Bavaria Cruiser 46 Review: Croatia"s Most Popular Charter Sailing Yacht

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has become the workhorse of Croatian yacht charters, appearing in virtually every marina from Split to Zadar. This 14-meter family cruiser won European Yacht of the Year in 2015 — and years later, charter companies still stock them in fleets of 50 or more. It"s built around one principle: comfort and ease, not speed or sport sailing.

If you"re comparing mid-sized sailing yachts for a family week or first bareboat charter, this Bavaria Cruiser 46 review breaks down what matters: handling, layout, and who this boat actually suits. The Bavaria 46 handles afternoon winds predictably, provides three or four private cabins, and remains one of the most competitively priced monohulls in the Adriatic fleet. That said, it"s a heavy boat (over 12 tonnes) that prefers steady winds to light airs, and production-grade construction means thorough pre-charter inspection matters.

We"ve seen this model chartered hundreds of times across the Adriatic. Here"s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Best for families and groups of 6–10: Three or four cabin layouts with two or three heads — the practical layout that charter companies standardised around.
• Strong value across the season: One of the most competitively chartered monohulls in Croatia, with shoulder-season availability offering the best balance of conditions and cost.
• Comfort cruiser, not a racer: In-mast furling mainsail and twin wheels prioritise ease over performance. Expect 6–7 knots in steady 10-knot winds.
• Available at nearly every Croatian charter base: Split, Trogir, Biograd, Zadar, Pula — one-way rentals are straightforward because fleets are large.
• Proven seaworthiness: CE Category A (ocean) rating and one-design fleets of 50+ boats in Croatian regattas confirm reliability.

Overview & First Impressions

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a German-built, Slovenian-designed family sailing yacht that has occupied the sweet spot between affordability, comfort, and capability since 2014. You"ll recognise it immediately: a moderate freeboard, clean lines, and that distinctive wide cabin trunk that maximises interior volume.

This boat is built for families returning to the sea with their children, or groups of friends hiring a skipper for their first bareboat week. It"s not trying to impress the racing crowd. What it does is deliver a stable, spacious, predictable platform that works equally well in Croatian waters or the Greek islands, and handles the afternoon maestral (the Mediterranean sea breeze that builds from the northwest most summer afternoons) with poise.

The design comes from J&J Design in Slovenia, while Bavaria Yachtbau — one of Europe"s largest production builders — handles construction. That"s a marriage of smart engineering with industrial-scale reliability, which explains why charter companies treat the Bavaria 46 as a proven revenue generator.

Layout & Living Space

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 comes in two primary configurations: three-cabin (six berths) and four-cabin (eight to ten berths). Most charter boats in the Adriatic run the four-cabin setup, maximising guest count for group bookings.

• Best for: Families of 4–6 sharing 3 cabins, or groups of 8–10 in the 4-cabin version. Also suits owner-operators upgrading from 35-footers who want dedicated guest cabins.
• Cabin count: Forward master cabin (double or twin), midship cabin(s), and aft cabin. The flexibulkhead system means the forward cabin can be divided into two smaller berths or kept as one large stateroom.
• Standout feature: The electric swim platform (2.2 m × 1 m) that lowers from the transom — a luxury touch that makes afternoon swimming effortless and transforms dinghy boarding.

The saloon is the boat"s crown jewel. A U-shaped settee to starboard and a sea cabin opposite create a social hub where six adults gather comfortably. The galley is efficiently arranged to port, with a gimballed stove, adequate counter space, and refrigeration on most charter examples.

Two or three heads (depending on cabin count) mean no morning queues. Head to the foredeck and you"ll find a centre bow cabin that gives guests genuine privacy — not a coffin bunk. This layout repeats across hundreds of Adriatic charters because it works: guests feel they have their own space, but the boat never feels claustrophobic.

Sailing Performance

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a comfortable cruiser, not a performance machine. That"s a deliberate design choice, and it"s worth understanding why.

The in-mast furling mainsail means one control line, minimal trimming, and the sail furls smoothly from the cockpit. The trade-off is reduced sail shape compared to battened or conventional mainsails — serious racing sailors will feel the difference. The jib is typically a 110% overlap foresail, also roller-furling. In steady 10-knot winds, expect 6–7 knots of boat speed. Push to 15 knots of true wind and you"re running 8–9 knots on a beam reach.

