- The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is an update, not a new development
- The new deck layout of the Bavaria Cruiser 34 is pleasing
- New mainsheet arrangement
- Limited storage space on the Bavaria Cruiser 34
- The Bavaria 34 Cruiser is built using the infusion process
- Bavaria Cruiser 34 in detail
- YACHT rating
There are more exciting, more beautiful or more modern boats, even in the same class. Nevertheless, a Bavaria in the ten-metre size will always be one of the most important yachts on the market. The ship comes from one of the most important and best-organised shipyards in the world, is produced in large numbers and plays an important role both in the charter business and later on the used boat market. It also sets standards for the pricing of other shipyards.
The smallest model from Giebelstadt is a further development of the successful Cruiser 33, of which around 450 units were built. There were also around 40 units of a slimmed-down version called Easy 9.7. The Cruiser 33 was not new when it was launched in 2012; it was based on the Cruiser 32, which had been on the market since 2009.
Other interesting entry-level yachts:
The Bavaria Cruiser 34 is an update, not a new development
Bavaria used this type of further development again. Instead of designing a new model, the shipyard took the simpler route and modernised the 33, retaining the recognised good hull from Farr Yacht Design, but reworking the deck once again. Instead of one wheel in the centre, there are now two on the sides, as is common on more and more small yachts today, so that the helmsman can steer far out and to facilitate the passage forward into the cockpit. The deck shape had to be modified slightly for this measure.
The main changes below deck are two almost identical compartments in the stern instead of a wider cabin and a large forecastle. The bathroom had to be reduced in size to create access to the port cabin. However, the Cruiser 34 is also available with only one aft cabin, but with double wheels.
The new deck layout of the Bavaria Cruiser 34 is pleasing
No matter how many wheels, aft cabins or shower room space: the Bavaria Cruiser 34 follows its predecessor in many respects. It is a relatively voluminous boat with a wide stern, large window line, high cockpit coaming and large stern hatch. The sail area is quite low in relation to the total weight (sail carrying capacity) with a value of 4.1, clearly characterising the new model as a pure cruising yacht.
The tested boat was also equipped with a furling mast and the simple standard sails. The Elvström wardrobe stood well, but the sails lacked a bit of surface area and depth if you are looking for better performance.
The Cruiser 34 proved to be somewhat sluggish and lacking in propulsion when tested off Heiligenhafen in light winds of around ten to twelve knots. With speeds of around 5 knots upwind and a turning angle of around 90 degrees, even smaller cruising yachts are capable of this. At the wheels, the desired light rudder pressure for a better steering feel did not materialise; the boat was neutral to sometimes leeward on the rudder.
The helmsman has various positions for his work. If he wants to sit on the outside of the side deck, from where he has a good view forwards and for which the two steering wheels are available, the sternstay's cockpit will get in the way. In general, the two wheels and their pillars fit perfectly on the small boat. They measure 80 centimetres in diameter and rise to an ergonomically favourable height of 108 centimetres above the cockpit floor.
New mainsheet arrangement
New on the 34 is the arrangement of the mainsheet. Whereas this used to be a simple 6:1 jib with the foot block on the front end of the cockpit table, the system has now been changed to that of the larger sisters. Two independent 2:1 spreaders are attached to the port and starboard sides of the companionway on the cabin roof. The sheets run forwards along the boom, on deck and back onto the two halyard winches. The system replaces the traveller quite effectively; the boom can be pulled to windward in light winds. Another major advantage when handling: the boom can be fixed quickly and easily via the quasi-hammerpot of the two sheets for reefing, sail recovery and in the harbour.
The jib sheets run aft through rails on the roof onto the genoa winches. This secures small sheet angles and keeps the running deck clear. Another striking feature in the cockpit is the large table, which offers plenty of surface area and good support when positioned, but takes up a lot of space. The furniture comes from the Cruiser 37 and has corresponding dimensions. The tested boat from the charter company 1. Klasse Yachten in Heiligenhafen was equipped with an optional larger engine (21 instead of 13 kilowatts) and fixed pitch propeller. This gave it a cruising speed of 7.2 knots and sound pressure levels of 77 db(A), which only broke the limit of the loud range in the aft chambers.
Limited storage space on the Bavaria Cruiser 34
Two cabins - on boats of this size, storage space in the forecastle boxes also becomes an issue. The compartments underneath still leave space for around 350 litres twice in the thwarts. That's enough for cleaning equipment, some accessories, lines and fenders - but not if you want to store a life raft there. The anchor locker is also too small to accommodate fenders and lines.
Less storage space, but this could be compensated for by using a cabin as a storage box and only as a place to sleep in an emergency. Either way, there is still a small bathroom, which still offers shower facilities. Bavaria dispensed with the small chart table and adopted the rest of the interior layout and also the visual appearance of optional teak surfaces alternating with many light-coloured surfaces.
The cabins are also still fitted with cupboards and shelves to match the size of the ship, equipped with spotlights and reading lamps and have sufficient ventilation options. Curious: There is a hull window in the aft cabin on the starboard side, but not on the port side, where the forecastle used to be.
In a class comparison, the galley's storage space is on the tight side when it comes to accommodating bulky items.
The Bavaria 34 Cruiser is built using the infusion process
The new construction method is invisible, but more significant: Bavaria manufactures the hulls using the vacuum infusion process, as do some other shipyards. The materials of the foam sandwich are inserted dry, fixed, covered with a vacuum film and then the resin-hardener mixture is sucked through the laminate structure using a sophisticated vacuum system. In theory, this means a very controlled use of resin and should ensure a more homogeneous and firmer laminate. Bavaria claims to be able to save 250 to 300 kilograms on the new Cruiser 34 thanks to this process.
The shipyard has stuck with the solid floor assembly consisting of voluminous cradles and stringers with small, interconnected compartments.
New design, better steering thanks to double wheels, more variance: the Bavaria Cruiser 34 is a winner if you can come to terms with the narrower aft berths and the smaller bathroom. And the price. At the time of the 2016 test, the Bavaria Cruiser 34 cost around 102,000 euros in the basic version. Today, however, it costs around 152,000 euros. But such price increases, especially in the recent past, are the norm rather than the exception.
This article first appeared in YACHT 18/2016 and has been revised for this online version.
Bavaria Cruiser 34 in detail
Technical data
- Constructor Farr Yacht Design
- CE design category A
- Hull length 9.75 m
- Waterline length 9.15 m
- Width 3.42 m
- Draught/alternative 2.02/1.58 m
- Weight 5.3 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion 1.4 t/26 %
- Sail area downwind 51.0 m²
- Engine (Volvo) 14 kW/18 hp
- Diesel tank 150 litres
- Water tank 150 litres
Hull and deck construction
Sandwich with foam core, manufactured using the vacuum infusion process. Iso-gelcoat, vinyl ester resin
Price
Base price ex shipyard 152,201 euros
Shipyard
Distribution
Dealer network
Test boat
YACHT rating
The Cruiser 34 wins thanks to the two wheels, but loses a little due to minor comfort deficiencies in the cockpit. Overall, it remains one of the most important benchmark boats in the exciting and competitive ten-metre class
Design and concept
- + Solid and good overall package
- + Efficient utilisation of space
- + Still favourably priced despite increase
Sailing performance and trim
- + Simple, functional deck layout
- - Underpowered with Rollgroß
- - Backstay disturbs helmsman
Living and finishing quality
- + Clean finishing and installations
- - Cockpit table takes up a lot of space
Equipment and technology
- + Good ventilation
- + Sockets also in cabins
- - Little storage space in the back box
