Bavaria C46: Voluminous comfort boat with good sailing performance in the test
Fridtjof Gunkel
· 22.01.2024
Fixed bowsprit over the anchor bracket, vertical or even aft-tilted stern, chines and edges in various derivatives, folding bathing platform, wide stern and lots of volume, large cockpit, preferably with barbecue and upholstery landscape like on the terrace at home. This is what today's typical cruising boat looks like. It provides comfort through space on and below deck, it sails quite passably to surprisingly well, especially on the more spacious courses favoured, and it swallows up as many cabins as possible. Converted space, so to speak. Sometimes there are already three on 32-foot boats, and a 14-metre yacht today has to have four or even five cabins in order to serve the charter market well.
All this also applies to Bavaria's new C46. It is the youngest in its class, and all the other large-scale production yards have already caught up. Visually, the boat is a further development of the company's own line, as the YACHT test in Neustadt shows. The boat has a powerful, dynamic appearance, the chines and edges are striking, the window line, which extends finely aft and now also forwards, stretches the superstructure and ship and represents a certain signature. With a width of 4.70 metres, which remains almost the same all the way aft, the C46 is at the upper end of the class average.
The old Bavaria C45 was narrow in the foredeck, now the cabins there are quite large
Bavaria already had a C45 in its programme, but it needed to be improved. Designer Maurizio Cossutti from Italy: "The old boat had less space at the front, the cabins were too narrow there." And it was possible to save weight, for example, as the keel is now 2.30 metres deep, which made it possible to make the bomb of the L-keel narrower and lighter with the same overall stability.
His partner Alessandro Ganz: "The brief was clear, but not easy: Bavaria wanted a larger, more comfortable boat, but one that would look more elegant and slimmer - a contradiction in terms." However, the design of the deck superstructure and a slope at the level of the deck-hull connection, which merges seamlessly into the bowsprit, made this possible.
Curious at first glance: Bavaria has another 14-metre yacht on the production line - the tried-and-tested Cruiser 46, the warhorse of the charter market, of which over 1,000 have been built. But, according to CEO Mark Diening, "it serves a different segment and is positioned differently."
Big run on the Bavaria C46
The new C46 is the first project created under his aegis. The man standing on the bridge in Giebelstadt since August 2021 can look forward to over 100 pre-orders without customers having seen the boat in the flesh, let alone sailed it.
The two smaller successful sisters like to trust C42 and C38 have created. Both are also equipped with Bavaria's so-called V-bow. This creates plenty of volume in the foredeck, allowing the C46 to have two cabins with 1.40 metre wide berths and its own spacious heads including a shower. The shipyard has dispensed with the dinghy garage, which the predecessor C45 was the only boat in the class to have.
And the new boat should also sail well. However, there are two pieces of equipment on the test boat that stand in the way of this, as marketing man Marcus Schlichting, a veteran frequent sailor from IOR times, grudgingly concedes. This is because the standard three-bladed fixed pitch propeller and the optional bow thruster in the tunnel are installed, both of which are likely to cost a few tenths of a speed, as the designer Cossutti, who also sails on board, hastily agrees. But even with these brakes, the boat actually sails well. Under ten knots of wind speed, speeds of between 6.0 and 6.2 knots can be achieved on the cross with a furling mainsail and genoa (both optional) from Elvstrøm in high quality cloth. Naturally, this is also possible with quite large tacking angles of around 100 degrees; the boat is very neutral on the rudder. Pressure, speed and height improve noticeably from around ten knots of wind, and anyone who has then invested in the flat Code Zero "Permanent Hoist" (UV-protected, can be set permanently) from the same manufacturer or in their gennaker will be delighted with values of a good eight knots plus, which can be achieved in as little as twelve knots of wind. What becomes apparent: The boat is stiff. It grabs onto the deep chine and the full foredeck, and then shows good taker qualities as the pressure increases. As with the two smaller yachts, Cossutti/Ganz and Bavaria have dispensed with double rudder blades, which achieve directional stability even when there is a lot of wind.
Ideal for small crews and active co-sailors
The deck layout is also a pleasure. As standard, there are only two winches for halyards, spreaders and sheets on board. However, two Lewmar 50s can be added for an extra charge, and one pair can be electrified on request. A third pair can be screwed onto the coaming and used there for the headsails. The crew can operate the sheet of the standard self-tacking jib or the sheets of the optional genoa with rails on the coachroof for narrower sheeting angles using the coaming primaries or run them aft through the line shaft to the winches by the helmsman.
