Principal approximate dimensions* and parameters:
Length O.A. 35’5” 10.8m
Length W.L. 30’10” 9.5m
Beam 11’6” 3.5m
Draft 5’9” 1.85m
Displacement 10,125lb 4,500kg
Year of construction 2008
Builder Bavaria Yachtbau, Germany
Designed by J & J Design
Engine Volvo Penta D1-20 18-hp three-cylinder marine diesel
Fuel Capacity 150 litres
Accommodation six berths in two cabins plus a saloon
*All the dimensions listed are approximate and taken from the manufacturer’s brochure.
According to my records, the Bavaria 34 was introduced in 1994?
They built a 'S' for 'Speed' version between 1994 and 1997. The 'S' had
tiller steering and one aft cabin. Perhaps the 34 came out a year earlier
but was not introduced into UK until 1994.
The Bavaria 34 replaced the 350 that was introduced into UK in 1991. The
350 was a previous breed of Bavaria and was heavier at 11,000lbs. The 34 was
9.932lbs.
The Bavaria 34 is actually 35'5"
The 350 was 35'3"
The Bavaria 34 was well built and good value for money, but you had to add a
lot of extras, as they were basic in standard form, just like German cars.
They have the same layout and style with saildrive as later models and set
the trend for later Bavarias.
The cockpit is spacious and comfortable and the side decks are wide and easy
to get around.
The interior is spacious but like many Bavarias, the woodwork is dark
mahogany. Big heads compartment and good layout below.
The big advantage of a Bavaria is that they handle very well at low speed
and are incredibly easy to park on a marina; going astern better than any
other yacht.
The yacht would do you well for south coast passage making, cross-channel
trips and races. However, I would draw the line at the Fastnet! They are
rather light and I'm not sure that I would want to be caught in rough
weather.
Having said that, Plymouth Sailing School run a fleet of them and I have
seen them out sailing in January in a Force Eight! So they must think that
they are ok.
I surveyed a Bavaria 34 in Weymouth earlier this year and took it from
Weymouth to Portland to be lifted out. The weather was rough and windy and
I have to say that I felt uneasy! The boat almost became uncontrollable,
even after being reefed right down.
Great value boats, rugged, good looking and spacious. Fine in good weather
but not a heavy-weather yacht, in my opinion.