Admittedly, the rationale for hoisting a gennaker on a boat like the Bavaria Cruiser 33 in 30 knots of breeze might merit some discussion. But fact is, that it works and surprisingly easy, too. Surfing down the waves at full speed close to 12 knots is new to Bavaria product manager Daniel Kohl who called it “record-breaking”.

Bavaria Cruiser 33 under sail

The Cruiser 33's new and radically overhauled styling comes from Design Unlimited.



 

With the Cruiser 33, Bavaria presents not merely a new boat, but also determines the direction for the complete overhaul of the current touring models in the coming years. The entry-level model was first in line, followed by the flagship Cruiser 56. The folks in Giebelstadt are following the script from three years ago when they kicked off the current touring line with the Cruiser 32. That boat turned heads with numerous and daring innovations, but especially with its unique and somewhat polarising design.

The new and radically overhauled styling comes from Design Unlimited, the Brits who provided the characteristic look for Bavaria’s new Vision line (see Bavaria Vision 46: First of a new generation of deck saloon cruisers). Again they used accentuated curvy lines and shunned corners and edges, which is a good fit for the small Cruiser 33. Her predecessor’s notably small and strictly angular windows were replaced by larger and rounded ones. The cabin top of the 33 has a long dark visor disguising the windows, which goes well with the lines and is a big asset, not just visually.

 

More space, better layout


From the Cruiser 32 Bavaria adopted only the hull shape and the swimming platform, which set a new standard in this class three years ago. In the meantime the competitors, notably the Dufour 335 Grand’Large and the Hanse 345 followed suit with large stern platforms of their own.

On the Bavaria the mechanism is supported by an unobtrusive gas compression spring, hence opening and closing don’t take a lot of muscle. Everything else is new, starting with the deck. Compared to the predecessor the cockpit coaming was shortened considerably, which also resulted in a much more commodious helm station. The thwarts bend around aft of the wheel and connect flush to the side deck. The helmsperson now can take up a better, more comfortable and stable position that offers better visibility under sail.

On the Cruiser 32 only the steering position on the cockpit benches offered decent comfort. Besides, it was necessary to climb over the thwarts to get from the stern to the cockpit, while boarding the new boat is less laborious.

The helm pedestal was redesigned and now is more massive. The steering mechanism and the autopilot no longer live in a GRP box under the cockpit table, but are integrated in the console. Crew sitting on the thwarts enjoys more comfort and legroom, too.

Bavaria Cruiser 33 under sail

The helm station offers greater comfort in comparison to the Cruiser 32.



 

Simple handling, less power


After an rousing, fun-filled but safe surfing safari under gennaker, the Bavaria Cruiser 33 had to go hard on the breeze for the long slog back. Initially, the boat felt a bit restive under reefed main in the high and steep waves, which was a function of the short length, not of the hull shape. The closer to shore, the smaller the waves, the faster and the stiffer the little Bavaria sailed.

Bavaria cruiser 33 sail plan

Bavaria Cruiser 33 sail plan.



 

In winds that exceeded 20 knots at times, the boat sailed to weather at a consistent speed of 6.5 knots (GPS verified) at a true wind angle of 42 degrees. That's very respectable for a yacht this size and a tad better than the polars of the VPP diagram. Farr Design moved the keel and the rig a couple of inches forward, which to help the boat’s balance under sail. The rudder’s size and position and the water flow across the blade are impeccable. The helmsman enjoys control and pleasant feedback on all courses.

The cockpit’s layout is conservative, but tried and tested: The halyards are near the companionway, while genoa and gennaker sheets are led to the winches on the coamings. Only the mainsheet system is different. The pulley attaches to a stable steel bar that is integrated into the cockpit table. It creates a good sheeting angle, but that only partially compensates for the absence of a traveler. The sheet is easy to handle and within reach of the helmsperson. Exemplary is Bavaria’s decision to include a pulley to trim the backstay with the standard rigging package. However, on the test boat the block of the bridle was too low, which interfered with steering.

Because the chainplates are attached to the outside of the hull, the genoa’s overlap is limited to 106 percent. In turn, the cars for the adjustable jib leads moved from the side deck to the cabin top. This system was new on the Cruiser 32, which helped start a trend in this class. The short sheeting distances are advantageous, because tacking in a breeze does not require a whole lot more grinding on the winches. Also the side decks are unobstructed and the cabin top can be a bit wider, which benefits the interior volume. Sailors with sporty ambitions can add a gennaker or code zero, either as a single item or as part of one of the many options packages offered by Bavaria for all kinds of wants and needs.

At he conclusion of the test, the standard Volvo 19-hp diesel pushes the boat back to the marina. With a two-blade fixed prop maneuverability was excellent. The boat accelerates forward and backward in a straight line with a barely noticeable wheel effect. The 33 also immediately responds to engine and rudder commands. The sound insulation, however should be addressed by the yard. The noise level of 77 dB in the aft cabin measured at cruising speed exceeds the limit permitted by YACHT ’s definition.

 

Bavaria Cruiser 33 saloon

Below decks the Cruiser 33 is lighter with rounder and smoother shapes.



 

More light, better living


Below deck the general layout remains unchanged. Compared to more voluminous models of the competition (Hanse, Dufour) the lines of the Bavaria could be called modest, almost conservative. A three-cabin version like on the Hanse 345 is out of the question, hence Bavaria sticks to two cabins and one lavatory. However, upon scrutiny and re-measuring, the perceived parallels to the previous interior must be put into perspective, because of the many details that were modified in response to customer input.

Bavaria cruiser 33

A range of modifications have been made following consumer feedback.



 

This includes the small forward berth. It is much larger now and satisfies the comfort requirements of two adults. Consequently, Bavaria moved the main and the aft bulkheads 10 centimetres farther back. The height restrictions in the aft cabin under the cockpit floor were mitigated as well, measuring 43 instead of 25 centimetres. This was achieved with a new floor liner that is flatter overall, but also wider. It moves the floor boards lower and adds interior height compared to the 32.

Outside and in, Bavaria is resorting to rounder and smoother shapes. The handholds are no longer steel but made from massive wood. The cabinetry doesn’t have as many edges and isn’t forced into rectangular shapes. It creates a pretty and yachty impression, especially on the test boat that was finished in teak. Other available alternatives are mahogany and oak veneers along with numerous options for upholstery.

The base price of 74,850 Euro for the Bavaria Cruiser 33 is approximately 8,000 Euro higher than that of the predecessor, the Cruiser 32. The manufacturers cite higher development costs, a better base package and better quality while also pointing to higher material cost for GRP construction, which have triggered the price increase. But compared to the competition, the Bavaria still remains very attractively priced.

With the new Cruiser 33 Bavaria successfully eliminated the last lingering issues of their entry-level model and now offers an attractive package. Only the increased cost can temper the delight a bit. But after comparing, this surcharge seems acceptable.

Screen Shot 2014-02-07 at 11.20.08This story originally appeared in YACHT magazine, and is republished here by permission. Translated by Dieter Loibner.

 

Specifications
Designer: Farr Yacht
CE Category: A (Offshore)
LOA: 9.75m
LWL: 8.85m
Beam: 3.42m
Draft (std./shoal): 1.95/1.5m
Displacement:  5,2 t
Mainsail: 28.3sq m
Genoa (106%) 22.3 sq m
Engine (Volvo) 13 kW/19 PS

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