Many used Bavarias come from charter fleets, and YACHT has put several of them through used boat tests. The structure generally holds up. The things to check are the keel area, the leaks that come with through-bolted fittings, and the wear that years of charter leave behind.
Cracks around the keel bolts
On the Bavaria 30 Plus it tested, YACHT found cracks in the area of the aft keel bolt and called them critical. On the 37 Cruiser, YACHT notes the floor assembly that braces the hull from stem to stern is laminated over a large area rather than only glued, and that the GRP framed ceiling gives access to bolt nuts and cables.
Where to look. In the bilge around every keel bolt, especially the aft one, for cracks in the laminate and floors, rust and weeping. Outside, the keel to hull joint. Ask for the grounding history.
Leaks: toe rail, stanchions, mast base
YACHT's test of the 30 Plus found frequent hairline cracks in the deck gelcoat, especially around the stanchion feet, and notes the toe rail is bolted through hull and deck and prone to leaks. From the owners' club forums it adds that the mast base and deck feed-throughs can leak too.
Where to look. Stains along the hull to deck joint inside, below the mast base and around deck fittings, and the gelcoat around stanchion bases.
Rudder tube seal and retaining bolt
In Yachting Monthly's account of an owner refitting a Bavaria 30 Cruiser, replacing the rudder tube seal was near the top of the list. The owner also replaced the bolt through the rudder stock above the cockpit sole, making it captive so the rudder can't drop out of the bottom of the boat.
Where to look. The rudder tube and its seal for weeping, and the retaining bolt through the stock for condition and security.
Saildrives
The Yachting Monthly refit of a Bavaria 30 Cruiser changed the saildrive anode. Check the anode, the diaphragm's age against the maker's interval and the drive oil for water.
Years in charter
YACHT tested a Cruiser 30 that had been in charter for 13 years, about 20 weeks a year, and a Cruiser 32 after 15 years with a charter fleet. On the 30, the deck was "a building site", with fittings needing service or replacement and gelcoat repairs, and the sails worn out. On the 37 it reminds buyers that many boats on the market are ex-charter and that has to be reflected in viewing and price. It also notes cabinet hinges on the 37 that aren't corrosion resistant.
Where to look. Deck hardware, winches and blocks for wear and mismatched replacements, sails, and the gelcoat on deck. Ask for the charter history and the fleet's maintenance records.
What to check on a Bavaria
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Aft keel bolt | Cracks in laminate and floors | YACHT, Bavaria 30 Plus |
| Toe rail and stanchion bases | Leaks, gelcoat hairline cracks | YACHT, Bavaria 30 Plus |
| Mast base and deck feed-throughs | Leaks | Owners' club forums via YACHT |
| Rudder tube seal and retaining bolt | Weeping, captive bolt fitted | Yachting Monthly, Bavaria 30 Cruiser |
| Saildrive | Anode, diaphragm age, water in the oil | Yachting Monthly, Bavaria 30 Cruiser |
| Deck gear and sails on ex-charter boats | Wear and makeshift replacements | YACHT, Cruiser 30 and 32 |
Writing it up
"Bilge, aft keel bolt: radial cracks in the laminate around the backing plate and a crack along the adjacent floor, light rust staining. Recommend the keel attachment and floors are assessed by a repairer, with the keel dropped if needed, before the vessel goes to sea." Grade cracking around a keel bolt as A until a repairer has seen it.