It is therefore possible to organise the line management for a small crew and full control by the helmsman or to configure it for active co-sailors. Fine. Options for the mainsheet too: You can either run two 2:1 tackles that are operated on both sides with the aft winches, which replaces the traveller (the boom can be hauled to windward, for example) and makes jibes less difficult. Or the owner can opt for a continuous sheet and the German-Cupper system, which allows the mainsail to be operated to leeward and windward.
The rower sits and stands comfortably and with plenty of space on the 90-centimetre wheels, which do not work particularly directly with one and three-quarter turns from stop to stop. Fold-out footrests make the job easier. One downside: it is not possible for people with normal arm length to lean against the railing in a relaxed manner, as the wheels are too far inwards for this.
Deck with advantages and disadvantages
The optional two tables offer several advantages: The passageway is clear and they can be lowered when unfolded, creating formidable sunbathing areas in combination with the full two-metre-long thwarts. The downside: the tables get in the way when working on the coamings, and you can only get a good seat from aft. Disadvantages that the single standard model does not have.
Also worth mentioning on deck: A barbecue and refrigerator can be installed in the aft bench. The two small forecastle lockers in the thwarts are complemented by a large floor storage compartment. The quadrant and autopilot can be accessed via a hatch in the cockpit. Great: There is a sail locker between the anchor locker and the forward cabin. Code Zero and gennaker can be stowed there and set directly.
There are various options for cabins and equipment
The test ship was equipped with four cabins, but three or five are also possible. The four-cabin model has two toilets at the front and another on the port side. A fifth room can be used with a large wet room and completely separate shower, as a bunk bed cabin with two single berths or as a utility room. The forward heads also offer good shower facilities and are accessible from the cabins. The aft WCs are accessible both from the adjoining cabins and directly from the saloon, an advantageous solution for use at sea. However, in addition to good ventilation options and easy cleaning, the heads are also characterised by very limited storage space for personal items.
The double compartments at the front still offer 1.40 metre wide berths, but a feeling of cramped space cannot be avoided. Aft, on the other hand, it's nice: wide berths, open shelves and cupboards as well as three opening windows and hatches create a high level of living comfort.
It is worth taking a look under the floorboards and behind the panelling: they show accurate installations, easily accessible fuses, clearly labelled cables, lines that run in tubes through the floor assembly and can therefore be easily pulled or extended.
Real country luxury on the Bavaria C46
The U-shaped seating area is extended by a sliding and lockable two-seater bench, which means there is enough space for the maximum crew of eight, but it is cramped for ten. The galley is also designed as a U and is therefore seaworthy with a belt. However, the cooker is only suitable with some compromises: On the port bow, it already kicks in at 15 degrees. Then the optional microwave or the inverter kettle have to do the job. Other options create downright country luxury: there is an optional extractor bonnet, and the refrigerator compartment can be more than doubled by 160 litres thanks to a drawer and an ice compartment. And even a dishwasher and washing machine are possible. Electricity? With 180 ampere hours as standard, it's tight. But then the customer ticks the generator box on the price list, which is located in the engine compartment (see left). So: It's hard to write it down. The test boat costs 662,000 euros, or 80 per cent more. But the other manufacturers also charge hefty surcharges.
If you compare the basic prices, the Bavaria C46 ranks in the lower range. However, this is no longer the only argument in favour of a boat from Giebelstadt since the current upmarket C-Line was launched. A positive change to which the new C46 continues to contribute.
