Best 46-Foot Sailing Yachts for Charter: Bavaria, Beneteau, and Dufour Compared

The 46-foot sailing yacht is the sweet spot for charter vacations in Croatia. Big enough to accommodate 8–12 people comfortably, yet manageable for bareboat crews with proper experience. The three models we compare here — Bavaria Cruiser 46, Beneteau Oceanis 46.1, and Dufour 460 Grand Large — command a combined fleet of 122 boats across Croatian waters, making them the most accessible yachts in this class.

Key Takeaways: Which 46-Foot Yacht Suits Your Charter?

• Bavaria Cruiser 46: The fleet standard. Proven, affordable, and ideal for families or first-time bareboaters who want reliability without premium pricing.
• Beneteau Oceanis 46.1: The modern alternative. Contemporary design, optional five-cabin layout, and responsive sailing appeal to comfort-focused crews.
• Dufour 460 Grand Large: The sailor"s boat. Superior sail area, largest water tank, and refined handling suit performance-focused crews planning extended cruises.
• Best overall value: Bavaria Cruiser 46 — 68 boats available, competitive rates, maximum availability.
• Best modern design: Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 — updated layout, more natural light, flexible configurations.

Why 46-Foot Yachts Are the Charter Sweet Spot

The 46-foot class — typically 14–15 metres — hits a critical balance for charter sailing. Boats this size offer enough cabin space to justify group costs. A crew of eight to ten pays roughly one-third the price per person compared to a smaller 40-foot charter, yet doesn"t face the operational complexity or fuel bills of a 50-footer.

Handling remains reasonable for bareboat crews. A 46-footer responds to helm inputs without the sluggishness of larger vessels, yet has enough weight and inertia to forgive mistakes in tight anchorages. Engine power ranges from 57–75 HP — sufficient to motor in calm conditions but not so powerful that crews abandon sail discipline.

Cabin count — typically three to five — allows couples to charter privately while groups of 8–10 fill most berths. This flexibility is unique at this size. Below 40 feet, cabin counts drop sharply. Above 50 feet, bareboat prices jump 40–60% and crew management becomes harder.

Bavaria Cruiser 46 — The Fleet Standard

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 dominates Croatian fleets with 68 boats actively available. This isn"t accidental. Bavaria"s design philosophy emphasises straightforward construction, proven systems, and competitive economics. The boat has been refined through multiple generational updates since 2004, each improving rather than reinventing the formula.

Core specifications: Length 14.27 m, beam 4.35 m, draft 2.10 m, displacement 11,000 kg. Three or four cabins with 2–3 heads. A 75 HP Volvo Penta diesel — the most powerful standard engine in this comparison. Fuel capacity 210 L; water 450 L. Sail area 94 m² upwind. For the complete story, read our in-depth Bavaria Cruiser 46 review.

Strengths lie in conservative, predictable engineering. Engine access is straightforward, systems are conventional, and construction tolerances mean crews rarely encounter annoying squeaks or rattles. The boat sails competently in moderate conditions and forgives poor helmsmanship without violent broaches or unexpected heel.

Best for: Families seeking proven reliability, first-time bareboaters who prioritise familiar systems, budget-conscious groups wanting the lowest weekly rate without sacrificing safety. Also read how it compares in our Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 and Bavaria Cruiser 46 vs Dufour 460 comparisons.

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 — The Modern All-Rounder

The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 brings contemporary design into the 46-foot charter segment. Launched in 2019, it incorporates lessons from 15+ years of Oceanis development. While Bavaria prioritises tradition, Beneteau emphasises modern materials, updated layouts, and flexible cabin configurations.

Core specifications: Length 14.60 m, beam 4.50 m, draft 2.35 m, displacement 10,594 kg. Cabins range from three to five. Standard 57 HP engine (80 HP upgrade available). Fuel 200 L; water 370 L. Sail area 85 m² standard. 26 boats in Croatia"s fleet.

Design advantages are immediate. The saloon feels lighter with larger windows and improved sightlines. Cabin interiors use lighter wood tones and modern joinery. The owner"s cabin is genuinely spacious with a queen berth; guest cabins sleep two in actual comfort. The wider 4.50 m beam creates noticeable interior volume.

Sailing character rewards active engagement. The Oceanis is quicker to respond, lighter on helm, and more intuitive for modern sport-cruiser sailors. One consideration: the 57 HP base engine is modest for this size, and the 200 L fuel tank requires planning on extended trips.

Best for: Sailors wanting modern comfort and refined design, mixed-experience crews, groups needing five cabins, crews who value responsive helm feel and contemporary aesthetics.

Dufour 460 Grand Large — The Sailor"s Choice

The Dufour 460 Grand Large occupies distinct territory. Dufour, a French builder with deep offshore heritage, designed this boat for crews planning extended passages. The "Grand Large" name signals authentic sailing performance and self-sufficiency rather than charter-base convenience.

