Bavaria 36 Cruiser vs HR 38
German volume production versus Swedish centre-cockpit pedigree: Bavaria 36's scale against Hallberg-Rassy HR 38's Baltic resale pool. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
Bavaria 36 vs HR 38 — advisory helps weigh survey findings against resale depth. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Bavaria 36 Cruiser | HR 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.4 m | 11.57 m |
| Beam | 3.6 m | 3.48 m |
| L/B | 3.17 | 3.32 |
| Hull material | grp | unknown |
| Keel | fin | unknown |
| Designer | J&J Design | unknown |
| Production years | 2002-2004 | 1977-1986 |
| 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. | The HR 38 is one of Northern Europe's most recognisable production sailboats. Designed by Olle Enderlein for Hallberg-Rassy and built from 1977 to 1982 — a classic Enderlein blue-water cruiser before the Frers era scaled the range. |
| 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: What osmotic blistering issues appear on HR 38? A: Older HR GRP may show osmosis; barrier-coat history should be documented. Q: What chainplate leak issues appear on HR 38? A: Chainplate backing pads need internal inspection for laminate softness. Q: What iron keel corrosion issues appear on HR 38? A: Iron ballast encapsulation should be verified with moisture readings. |