The second smallest in its line of cruisers, Bavaria’s new 34-footer boasts a satisfying big-boat feel. It comes with a choice of keels, both cast iron: a shoal-draft tandem keel that’s been shown to be very efficient in tank testing, or an optional conventional fin with a deeper draft.
The mahogany interior features good-size double cabins fore and aft, each with plenty of storage. The galley, to port, is easily worked and offers the chef convenient bracing against the companionway while under way. Opposite sits a real navigator’s station complete with seat, a large chart table, and room for lots of electronic toys. Aft of it, the head/shower compartment has a molded-in indentation on which to hang wet gear-a useful touch. The saloon is basic and homey, with settees long enough to use as sea berths on either side; the port one is L-shaped and lies around a table that unfolds to seat four easily.
On deck, the roomy cockpit supports a centerline pedestal aft of a table with wings that fold out to reveal a built-in drinks cooler. Seats and cockpit sole are decked with teak. Forward are winches and line clutches for the halyards. A molded coaming aft of the cabin-top traveler is ready for the installation of dodger.
Sailing the shoal-draft version of the Bavaria 34 in a puffy northwesterly, I found the helm light and well positioned for comfort and visibility. The boat’s all-around performance suggests that owners will find it hard to resist a spin on the racecourse between family cruises.
Andrew Burton
Specs
LOA 35′ 2″
LWL 30′ 2″
Beam 11′ 10″
Draft 5′ 1″/6′ 4″
Sail Area 660 sq. ft.
Displacement 12,540 lb.
Water 55 gal.
Fuel 40 gal.
Engine 28-hp. Volvo
Designer J&J Design
Price $170,000
Bavaria Yachts
(410) 990-0007
www.bavariayachts.com