The boat"s weight — 11,000 kg displacement — becomes apparent in very light winds (under 5 knots true). When the Adriatic goes flat, the Bavaria 46 sits there rather than ghosting forward. Conversely, that mass provides excellent stability in chop. Guests consistently tell us the ride feels smooth and secure in the afternoon maestral.

Twin wheels (double-spoked steering mounted on either side of the cockpit) are standard, distributing handling between skipper and crew. A double-rudder configuration improves responsiveness compared to older single-rudder designs. Tacking is straightforward, and most chartered examples include autopilot — crucial for longer passages or less experienced skippers.

Specifications

Specification	Details	What it Means for You
Length Overall	14.27 m (46 ft 10 in)	Manoeuvrable for tight Adriatic mooring fields; long enough for generous cabin headroom.
Beam	4.35 m (14 ft 3 in)	Wide enough for generous cabin width and stability; fits standard Adriatic finger piers.
Draft	2.10 m (std) / 1.73 m (shallow)	Standard works for all Croatian waters; shallow draft suits Pakleni Islands and sandier anchorages.
Displacement	11,000 kg (24,250 lbs)	Stable in chop and afternoon wind; heavy in very light air.
Engine	Volvo Penta 75 HP diesel	Reliable Scandinavian diesel; adequate for manoeuvring and motoring against typical Adriatic weather.
Fuel Capacity	210 L (55 gal)	30+ hours of motoring at cruise throttle; week-long charters without refuelling anxiety.
Water Capacity	450 L (120 gal)	Five days of generous usage for a crew of four; longer with conservation.
Sail Area (Upwind)	94 m² (1,009 sq ft)	Modest for the length; reflects comfort-cruiser philosophy over racing optimisation.
Cabins / Heads	3–4 cabins / 2–3 heads	Most charter examples run 4 cabins for maximum guest count.
CE Category	A (Ocean)	Designed for offshore passages; comfortably rated for extended Mediterranean sailing.
Designer / Builder	J&J Design / Bavaria Yachtbau	European pedigree with industrial-scale production quality.

Strengths

• Exceptional stability and comfortable motion: The moderate displacement, sizable beam, and low centre of gravity produce a steady platform. We"ve found that afternoon maestral conditions (10–15 knots) produce minimal heel and waves that feel manageable rather than threatening.
• Practical and forgiving layout: Three or four cabins with dedicated heads means everyone retreats to privacy without feeling cramped. The flexibulkhead forward cabin appeals to families with growing children. Few other boats in this class repeat this configuration as successfully.
• Proven charter workhorse: A one-design fleet of 50+ Bavaria 46s competes regularly in Croatian regattas (Easter Regatta, Palagruža Cup). That real-world fleet standardisation means spares are available, technicians know the systems, and charter companies wouldn"t build fleets around an unproven design.
• Reliable engine and systems: The Volvo Penta 75 HP diesel is known for reliability and service availability across Europe. Electrical systems, water systems, and cabin ventilation are intelligently designed with enough redundancy that minor failures don"t derail a charter.
• Available at every major Croatian base: Split, Trogir, Biograd, Zadar, Pula — the Bavaria 46 is everywhere. One-way rentals work because fleets are large and consistent. Regional competition keeps charter rates competitive.

Considerations

• Heavy boat struggles in very light winds: Displacement over 12 tonnes means the Bavaria 46 doesn"t ghost forward in sub-5-knot conditions. If your charter dates fall in July and you"re hoping for constant breeze, you may find yourself motoring more than anticipated. Guests who"ve sailed lighter boats sometimes notice the difference.
• Production construction requires diligent pre-charter inspection: Bonded grids and spade rudders are efficient manufacturing methods, but they benefit from attention. We recommend checking rudder bearings and engine alignment at check-in. Reputable charter companies handle this; it"s worth confirming before you sign off.
• In-mast furling limits sail shape and performance: The ease of furling (one line, minimal trim) comes at the cost of aerodynamic efficiency. Performance-minded sailors might prefer a traditional battened main. For family and group charters, this trade-off is worthwhile — ease of handling wins every time.
• Wide cabin trunk reduces some forward visibility: The deckhouse that maximises interior volume creates a slight sightline restriction from the helm. This matters in crowded anchorages or when stern-to docking. Taller skippers may need to shift position to clear the cabin trunk.

