Bavaria 36 Cruiser vs Bavaria 42
Bavaria's volume-production ladder: Bavaria 36's entry cruising value versus Bavaria 42's family layout and wider Baltic listing pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Bavaria size step — advisory clarifies cabin layout trade-offs before you stretch budget for extra beam. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Bavaria 36 Cruiser | Bavaria 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.4 m | 12.99 m |
| Beam | 3.6 m | 3.99 m |
| Production years | 2002–2004 | 2004–2008 |
| Overview | You stand on the pier with a tape measure at the stern of a Bavaria 36, and the numbers do not match. The listing says "36", but the tape along the topsides reads about 11.40 m - almost 37.5 feet. | You crouch at the leading edge of a Bavaria 42 keel with a flashlight, looking for the "Bavaria smile" - a sealant crack at the keel joint that forums talk about. Before you decide it is only sealant or a survey call, read the builder's plate. |
| Typical issues | Q: Why is the bare name «Bavaria 36» not enough for a shortlist? A: The used market holds an early 1998–2000 boat (later sold as 37), the J&J 2002–2004 form, and a later Cruiser. Read year and designer on the plate. Q: Where does the ~10.96 m length come from? A: It is often length on deck (LOD). | Q: How do I read years if the card says 2005–2012? A: Check the builder plate year on this hull. Model window for Cruiser 42: 2004–2008. Years 2005–2012 on the card are an elongated catalog ghost, not this series. An end near 2007 or open 2005–2013 in secondary lists is again plate work. Q: What length and beam belong to this Bavaria 42? A: About 12.99 × 3.99 m with lightship around 9.2 t. |