Core specifications: Length 14.15 m, beam 4.50 m, draft 2.20 m, displacement 10,760 kg. Three to five cabin configurations. A 60 HP Volvo Penta engine. Fuel 270 L; water an exceptional 530 L. Sail area 99.8 m² — the largest in this comparison. 28 boats in Croatia. Design by Felci Yachts (Italy).

Strengths cluster around range and sailing ability. The 530 L water tank — 80 L more than Bavaria, 160 L more than Beneteau — enables 12+ days of comfortable use for 10 people. The 270 L fuel tank provides the longest range. This means fewer marina stops, more weather flexibility, and confidence for passages to remote anchorages.

With 99.8 m² of sail area and balanced hull form, the Dufour rewards active sailing. Downwind performance is notably better than both competitors. Experienced crews find precise helm response and efficient power delivery. The wider beam provides stability while the extra canvas delivers speed.

Best for: Experienced bareboat sailors prioritising performance and range, crews planning 10+ day charters, long-range cruisers who value water autonomy, sailors who view the yacht as a sailing platform first.

Head-to-Head Specification Comparison

Specification	Bavaria Cruiser 46	Beneteau Oceanis 46.1	Dufour 460 GL
Length Overall	14.27 m	14.60 m	14.15 m
Beam	4.35 m	4.50 m	4.50 m
Draft	2.10 m	2.35 m	2.20 m
Displacement	11,000 kg	10,594 kg	10,760 kg
Sail Area (upwind)	94 m²	85 m² (std)	99.8 m²
Engine Power	75 HP	57 HP (std)	60 HP
Fuel Capacity	210 L	200 L	270 L
Water Capacity	450 L	370 L	530 L
Cabin Count	3–4	3–5	3–5
Fleet in Croatia	68 boats	26 boats	28 boats

Which 46-Foot Yacht Should You Charter?

Budget-first: The Bavaria Cruiser 46 sets the price baseline. With 68 boats, competition keeps weekly rates 8–12% below comparable Beneteau or Dufour vessels.

Modern comfort and flexibility: Choose the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 if your crew values contemporary design, natural light, and flexible configurations. The five-cabin option accommodates groups of 10 without cabin-sharing compromise.

Performance and autonomy: The Dufour 460 Grand Large suits experienced sailors and extended cruises. Superior sail area and 530 L water tank support ambitious itineraries — island-hopping to Hvar, Korčula, and beyond.

Family charters: Bavaria or Beneteau. Both offer predictable handling for mixed-experience crews. Bavaria"s lower cost eases budget pressure; Beneteau"s modern layout feels fresher.

Pure sailing focus: Dufour 460. The largest sail area, most refined helm response, and best downwind performance reward active sailing and tactical decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What"s the cheapest 46-foot yacht to charter in Croatia?

The Bavaria Cruiser 46. High-season weekly rates typically range from €3,500–4,200. Shoulder seasons (May–June, September) drop to €2,400–3,200. The larger fleet creates competitive pricing. Beneteau and Dufour rates run 10–20% higher for comparable dates and bases.

Which 46-foot yacht sails best?

The Dufour 460 Grand Large. With 99.8 m² of sail area, balanced weight distribution, and offshore hull shaping, it excels both upwind and downwind. The Bavaria sails adequately with good standard power. The Beneteau is modern and responsive but carries less canvas in standard trim.

Can I bareboat charter any of these boats?

Yes — all three accept bareboat charters. Standard requirements include evidence of sailing experience (logbook or certifications) and prior coastal cruising. Bavaria and Beneteau are forgiving enough for competent bareboaters with moderate experience. The Dufour"s performance character benefits from stronger sailing credentials. Most charter companies require a refundable security deposit of €2,500–5,000.

Which 46-foot yacht has the most cabins?

Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 and Dufour 460 both offer five-cabin configurations, sleeping up to 10–12 people. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 maxes at four cabins. For large groups, the Beneteau or Dufour provides better sleeping flexibility. If you"re considering multihull alternatives, see our Lagoon 40 vs 42 catamaran comparison.

Are these available for one-way charters in Croatia?

Yes, primarily between major bases (Split to Zadar, Trogir to Dubrovnik). One-way positioning fees typically add €400–800 depending on distance. The Bavaria"s larger fleet makes one-way logistics easiest. Dufour and Beneteau one-way options require earlier booking — especially July and August.

Bottom Line

All three 46-foot sailing yachts excel within their design intent. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is the proven, affordable workhorse. The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is the modern comfort choice. The Dufour 460 Grand Large is the sailor"s boat for range and performance. Your decision hinges on experience level, budget, itinerary ambition, and cabin needs — not on any single boat being objectively "best."

Browse All 46-Foot Charter Yachts in Croatia

Compare all three models side-by-side, check current rates, and filter by cabin count at Yachtaris"s Croatia yacht search. Availability fluctuates — the boat with open dates in your preferred week often matters more than theoretical specifications.