Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs Beneteau Oceanis 46.1: Which 46-Foot Yacht for Your Charter?

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 and Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 are two of the most popular 46-foot charter sailing yachts in Croatia. Both deliver excellent performance, comfortable layouts, and proven reliability—but they suit different crews. Let"s compare them to help you choose the right boat.

Key Takeaways

• Bavaria Cruiser 46 offers more standard sail area, greater water capacity, and proven charter performance at a lower entry price.
• Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 features a longer hull, wider beam, and flexible layout options with premium European build quality.
• Bavaria excels for cruising range and simplicity; Beneteau for comfort and design flexibility.
• Both are excellent in Croatian waters—choice depends on sailing style and budget.
• Bavaria carries more water (450 L vs 370 L); Oceanis offers better cabin customisation up to five cabins.

Bavaria Cruiser 46 — Overview

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a purpose-built charter workhorse designed by J&J Design in Slovenia and built by Bavaria Yachtbau in Germany. At 14.27 metres overall, it balances generous living space with efficient engineering. The design prioritises ease of handling and proven sailing performance across the Adriatic. Our Bavaria Cruiser 46 review covers the full story — here"s the summary for comparison.

Interior layout offers 3–4 cabins with 2–3 heads. The galley is practical and efficiently arranged. The saloon"s U-shaped settee creates a comfortable social hub for six adults. German engineering means systems are robust and easy to maintain during a charter week. With 68 boats in Croatia"s fleet, the Bavaria 46 is the most widely available 46-footer on the Adriatic.

Under sail, the in-mast furling mainsail and 94 m² total sail area deliver 6–7 knots in steady 10-knot winds. The 75 HP Volvo Penta diesel provides confident power for marina manoeuvring and motoring in calm conditions. A 2.10 m standard draft fits Croatian anchorages well.

Strengths

• More standard sail area: 94 m² rig delivers confident upwind performance without upgrades.
• Proven charter platform: 68 boats across Croatia — spare parts, experienced technicians, and competitive pricing everywhere.
• Value for money: Highest availability means lower charter rates than comparable Beneteau models.
• Shallower draft: 2.10 m allows anchoring in shallower Croatian coves near Pakleni Islands and Kornati.

Considerations

• Less customisable interiors: Layout options limited to 3–4 cabins versus the Oceanis"s broader range.
• Narrower beam: At 4.35 m, cabin width is tighter than the Oceanis — noticeable in the forward cabin.
• Heavy in light winds: 11,000 kg displacement means the boat sits rather than ghosts in sub-5-knot conditions.

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 — Overview

The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 represents Beneteau"s modern performance-cruiser philosophy. At 14.60 metres, it stretches slightly longer and wider (4.50 m beam) than the Bavaria. The design by Finot-Conq with Nauta Design interiors emphasises comfort, style, and owner customisation. The distinctive stepped hull, inherited from the larger Oceanis 51.1, optimises interior space without compromising sailing performance.

The Oceanis offers flexible cabin layouts — choose from 3, 4, or 5 cabins depending on configuration. Interiors feature premium finishes, lighter wood tones, and thoughtful ergonomics including larger windows and improved sightlines. The wider 4.50 m beam creates noticeably spacious cabin volumes, particularly in the owner"s stateroom. Engine options start at 57 HP for economical cruising, with an 80 HP upgrade available.

Sailing character differs from the Bavaria. The Oceanis 46.1 feels lighter on the helm and more responsive to trim adjustments. It rewards active sailing rather than tolerating passive steering. With 26 boats available in Croatia, it"s less common than the Bavaria but readily available at major bases including Split and Pomer.

Strengths

• Flexible layouts: Up to 5 cabins and 4 heads — ideal for large charter groups of 10–12.
• Wider interior: 4.50 m beam creates visibly more space in forward cabins and saloon.
• Premium finishes: Beneteau"s Nauta Design interiors offer contemporary styling and superior comfort.
• Modern hull design: Stepped hull optimises interior volume while maintaining efficient sailing characteristics.

Considerations

• Deeper standard draft: 2.35 m limits some shallow anchorages (though a 1.75 m shallow-draft option exists).
• Higher charter rates: Expect 10–20% premium over Bavaria equivalents due to smaller fleet and premium positioning.
• Smaller standard sail plan: Base 85 m² rig is modest — the performance version with 120 m² transforms the boat but isn"t standard on charter boats.

Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 — Quick Specs

Specification	Bavaria Cruiser 46	Beneteau Oceanis 46.1	What it Means
Length Overall	14.27 m (46"10")	14.60 m (47"11")	Oceanis slightly longer hull
Beam	4.35 m (14"3")	4.50 m (14"9")	Oceanis wider = more interior volume
Draft (standard)	2.10 m (6"11")	2.35 m (7"9")	Bavaria shallower = better for anchorages
Displacement	11,000 kg	10,594 kg	Similar weight class
Sail Area (upwind)	94 m²	85 m² (std) / 120 m² (perf)	Bavaria more sail standard; Oceanis perf version bigger
Engine	Volvo Penta 75 HP	57 HP (std) / 80 HP (opt)	Bavaria more power standard
Fuel Tank	210 L	200 L	Similar range
Water Tank	450 L	370 L	Bavaria carries more water
Cabins / Heads	3–4 / 2–3	3–5 / 2–4	Oceanis offers more layout options
Designer	J&J Design / Bavaria	Finot-Conq / Nauta Design	Different design philosophies

Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 — Decision Guide

Both boats excel in different scenarios. Your crew profile and charter priorities should drive the choice.

Choose the Bavaria Cruiser 46 if:

• You want proven charter reliability at the most competitive weekly rate in the 46-foot class.
• Upwind sailing performance matters — the larger standard sail plan (94 m² vs 85 m²) makes a noticeable difference.
• You"re anchoring in shallow Croatian coves where 2.10 m draft provides more options than 2.35 m.
• You prefer straightforward systems and maximum parts availability across every Croatian marina. Browse Bavaria yachts in Croatia.

Choose the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 if:

• Cabin flexibility is essential — you need 5 cabins for a group of 10 or want layout customisation.
• You value interior aesthetics and comfort — the Nauta Design interiors feel a generation ahead.
• Your crew enjoys modern, responsive sailing and lighter helm feel.
• You"re chartering with a larger group that benefits from the wider beam and spacious owner"s cabin. See Beneteau yachts in Croatia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 worth the extra cost over the Bavaria Cruiser 46?

It depends on priorities. The Oceanis commands a 10–20% charter premium, justified by wider cabins, flexible layouts, and contemporary interiors. For crews of 4–6 who prioritise sailing performance and value, the Bavaria delivers more for less. For groups of 8–12 who want maximum comfort and modern design, the Oceanis premium pays for itself in satisfaction.

Which sails better — Bavaria Cruiser 46 or Oceanis 46.1?

The Bavaria edges ahead with its 94 m² standard rig delivering stronger upwind drive. The Oceanis"s base 85 m² feels lighter and more responsive but requires the 120 m² performance package for real punch. In typical Adriatic conditions (10–15 knot maestral), both handle well. The Bavaria rewards steady trimming; the Oceanis rewards active sailing.

Which is better for families?

Both work well for families. The Oceanis wins on cabin comfort — wider beam means more spacious sleeping quarters and a genuinely roomy owner"s stateroom. The Bavaria wins on value and draft (2.10 m reaches beach anchorages the Oceanis can"t). Families with young children may prefer the Bavaria"s shallower access to sandy bays near Pakleni Islands.

Can I charter both in Croatia?

Yes. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is available at virtually every Croatian charter base (68 boats). The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 has 26 boats, concentrated at major bases including Split and Pomer. Both are available for bareboat or skippered charters. Search Yachtaris to compare availability and rates.

Which has better build quality?

Both use solid GRP (fibreglass) construction with CE Category A ocean certification. Beneteau emphasises interior fit-and-finish — joinerywork and surface finishes feel more refined. Bavaria emphasises engineering robustness and simplicity of systems. For structural durability, they"re equivalent. Beneteau wins on aesthetic detail; Bavaria on long-term maintenance ease.

Bottom Line

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is the smart choice for sailors prioritising performance, shallow-water versatility, and value. The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 suits crews seeking modern comfort, flexible layouts, and premium interiors. Both excel in Croatian waters — your decision comes down to whether you optimise for sailing capability or interior luxury.

Browse 46-Foot Charter Yachts in Croatia

Ready to compare availability and current charter rates? Browse all sailing yachts for charter in Croatia on Yachtaris — filter by manufacturer, dates, and cabin count to find your perfect match.