Bavaria
Bavaria 56
The Bavaria 56 (Cruiser 56) is the refined successor to the Cruiser 55, incorporating several key updates to the deck and interior to enhance its appeal as a premium flagship. Designed by Farr Yacht Design, it features a powerful, high-volume hull with a twin-rudder configuration and a massive beam. Positioned as a luxury cruiser for the private owner or high-end charter market, the 56 offers a blend of performance and comfort that is hard to beat in the 55-foot production segment.
Surveyors should focus on the twin-wheel steering system and the condition of the Jefa steering components. The 56 also features a large tender garage 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 56’s electric transom platform and tender garage mechanism should be thoroughly tested for smooth operation and signs of stress on the actuators.
In use, the 56 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 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
- 2013+
- LOA
- 16.45 m
- Beam
- 4.76 m
- Model
- Bavaria 56
Key takeaways
- Best for: long-term liveaboards seeking maximum storage and cabin comfort
- Common issue: high windage during docking and steering cable stress in heavy seas
- Typical price: stable pricing in the Mediterranean; often preferred over the 55
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.8/10 — The ultimate evolution of the Farr-designed large Cruiser; exceptional light and air—check tender garage door for warping.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 16.45 m
- Beam
- 4.76 m
- Production years
- 2013+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What distinguishes the Bavaria 56 from the earlier Cruiser 55?
The 56 features a more refined interior, an updated cockpit layout, and improved standard equipment levels.
- Does the Bavaria 56 have a tender garage?
Yes, the 56 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 56?
They provide exceptional control and grip, especially when the boat is heeled, preventing the boat from rounding up in a gust.
- What engine is standard on the Bavaria 56?
Most units are equipped with a 110hp Volvo Penta saildrive, providing reliable power for motoring.
- Is the Bavaria 56 easy to sail shorthanded?
While large, the 56 is designed for ease of use with all winches accessible from the helm, making it manageable for a competent couple.
Design History
Bavaria 56 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 2022 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~280–1090 completed hulls.
Bavaria positioned the Bavaria 56 for coastal and offshore use in the 2022–ongoing 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 56 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 | 17 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 56 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 56
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Bavaria 56 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.