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Bavaria 46
Designer: J&J Design  ·  Builder: Bavaria Yachts (Ger)  ·  First built: 2005
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About the Bavaria 46

Designed by J&J Design and built by Bavaria Yachts from 2005 to 2009, this 46-footer represents the German builder's commitment to spacious, comfortable cruising sailboats. With its generous 14.25-foot beam and 24,250-pound displacement, the Bavaria 46 prioritizes interior volume and stability over racing performance, making it an excellent choice for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. The fractional sloop rig carries 1,268 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power while remaining manageable for small crews. The fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration delivers predictable handling characteristics, while the moderate comfort ratio of 25.96 ensures reasonable motion at sea without sacrificing the roomy accommodations Bavaria is known for. Built with fiberglass construction and powered by a 75-horsepower engine, this design strikes a practical balance between performance and comfort. The capsize screening formula of 1.97 indicates good stability for offshore work, while the hull speed of 8.47 knots provides respectable passage-making potential. Bavaria's reputation for maximizing interior space shines through in this model, offering cruising sailors generous living quarters without compromising seaworthiness for extended voyages or liveaboard use.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 46
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
Beam 14.25 ft / 4.34 m
Max Draft 6.08 ft / 1.85 m
Displacement 24,250.00 lb / 11,000 kg
Ballast 7,275.00 lb / 3,300 kg
Ballast Type Cast iron
Sail Area (Reported) 1,268.00 ft² / 117.80 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J&J Design
Builder Bavaria Yachts (GER)
First Built 2005
Last Built 2009
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
57
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
24.31
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
30
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
169.15
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
25.96
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.97
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.47 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2,036.67 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 63.00 ft / 19.20 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Bavaria
Engine Model 46
Engine Type Diesel; Saildrive
Horsepower 75
Fuel Capacity 55 gals / 208 L
Water Capacity 120 gals / 454 L
LOD 45.92 ft / 14.00 m
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