The Bavaria 50 Cruiser
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Bavaria 50

• Keel & Rudder Configuration: L-shaped keel with bulb and twin spade rudders
• Hull Material: GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester)
• Length Overall: 15.0 meters (49'2")*
• Waterline Length: 13.9 meters (45'6")*
• Beam: 4.7 meters (15'4")*
• Draft: 2.25 meters (7'5")*
• Rig Type: Fractional sloop
• Displacement: 12,600 kg (27,778 lbs)*
• Ballast: 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)*
• Sail Area: 116.59 m² (1,267 sq ft)*
• Water Tank Capacity: 300 liters (79.25 gallons)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 300 liters (79.25 gallons)
• Designer: Farr Yacht Design
• Builder: Bavaria Yachts (Germany)
• Year First Built: 2010
• Year Last Built: 2015

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

Interior Layouts

• Three-Cabin Model: This layout includes an enormous owner's space forward with a large head and shower to port and extended hanging lockers to starboard.
• Four-Cabin Layout: This option splits the V-berth in two, with each side having its own head.
• Five-Cabin Model: This layout features a split V-berth, a shared head forward, and a cabin with two bunks.

Alternative versions

In addition to the Cruiser version there were also:

• Standard Version: The base model with essential features for cruising.
• Holiday Version: Designed for extended cruising with additional amenities for comfort.
• Vision Version: Focused on enhanced performance and sailing capabilities.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

• Mainsail Area: Approximately 67.50 m² (726 ft²)
• Foresail Area (Genoa): Approximately 49.09 m² (528 ft²)
• Total Sail Area: Approximately 116.59 m² (1,255 ft²)

• I (Foretriangle Height): 19.5 meters (64'0")
• J (Foretriangle Base): 6.1 meters (20'0")
• P (Mainsail Foot): 18.52 meters (60'10")
• E (Mainsail Head): 6.17 meters (20'2")

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 22.0 - This ratio indicates that the Bavaria 50 Cruiser has a fairly high sail area relative to its displacement. A higher SA/D ratio generally means the boat will perform better in light winds and have greater speed potential. This makes the Bavaria 50 Cruiser a good performer, especially for a cruising sailboat, suggesting it can handle a wide range of wind conditions effectively.

• Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D): 36.4 - The Ballast/Displacement ratio shows the proportion of the boat's weight that is dedicated to ballast. With a ratio of 36.4%, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser has a good amount of weight low in the keel, contributing to stability and stiffness. This means it is less likely to heel excessively, providing a comfortable ride even in stronger winds and rougher seas.

• Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): 132 - The Displacement/Length ratio is a measure of the boat's displacement relative to its length. A lower number generally indicates a lighter, potentially faster boat. With a D/L ratio of 132, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser is considered relatively light for its size, which suggests good performance and speed potential, particularly downwind.

• Comfort Ratio: 24.3 - This ratio is an indication of how comfortable a boat will be in rough seas. A higher comfort ratio generally means a more comfortable motion in waves. With a Comfort Ratio of 24.3, the Bavaria 50 Cruiser offers a moderate level of comfort, striking a balance between performance and liveability at sea.

• 5. Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 2.0 - The CSF is used to evaluate a boat's stability and its propensity to capsize. A CSF of 2.0 or less is considered good, indicating the boat is safe for offshore sailing. The Bavaria 50 Cruiser's CSF of 2.0 suggests it has a good level of stability, making it suitable for blue-water cruising.

In summary, the design ratios of the Bavaria 50 Cruiser indicate that it is a well-rounded cruiser with good performance potential, stability, and comfort, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising. The sail area and displacement ratios suggest a good balance between speed and stability, while the comfort and capsize ratios indicate it should provide a comfortable and safe ride in a variety of sea conditions.

But the Design Ratios are Not the Whole Story...

Although the design ratios can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics they do however, have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

Consequently, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

Here's what Cruising World has to say about the Bavaria 50 Cruiser...