Bavaria
Bavaria 45
The Bavaria 45 (Cruiser 45, 2010-2013) is a high-volume cruiser from the early Farr Design era, known for its massive interior space and twin-rudder configuration. Positioned as a versatile family or charter yacht, it offers a level of comfort and volume that is hard to beat in the 45-foot segment. It appeals to those who need multiple cabins and heads without the added cost of a 50-footer, making it a staple of the Mediterranean charter trade and a popular choice for large families.
For the surveyor, the 45’s twin-rudder steering system is a primary area of focus; check for any play in the linkage or quadrants and ensure the rudders are properly aligned. The saildrive diaphragm (Volvo Penta) is a critical maintenance item; verify its service history. Additionally, the 45 features a large, electrically operated transom platform; check the actuator motors and hinges for smooth operation and signs of stress. The "Bavaria Smile" at the keel joint should also be inspected, and the bonded coachroof windows should be checked for leaks.
Market context for the 45 is strong among those seeking a spacious 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 modern and functional, with a layout that works well for a large 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
- 2009–2013
- LOA
- 13.6 m
- Beam
- 4.35 m
- Model
- Bavaria 45
Key takeaways
- Best for: budget-conscious buyers needing three cabins and a large social cockpit
- Common issue: twin-rudder high-aspect torque stresses and linear galley instability
- Typical price: depreciated ex-charter stock makes this a highly affordable 45-footer
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.6/10 — High-volume platform with a massive swim platform; excellent value for those seeking Farr performance—check electric platform cables.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 13.6 m
- Beam
- 4.35 m
- Production years
- 2009–2013
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What is the benefit of the twin rudders on the Bavaria 45?
They provide exceptional control and grip, especially when the boat is heeled, preventing the boat from rounding up in a gust.
- How many cabins and heads does the Bavaria 45 have?
It is most commonly found in a 4-cabin/3-head layout, with some 3-cabin versions available for private owners.
- What are the common issues with the Bavaria 45?
Common areas to monitor include the twin-rudder linkage, the electric transom actuators, and the saildrive seal.
- What engine is standard on the Bavaria 45?
Most units are equipped with a 55hp or 75hp Volvo Penta saildrive, providing reliable power for motoring.
- Is the Bavaria 45 easy to sail shorthanded?
While large, the 45 is designed for ease of use with all winches accessible from the helm, making it manageable for a competent couple.
Design History
Bavaria 45 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 2017 to 2022; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~240–510 completed hulls.
Bavaria positioned the Bavaria 45 for coastal and offshore use in the 2017–2022 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 45 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 14.27 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 45 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.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Bavaria 45
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Bavaria 45 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.