Bavaria
Bavaria 46
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The Bavaria 46 (Cruiser 46, 2013+) is a highly successful model that refined the Farr-designed Cruiser series, offering a more polished and functional cruising platform than the earlier 45. Positioned as a premium mid-range cruiser, it features a twin-wheel layout, a massive fold-down transom, and an exceptionally bright and airy interior. It appeals to owners who want a modern, stylish yacht that is easy to sail and provides a high level of comfort for extended cruising or holiday use.
Surveyors should focus on the twin-wheel steering system and the condition of the Jefa steering components. The 46 also features large hull windows and a complex electrical system; check for any signs of leaks or electrical issues. The saildrive diaphragm age remains a critical check, and the "Bavaria Smile" at the keel joint should be investigated. Additionally, the 46’s electric transom platform (if fitted) should be thoroughly tested for smooth operation and signs of stress on the actuators.
In use, the 46 is a fast and stable cruiser that provides a powerful sailing experience. The interior is modern and spacious, with multiple layout options including three or four cabins. It is a yacht that feels substantial and safe, with a level of finish that is a significant step up from the earlier Cruiser series. For the buyer, it represents a modern and highly capable cruiser that holds its value well and is easy to maintain, offering a level of luxury that is characteristic of the Farr-designed Bavarias.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2015–2019
- LOA
- 14.27 m
- Beam
- 4.35 m
- Model
- Bavaria 46
Key takeaways
- Best for: serious bluewater cruising or high-end charter service
- Common issue: steering linkage 'play' in the twin-rudder system and undersized factory hardware
- Typical price: premium pricing for the class; very high liquidity in the brokerage market
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.5/10 — The pinnacle of Bavaria’s Farr era; unmatched cabin ergonomics and sailing balance—verify saildrive seal replacement history.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 14.27 m
- Beam
- 4.35 m
- Production years
- 2015–2019
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What distinguishes the Bavaria 46 from the earlier Cruiser 45?
The 46 features a more refined Farr-designed hull, an updated interior with better lighting, and a more social cockpit layout.
- How many cabins are in the Bavaria 46?
It is most commonly found in a 3-cabin/3-head or 4-cabin/3-head layout, with a flexible bulkhead system in some versions.
- What should I check when buying a used Bavaria 46?
Focus on the steering linkage, the condition of the hull windows, and the operation of the electric transom platform.
- How does the Bavaria 46 perform under sail?
It is a powerful and well-balanced sailer, particularly effective on a reach where its modern hull design provides excellent speed and stability.
- Is the Bavaria 46 easy to dock?
Yes, with its twin wheels and optional bow thruster, the 46 is very maneuverable in tight marina spaces.
Design History
Bavaria 46 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 2015 to 2019; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~440–980 completed hulls.
Bavaria positioned the Bavaria 46 for coastal and offshore use in the 2015–2019 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 46 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 46 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 46
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Bavaria 46 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.