Wauquiez 37 vs Bavaria 36 Cruiser
French quality finish versus German layout value at ~37 feet: Wauquiez 37's build intent against Bavaria 36's wide secondary market. Side-by-side specs from published model data.
French quality vs volume value — advisory helps when emotional brand preference meets different maintenance realities. Buyer advisory
Comparison table
| Category | Wauquiez 37 | Bavaria 36 Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.25 m | 11.4 m |
| Beam | 3.18 m | 3.6 m |
| Production years | 1971–1977 | 2002–2004 |
| Overview | When you first climb into the aft cabin of a Wauquiez Chance 37, you try to roll over and hit a low ceiling. That is not "bad joinery" - it is the cockpit sole and the pinched IOR stern Britton Chance Jr. traded for One Ton rating and upwind pace. | 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. |
| Typical issues | Q: Why is a listing that says "2012–..." or a bare Centurion badge not enough for a Chance 37? A: The yard window for this form is 1971–1977, about 95 Chance hulls. Later Centurion 37 / 37S boats are another platform; cards often leave the end blank or drag 2012. | 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). |