Bavaria
Bavaria 55
The Bavaria 55 (Cruiser 55) marked a significant milestone for the yard as one of the first large-scale collaborations with Farr Yacht Design. Positioned as a high-performance luxury cruiser, it features a sleek, modern hull with a twin-rudder configuration and a massive 5.06-meter beam. It appeals to owners who want a flagship presence with a more responsive and faster sailing experience than the earlier J&J designs, offering a level of comfort and finish that was a major step up for Bavaria.
Surveyors should focus on the twin-rudder steering system and the condition of the Jefa steering components. The 55 also features a large tender garage at the transom—a first for the brand—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 55’s electric transom platform and tender garage mechanism should be thoroughly tested for smooth operation and signs of stress.
In use, the 55 is a fast and stable cruiser that provides a powerful sailing experience. The interior is modern and spacious, with multiple layout options including three, four, or five cabins. It is a yacht that feels substantial and safe, with a level of finish that was 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
- 2009–2014
- LOA
- 16.75 m
- Beam
- 4.87 m
- Model
- Bavaria 55
Key takeaways
- Best for: owners prioritizing unique styling and tender storage over sailing agility
- Common issue: hydraulic garage door alignment and BMW-era interior finish durability
- Typical price: steep depreciation makes this a bargain for its size and features
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.4/10 — A bold BMW-styled cruiser featuring a pioneering tender garage; high volume and distinct aesthetics—complex hydraulics require care.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 16.75 m
- Beam
- 4.87 m
- Production years
- 2009–2014
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Does the Bavaria 55 have a tender garage?
Yes, the 55 features a large longitudinal tender garage at the transom, capable of housing a substantial RIB.
- What is the benefit of the twin rudders on the Bavaria 55?
They provide exceptional control and grip, especially when the boat is heeled, preventing the boat from rounding up in a gust.
- How many cabins are in the Bavaria 55?
It is most commonly found in a 3-cabin, 4-cabin, or 5-cabin layout, providing ample space for a large crew.
- What engine is standard on the Bavaria 55?
Most units are equipped with a 110hp Volvo Penta saildrive, providing reliable power for motoring.
- Is the Bavaria 55 easy to sail shorthanded?
While large, the 55 is designed for ease of use with all winches accessible from the helm, making it manageable for a competent couple.
Design History
Bavaria 55 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 2010 to 2018; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~400–1030 completed hulls.
Bavaria positioned the Bavaria 55 for coastal and offshore use in the 2010–2018 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 55 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 | 16.8 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 55 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 55
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Bavaria 55 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.