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Bavaria 51

Designer: Axel Mohnhaupt  ·  Builder: Bavaria Yachts (Ger)  ·  First built: 1993
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About the Bavaria 51

Built by Bavaria Yachts from 1993, this substantial cruising sailboat represents the German builder's approach to combining performance with comfort in a blue-water capable package. With only 19 units produced, the Bavaria 51 stands as a relatively rare find designed by Axel Mohnhaupt during Bavaria's early expansion into larger yacht segments. The masthead sloop configuration and generous sail area create respectable sailing performance, while the fin keel with spade rudder arrangement provides good maneuverability and upwind ability. Her fiberglass construction follows traditional methods, contributing to the boat's solid feel and seaworthy characteristics. The displacement-to-length ratio suggests she's built for comfort and stability rather than racing, making her well-suited for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages. Interior accommodations emphasize the spaciousness that Bavaria became known for, with the 15-foot beam providing generous living space below decks. The 102-horsepower engine offers reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring during calm conditions. Her moderate comfort ratio indicates a good balance between seakindliness and performance, while stability calculations suggest she's appropriately sized for serious cruising endeavors. This model appeals to sailors seeking a capable, comfortable platform for extended voyaging.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 51.18 ft / 15.60 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
Beam 15.09 ft / 4.60 m
Max Draft 7.87 ft / 2.40 m
Displacement 31,967.00 lb / 14,500 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 1,133.00 ft² / 105.26 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Axel Mohnhaupt
Builder Bavaria Yachts (GER)
First Built 1993
Number Built 19
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
18.07
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
192.62
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
29.74
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
1.91
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. 8.68 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. 2,264.57 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model TMD 31A
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 102
Fuel Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
Water Capacity 211 gals / 799 L
How It Compares

vs. Beneteau 50, Bristol 51, First 51 Beneteau, Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau, X 512

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bavaria 51 ★
51.2 ft
Beneteau 50
50.8 ft
Bristol 51
51.1 ft
First 51 Beneteau
51.3 ft
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
50.8 ft
X 512
51.1 ft
LWL
Bavaria 51 ★
42.0 ft
Beneteau 50
45.4 ft
Bristol 51
42.0 ft
First 51 Beneteau
43.1 ft
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
42.3 ft
X 512
41.5 ft
Beam
Bavaria 51 ★
15.1 ft
Beneteau 50
14.7 ft
Bristol 51
15.2 ft
First 51 Beneteau
14.9 ft
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
16.0 ft
X 512
14.8 ft
Displacement
Bavaria 51 ★
31 lbs
Beneteau 50
28 lbs
Bristol 51
43 lbs
First 51 Beneteau
28 lbs
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
30 lbs
X 512
30 lbs
Ballast
Bavaria 51 ★
Beneteau 50
9 lbs
Bristol 51
19 lbs
First 51 Beneteau
14 lbs
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
9 lbs
X 512
13 lbs
Sail Area
Bavaria 51 ★
1 sq ft
Beneteau 50
1 sq ft
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
1 sq ft
X 512
1 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Bavaria 51 ★
Beneteau 50
77 s/nm
Bristol 51
69 s/nm
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
X 512
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bavaria 51 ★
18.1
Beneteau 50
17.6
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
21.9
X 512
22.7
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Bavaria 51 ★
Beneteau 50
Bristol 51
43.5 %
First 51 Beneteau
49.6 %
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
32.2 %
X 512
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bavaria 51 ★
29.7
Beneteau 50
26.4
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
26.5
X 512
28.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bavaria 51 ★
1.91
Beneteau 50
1.92
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
2.04
X 512
1.91
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bavaria 51 ★
192
Beneteau 50
Bristol 51
263
First 51 Beneteau
159
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
181
X 512
Hull Speed
Bavaria 51 ★
8.7 kts
Beneteau 50
9.0 kts
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
8.7 kts
X 512
8.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Bavaria 51 ★
Beneteau 50
3.7
Bristol 51
First 51 Beneteau
Sun Odyssey 51 Jeanneau
3.0
X 512
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