out of place on a performance design of 10 years ago. It has a shorter (fore and aft) chord length, deeper 2.02m draught and lower centre of gravity than the more conservative fins that are typically fitted to cruising yachts.

Hull and deck construction is of foam cored sandwich, with aluminium reinforcement beneath the deck fittings – it’s a system that has long been used by Bavaria. Take a look for yourself with the boats.com First Look Video from Dusseldorf Boat Show earlier this year.

 


 

Below decks


Although the hull length is only 32ft – don’t be deceived by the model name – Bavaria has still been able to pack in an effective three-cabin layout. This puts it into a distinctly different category to the boats of a similar size that have adopted ultra-open-plan loft-style arrangements.

Bavaria Cruiser 34 review: layout

The three-cabin layout excludes the possibility of having a dedicated navigation area and reduces the size of the galley.



 

As one of the smallest three-cabin yachts currently available, this will have obvious appeal for those who want separate cabins for children or teenagers. The compromise, as well as slightly smaller cabins is a smaller galley and lack of dedicated navigation space. Maximum headroom is a fraction over 1.8m (6ft), which although ample for most, doesn’t confer the feeling of space and volume that many new models offer.

Nevertheless it remains an attractive package that’s fitted out to the builder’s usual standards. For those who are serious about passage-making the saloon also offers two good sea berths – a feature that’s all too often lacking.

 

On deck and performance


Don’t allow the efficient keel to make you worry about this being a flighty boat that’s difficult to handle. You can expect it to respond positively to the helm, with better upwind speed and sail-carrying ability than yachts with a less efficient foil. In any case, the double-spreader rig is of a relatively modest size and is configured for use with easily-handled non-overlapping headsails. The deep keel, which the boat will easily pivot around and which should retain laminar flow even at very slow speeds, will make handling in a tight space easier than a boat with a shallower and less efficient foil.

Bavaria Cruiser 34 review: cockpit and deck

The cockpit is loverly and wide with a nice drop-down swim platform. Improved main sail controls would make the boat easier to sail and more fun.



 

The wide cockpit has twin wheels, contoured seating, a wide fold-down bathing platform and a central folding table. It’s a well-executed layout that makes the boat feel a lot larger than the dimensions suggest. Headsail sheets are handled at winches on the coamings, while the mainsheet is taken to a clutch at the companionway. The twin wheels help ensure a decent view of the luff of the jib from the helm, while headsail sheets are within reach.

 

Equipment and options


A number of items that appear as options for other manufacturers are fitted as standard, including electric windlass with remote control, rod kicker with a gas spring and LED navigation lights. Below decks, the hatches have built-in mosquito screens, hot water is standard and there’s a battery charger for the AGM batteries. On the other hand, a fridge is not part of the standard inventory.

In common with other Bavaria models there is also a comprehensive range of option packages that are designed to enable the boat to be tailored towards different types of usage. In addition, there’s a shoal-draught option for those needing access to shallow waters.

 

What it does best


The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a welcome development that recognises the huge advances in offshore performance yacht design and handling over the past decade, and combines them with the comfortable and spacious cruising accommodation associated with the Bavaria brand. As such, it should have plenty of appeal to a younger generation of boat owners.

Bavaria Cruiser 34 review: hull lines

Electric windlass with remote control, rod kicker with a gas spring and LED navigation lights are all fitted as standard.



 

Compromises


The Bavaria 34 is a little smaller, particularly in terms of hull length, than might be expected given the model name. Inevitably this means there’s not as much volume for the designers to play with, although they have still done a good job in producing a viable three-cabin layout where most manufacturers would offer only two.

While the new keel is a welcome development, the deck layout doesn't fully match the new boat’s sporty potential. This is by no means unique to this model – the arrangement mirrors that of many contemporary designs – but in my view the addition of improved deck hardware, notably a traveller for the mainsheet, would make the boat both easier to sail and more fun.

 

Other models in the range


Bavaria’s long-standing position as one of the world’s largest boatbuilders means it has a wide range of other models, encompassing a further 12 current designs stretching up to 56ft and including two deck saloon models (see: Bavaria Cruiser 51 video). In addition there’s a 21ft model – the B/One sportsboat/ fast weekend cruiser.

 

Alternative boats


The Bavaria 34 is a little smaller in terms of hull length and beam than the smallest models from some of the company’s biggest competitors, while few designs of the same size offer a three-cabin layout as standard. Nevertheless, the Hanse 315 is an obvious contender, as are the slightly larger Beneteau Oceanis 35 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349.

The new Marlow Legend 31 is also well worth a look providing a three cabin layout is not required – this boat has a hull length only 2cm shorter than the Bavaria’s, coupled with a wider beam.

 

Bavaria Cruiser 34 review: Specifications


LOA: 9.99m
Hull length: 9.75m
LWL: 9.15m
Beam: 3.42 m
Draught (standard keel): 2.02m
Draught (shallow keel): 1.58m
Displacement: 5,300kg
Ballast: 1,370kg
Engine: 18hp Volvo Penta with saildrive
Fuel tank: 150 litres
Water tank: 150 litres
Sail area: 51sq m
Air draught: 14.85m

Written by: Rupert Holmes
Rupert Holmes has more than 70,000 miles of offshore cruising and racing experience, in waters ranging from the North Sea to the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn. He writes about all aspects of boat ownership and marine travel, including destinations, seamanship and maintenance, as well as undertaking regular new boat and gear tests. He currently sails around 5,000 miles per year and in the past couple of seasons has cruised from the UK to the Azores, as well as winning his class in the 2014 two-handed Round Britain and Ireland Race. He also owns two yachts, one based in the Mediterranean and the other in the UK.