Bavaria
Bavaria 38
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The Bavaria 38 (Cruiser 38, 2008-2010) is a robust and spacious cruiser from the J&J Design era, known for its solid construction and traditional interior layout. Positioned as a reliable family yacht, it offers a level of comfort and volume that made it a staple of the charter market and a popular choice for private owners. While it lacks the sleeker lines of the newer Farr designs, it is often praised for its "stiff" feel and predictable handling in a variety of sea states.
For the surveyor, the 38 requires a careful check of the keel-to-hull joint for the "Bavaria Smile" and an inspection of the keel bolts for corrosion. The saildrive diaphragm (Volvo Penta) is a critical maintenance item; verify its service history. Additionally, the 38 features a single large rudder; check the bearings for any play or clunking. The teak decks, if fitted, should be inspected for wear and the condition of the caulking, as these can be a significant maintenance expense as the boat ages. The interior joinery is generally robust, but check for any signs of moisture ingress around the portlights and hatches.
Market context for the 38 is strong among those seeking a reliable and affordable cruiser with a proven track record. It is a boat that is easy to sail and provides a stable, reassuring platform for coastal or offshore cruising. The interior is traditional and functional, with a layout that works well for a family or crew. For the buyer, it represents a practical and well-built yacht that offers a high level of value in the second-hand market.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2000-2007
- LOA
- 12.3 m
- Beam
- 3.86 m
- Model
- Bavaria Cruiser 38
Key takeaways
- Best for: traditional cruisers seeking a robust, predictable family staple
- Common issue: keel-to-hull joint ("Bavaria Smile") and teak deck wear
- Typical price: excellent entry-level value; deep used market pool
Offshore rating & survey verdict
Top 3 survey red flags
- How does the Bavaria 38 compare to the newer Cruiser 37
- Is the Bavaria 38 suitable for offshore cruising
- What are the common issues with the Bavaria 38
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 12.3 m
- Beam
- 3.86 m
- L/B
- 3.19
- Production years
- 2000-2007
Calculations and ratios
Brochure numbers need matching units. Open a FairHelm formula page for the classical form, rule of thumb, and limits before you compare listings.
Design history
Bavaria 38 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. German designers shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2005 to 2012; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~200–560 completed hulls.
Bavaria positioned the Bavaria 38 for coastal and offshore use in the 2005–2012 production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a Bavaria 38 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- How does the Bavaria 38 compare to the newer Cruiser 37?
The 38 is a more traditional design with a single wheel and a slightly heavier feel, while the 37 is sleeker, faster, and features twin wheels.
- Is the Bavaria 38 suitable for offshore cruising?
Yes, the 38 is a Category A offshore yacht and is well-regarded for its stability and predictable motion in a seaway.
- What are the common issues with the Bavaria 38?
Common areas to monitor include the saildrive seal, the rudder bearings, and the condition of the teak decks if fitted.
- What engine is standard on the Bavaria 38?
Most units are equipped with a 30hp or 40hp Volvo Penta saildrive, providing reliable power for motoring.
- How many cabins are in the Bavaria 38?
It is most commonly found in a 3-cabin layout with one or two heads, providing ample space for a full crew.
Annual ownership costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 11.6 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Bavaria 38 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Calculators for this boat
Indicative figure for weekend use. The country supplies berth and winter. The insurance line stays the Swedish planning band - not a Danish, German, or Dutch premium. Maintenance stays Swedish too. Not a marina quote.
- Netherlands (annual contract)€6,090 - €9,448
- Sweden (planning bands)€8,050 - €12,750
- Denmark (two harbours, season)€6,154 - €9,327
Antifouling
Litres need waterline length and draft. This page only has length overall and beam, so litres are not calculated here.
Open the antifouling calculatorWetted surfaceSail planAll calculators
Pre-purchase survey checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Bavaria 38
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Bavaria 38 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.9/10: Robust J&J-designed family staple; verify keel joint for the "Bavaria Smile" and check teak deck wear.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial, Last reviewed: 2026-07-12