The measured values for the test of the Bavaria C46
The Bavaria C46 in detail
Technical data of the Bavaria C46
- Design engineer:Cossutti Yacht Design
- CE design category:A
- Torso length:13,95 m
- Overall length with bowsprit:14,91 m
- Waterline length:13,31 m
- Width:4,70 m
- Draught/alternative:2,30/1,75 m
- Mast height above waterline:22,05 m
- Theoretical torso speed:8.9 kn
- Weight (Std.):12,7 t
- Ballast/proportion:2,6 t/20 %
- Mainsail (Std.):66,0 m2
- Self-tacking jib:48,0 m2
- Machine (Volvo):42 kW/57 hp
- Fuel tank:244 l
- Fresh water tanks:554 l
- Holding tanks:70 litres each
- Batteries:1x 180 Ah + 1x 95 Ah
Hull and deck construction
Hand lay-up process, E-glass. Sandwich laminate with PVC foam core above water, full laminate below. Two-piece cast iron keel
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard: 366.401 €
- Standard equipment included: Engine, mainsail, headsail, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, sailcloth, anchor/chain, electric locker, holding tank with suction system
- For an extra charge: Fender/mooring 880 €, fire extinguisher 60 €, antifouling 5,120 €, clear sailing handover 4,000 €
- Price ready to sail:376.461 €
- Warranty/against osmosis 2/5 years
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Line-adjustable hole points:n. a.
- Traveller with line guide: n. a.
- Electric windlass:5.355 €
- Tube kicker: inclusive
- Backstay tensioner: inclusive
- Jumping cleats:included.
- Sprayhood:3.874 €
- Teak in the cockpit: inclusive
- VHF radio:1.785 €
- Log and echo sounder:Nav package
- Wind measuring system:Nav package
- Nav package (incl. 9'' plotter):8.032 €
- Autopilot: 6.842 €
- Charger:incl.
- Shore connection with RCD:inclusive
- 230 volt socket:inclusive
- 12-volt socket in the sat nav:inclusive
- Heating:12.197 €
- Pressurised water system: inclusive
- Hot water boiler: inclusive
- Shower WC room:inclusive
- Cockpit shower:400 €
- Comfort price 2:414.946 €
Also included in the basic price:
Dyneema halyards, teak on thwarts, cockpit table, electric bathing platform with teak, mast step, LED poses, reading lights with USB charger for each berth and at the chart table, insect nets and roller blinds for the hatches
Hull and rudder
The large width of the hull provides a lot of stability, the ballast ratio is low at 20%, but the keel is 2.30 metres deep. Despite the wide stern, there is only a single deep rudder blade, which worked very well in the test.
Cabins and wet rooms
The basic equipment includes: a forward cabin with WC to starboard and shower to port, two aft cabins, wet room to port, utility room to starboard. Optional extras include two forward cabins with two heads (8,115 euros) and two aft heads (3,094 euros). The aft cabins are large and well ventilated with three hatches. The berth on the starboard side can be divided
Rig and sail
The 22 metre high Seldén rig with two pairs of spreaders is on deck. A main with short battens and a self-tacking jib are included as standard. A fully battened mainsail, a furling mast (4,462 euros) and a 106 per cent genoa (5,259 euros plus genoa rails at 1,892 euros) are available as options. The GRP bowsprit costs 4,331 euros
Winches & fittings
Only two aft winches are on board as standard. These are available electrically for 7,378 euros. Winches on the coaming for genoa & co. are available in size 50 for 2,963 euros
Woods & surfaces
Mahogany is standard for the furniture, walnut and oak options. Floor in wenge or striped, four colours to choose from for the worktop
Prices as of 08/2023, as the prices shown are defined, you will find here !
Shipyard
Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, Bavariastraße 1, 97232 Giebelstadt; phone +499334 942-0; info@bavariayachts.com; www.bavariayachts.com
Distribution
Dealer network
YACHT rating
The new Bavaria C46 is a successful reinterpretation of the 14-metre type. It sails well, stiff and balanced. The layout and rig can be customised to suit your needs. The interior is impressive in terms of comfort and space. The basic price is right
Design and concept
- + Good overall package
- + Independent lines
- + Successful room layout
Sailing performance and trim
- + Good speed, easy to retrieve
- + High stability
- + Variable deck layout
Living and finishing quality
- + Many good cabin options
- + Upscale high-volume finish
- + Raised Navi at the pantry
- - Little storage space in wet rooms
Equipment and technology
- + Various extras ex shipyard
- - Leanly equipped as standard
More on the topic:
- Competition: Hanse 460 - Single-handed and unmistakable cruising yacht on test
- Bavaria C42: Dynamic cruising yacht with plenty of space on test
- Bavaria Cruiser 34: The long-runner in the entry-level size in the test
- Buying a used boat: Bavaria 30 - the spaceship put to the test
- Boatbuilding: Bavaria subsidiary shows new Nautitech 44 Open