Who Should Charter This Boat?

Ideal for:

• Families with children (ages 5–16): Private cabins, a shallow draft option suited to beach anchorages, two or three heads, and a stable platform mean parents can relax while kids enjoy genuine independence on board.
• Groups of 6–10 adults sharing costs: The 4-cabin layout means no doubling up. Splitting the weekly charter fee across eight people brings the per-person cost well below most hotel options — with a far more memorable experience.
• Sailors returning to cruising after years ashore: The boat forgives rusty seamanship. In-mast furling, twin wheels, and predictable motion mean re-entry to sailing is confidence-building rather than humbling. A week on a Bavaria 46 often starts an annual charter tradition.

Not ideal for:

• Solo or couple-only bookings: The Bavaria 46 is sized for groups. A couple chartering a 46-footer may find better value and easier handling in a smaller monohull (35-footer) or a catamaran that better matches their space needs.
• Racing-oriented sailors prioritising performance: If your goal is competitive sailing or fast passages, the comfort-biased design and in-mast furling will feel limiting. Consider an Elan Impression 40 for a more performance-oriented monohull experience.

Availability in Croatia

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is available year-round at most major Croatian charter bases. It"s one of the most widely stocked monohulls in the Adriatic, which means availability is strong and one-way charters between bases are straightforward.

Where available: Trogir, Biograd, Zadar, and Pula all have strong Bavaria 46 fleets. Check current availability and dates on the Yachtaris search page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bavaria Cruiser 46 suitable for first-time bareboat charters?

Yes, provided you have basic sailing competence — coastal navigation, mooring, and sail handling. The forgiving motion, simple systems, and predictable behaviour in Adriatic conditions make it ideal for sailors stepping up from day sailing or sailing courses. Alternatively, hire a skipper for your first few days to build confidence. Most charter companies offer skipper packages at reasonable daily rates.

How much fuel and water does a typical week consume?

Fuel: 40–60 litres per week if you sail 60% of the time and motor 40% (typical for Adriatic cruising). The 210-litre tank is sufficient without refuelling for most one-week itineraries. Water: 60–100 litres per week for a 4-person crew with daily showers. The 450-litre tank is ample, and many marinas offer free water refills.

How does the Bavaria Cruiser 46 compare to catamarans like the Lagoon 40?

The Lagoon 40 catamaran offers a wider beam, four separate cabins, and reduced heeling — but generally charters at a premium over monohulls. The Bavaria 46 delivers a genuine sailing experience with wind-in-the-sails feedback that catamarans can"t match. Choose the Bavaria if you want real sailing; choose the catamaran if comfort and stability are paramount.

What is the shallow-draft option and when do you need it?

The shallow-draft version reduces draft from 2.10 m to 1.73 m, allowing access to sandier anchorages near Pakleni Islands, Vis, and Lošinj. Standard draft is adequate for 95% of Croatian cruising. Ask your charter company whether the specific boat you"re booking is standard or shallow-draft before confirming your itinerary.

Can I charter a Bavaria Cruiser 46 for a one-way trip?

Yes. Because fleets are large across multiple bases (Split, Trogir, Biograd, Zadar), one-way charters are commonly available. A repositioning surcharge typically applies depending on distance. This is a genuine advantage of choosing a popular model — logistics are simpler when every base has inventory.

The Verdict

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 earns its reputation as Croatia"s most popular charter sailing yacht through a combination of comfortable motion, practical four-cabin layout, and proven reliability across hundreds of Adriatic fleets. It"s not the fastest sailboat or the most exotic design, but it solves a real problem: families and groups need a stable, spacious, easy-to-operate platform that doesn"t demand racing expertise or mega-yacht budgets.

If you"re planning a bareboat charter in Croatia with 4–10 people between June and September, the Bavaria 46 should be your starting point. It delivers the sailing experience that builds enthusiasm, not the one that leaves crew exhausted.

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