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Captain Abo · 03-02-2022, 01:47

Hello
Well..going back to the water after a long break. Finally retired and ready to buy a boat to do some cruising around the caribean and who knows after that.
Was originally thinking on something like a 38 footer maybe 5 years old (ex charter from Moorings or Sunsail from BVI).
Then I came across a 2003 Bavaria 44 that seems to have been very well maintained, but still 20 years old. Some major improvements:
Engine (Volvo Penta D2-55F) was replaced a couple years back (400 hours) and looks new. All standing riggin was replaced 2019 as well as canvas, bimini, main cover and lazyjacks, and jenoa sunshield. Wind, depth, speed and autopilot instruments also replaced 2019 (not the autopilot itself but the controller). Refrigeration, A/C and electronics all seem to work.
Any comments on Bavaria yachts this old?
Is this a good idea?
Thank You!
Abo

Tetepare · 03-02-2022, 03:36

Sounds good to me. Of course, get it surveyed.

Jes · 03-02-2022, 04:41

(as owner of a Bav38 2003...)
Maybe you should have a look at http://bavariayacht.org.
Seems to be a lot of Bavaria owners there...

BuoyCall · 03-02-2022, 05:14

Retirement.....Congrats!! Still have a couple more years. Post some pics of the boat and along on your journey. Def stick with a boat 20 years old or less for insurance purposes and start jotting down your boating experience when submitting for insurance...makes a big difference to the underwriters. Good Luck, cant wait to see the boat!

Dogscout · 03-02-2022, 06:37

Id do it over a newer charter rat.

Snore · 03-02-2022, 08:24

Don’t. Bavaria’s are known to have rudder post issues. Also the engineering on their dual wheel design leaves something to be desired. The AP connects to the steering system versus direct to the quadrant.

There is a reason some of those old boats are so cheap!!

Look at older Tartans, and Sabres or Jeanneau or Catalinas

nightowle · 03-02-2022, 22:49

It's an excellent choice. And it sounds like it probably has been well maintained, just have a survey done prior to purchase. Bavaria owners are usually happy with their boats. The rudder post issue may pre-date this boat, but given that it is almost 20 yrs old it probably has been addressed. A survey can suss this out.

The only issue relating to boats over 20 years old is the limited amount of insurers that will provide coverage. So you definitely want to check on that. State Farm has been good about older boats lately, though.

Captain Abo · 04-02-2022, 01:59

Thank You all for your comments. Will definitely do a survey after a sea trial. Will keep you posted. Thank You. Abo

more · 04-02-2022, 02:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Abo

Thank You all for your comments. Will definitely do a survey after a sea trial. Will keep you posted. Thank You. Abo

Simply.
Bavaria 1998-2005 year production is very strong havy boat. workhorse,cheap maintance. best charter boat ever produced.
hull is underwater vinylester grp very tick around 3cm and more. rest sandwich with blu hard foam. the interior wood best quality. everything is oversized material but is heavy not fast under sail. today we have in charter fleet boat from 1998 and boat look like new inside and outside. 3 boat we have today use original main sail and rope. now i go wisit sailmaker for make new sprayhood,old have only 18 year but is time to change

**GordMay** · 04-02-2022, 05:15

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Abo.

Rjt · 04-02-2022, 05:42

I live on a 2003 Bavaria 44. 3 cabin version. I’ve owned her 11 years and lived aboard the last 6. Cruising the East Australian coast.
The boats are very well built and have lasted very well.Mine sails beautifully and she’s fast when not loaded with all the bits and pieces that go with life afloat.
My auto pilot connects directly to an arm on the rudder stock. 2003 BAV44’s don’t use a quadrant. The rudder bearings do seize on those that haven’t been maintained. If the steering is very heavy the survey should identify that. Bearings aren’t pocket money, but if needed, install Jefa bearings. Mine are still fine.
(Jefa made the rudders)
Sealants will be getting old. All replaceable. The teak may also be getting old. Replacing isn’t cheap.
If I ever had to buy another boat, I’d buy another Bavaria 44.
Or maybe the 46 😀
I’ve never met an unhappy Bav owner from that era.
PM if you’d like any details about the boats.

moseriw · 04-02-2022, 06:17

Better if she would bei 30+ years. The more quality management the less quality = the newer the more scrap.

Bavaria had 1985-1987 really good series called carribian or pacific but the younger ones?

sinnerman · 04-02-2022, 13:28

20 years is not old for a sailboat.

My boat is 1984 which makes it 38 years old this year.

If it was a woman, she is just hitting her prime...

geoff3nebel · 04-02-2022, 13:41

Yes, it'll be a sound boat. Unlike newer Bavaria yachts that are lightweight, go-faster models, earlier Bavarias were heavily built, solid boats. Spacious interiors - the woodwork rather dark fo today's tastes, but headroom to accommodate those well over 6 feet. Go for it!