Bavaria goes BIG! Is this C42 the best value 40-footer?

Toby Hodges gives a full tour of the award-winning Bavaria C42 after a punchy sail on the Solent. This, the Ford Model T of 40-footers redefines what you can expect in performance and space terms at this size.
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[@Cinsightfully]

Too many comments sneering at this boat's for not having the rigging of a boutique blue water boat or the aesthetics of a classic wooden yacht. Those boats would either be twice as expensive or twice as long, to achieve comparable hull volume/speed. It's an affordable coastal day sailer that makes for a nice living space at the dock, which is the life of an overwhelming number of boats. No need to pay for capability you'll never use, especially to the tune of 50-100% increase in price.

[@The-Travel-Man]

Well said. Most boats of this age and of this pedigree are the "Harbor Queens" at my local Florida marina. IMO, this is a practical and well constructed boat. If I had $250k in cash, I'd buy it, and I'd sail the crap out of it. This rigging setup looks good enough for single-handed operation.

[@HgHg-yp6ft]

Without been the proverbial "internet specialist" i have seen people circumnavigating the world with less of a boat so to speak... i even know one of those chaps haha.

[@MondoRockable]

Yep. Go pay $2M for a Hallberg Rassy if you want a true blue water. This boat competes with the Beneteaus and the Jeanneaus, and you'll still see people crossing oceans in them. The Bavaria would be top of my list for a new 40 or 45.

[@SA-zv4wr]

Great to see another Yachting World review from Toby Hodges.

[@brianthelion97]

Nice to see you guys back at it!

[@larsolsson571]

Thanks Toby. I’m always excited as soon as I see a new video from you guys

[@MBrln-no8vd]

YW reviews are always interesting. Thanks!

[@leocmen]

Nice to have you back...

[@timallen6025]

Really like your reviews . What is said what is not quite said ( sometimes ), all good intelligent honest stuff thank you .. Btw takes me 10-15 years to adjust to the new ‘ new’ 😄

[@jerrybailey3095]

Excellent review, and that's one beautiful boat "wow" .😎👍

[@brucemcnair2]

Great review Missed you guys

[@FamilyKern]

So happy to see Yachting World uploading to KZbin again. What I liked about past YW reviews were the critiques. Beyond the comment about the square corners, this video lacked commentary. For me, wire rigging on a 40-footer should have been called out. Also, that mainsheet bridle looks useless, it’s too far forward. I like the boat, and it does set a new standard for the builder but the example reviewed is a dock queen, not a voyager.

[@ceirwan]

1x19 wire rigging on a 40 footer is pretty conventional, and safe. I'm not sure what issue you would have with it? That said I'm not an overall fan of the boat.

[@Themothershipsailing]

‘Look how much volume is incorporated into the bow’.. sums it up nicely. I guess for those wanting lots of space and more of an apartment feel, its a choice.. A single ‘not too deep’ spade rudder is an interesting choice but like the access (anticipating problems?) and the through hull pads in the aft locker. The production boats all look the same with the exception of Hanse windows / portholes. Amazing though the price and purpose designed for chartering by the sounds of it.

[@erichyney6287]

Nice to see you back Toby.

[@yachtingworld]

Thanks Eric... I literally haven't gone anywhere!

[@sheilamorrison1954]

@@yachtingworld Sadly, neither have most of us! :P

[@biblicaltheologyexegesisan9024]

thanks for the walk through Toby

[@metegokce697]

Wish there were more incentives for Yachting World to publish more boat review videos by Toby...

[@robertfrederick9061]

what is the fore/aft length of the forward stateroom? I need at least 12 foot stanchion to stanchion for my deluxe sleep hammock.

[@morghino1497]

won the award for best cruiser 2021! there will be a reason!

[@andrewlabat9963]

A fantastic boat, particularly at that size..

[@puertola7186]

It is good that the wet area in the head is separated from the sink area.

[@metegokce697]

By the way, the benchmark 40-footer is Azuree 41 in my opinion.

[@albertofourie3294]

Azuree 41 is indeed a great sailboat but the company I believe are building very few boats and is on somewhat shaky ground!

[@cowshittt]

Looks great however one question in mind. Falling keel?

[@dunkie976]

Lovely boat, we've really turned a corner in yacht design, nicely addressed by doing a side by side comparison at the beginning. It'd be good to see more electric propulsion systems as standard because that will be the next evolution and could lead to a totally holistic design revolution.

[@brownnoise357]

It would be nice potentially, however as of now it looks like we are still a very long way away from the Real Battery Energy Density needed being far too low compared to the Energy Density needed Afloat on the Seas, or very large Lakes for that matter that is available with Diesel Fuel Energy Density "Battery". Even with Outboards tbh, for a workhorse Tender, Conditions can change for the worse while ashore, and I'll take a 6hp 4 stroke Petrol Outboard with phenomenal real mpg, and say a 3 gallon external Fuel tank giving the power and running time to be able to cope with Conditions that have changed for the worse for more than long enough to get where you are going. If you have to open up an electric Outboard to make progress, watch the power available drop rather dramatically into single figure minutes ? Some may consider that Safe ? Well not me. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob. 👍

[@wally07]

Only half way through this video but I’m not sure I’d call this a benchmark 40. If this is the new benchmark then I miss the good old days.

[@jfuite]

What from the “good old days” do you prefer in a ‘value’ cruiser?

[@dfharris03]

@@jfuite 1. Deep storage, 2. ease of motion, 3. many opening ports, 4. rounded corners down below, 5. sail controls like a mainsheet traveler, 4. solid wood vs. laminates, 5. spreader angles that allow downwind angle for the mainsail 6. simplicity of systems, lower freeboard for ease of docking.....

[@jfuite]

@David Harris Thanks for the list.

[@leftvassis]

@@dfharris03 id disagree with the simplicity of systems and ease of motion part.Like you said the traveller has been pretty much removed(although you could use the windward sheet to kind of immitate a traveller) and the newer boats have become much more agile and maneouverable under sail.Although docking them is a bit harder due to bigger hull volume and thus slower reactions

[@JohnJohn-cu7nk]

Designed for chugging from anchor to anchor with the engine and not using sails.Charter boat market ,that mouse hole for storing sails was criminal 🤣

[@lovropirkl2672]

My Bavaria 46 can easily go 9 knots, with the hard chines that this boat has it is probably even faster. Though it is visible the quality has dropped slightly from the previous generations.

[@wally07]

I wouldn’t want to leave sight of the shore in this thing. Built for the charter market by the looks.

[@joubep]

You should really test the Jeanneau 410. I guarantee you would be even more convinced.

[@crusadeagainsttomatoes2518]

Looking forward to seeing the new HR400!

[@johnturner2175]

This boat falls short in so many areas that I don’t see anyone considering it has a live a board. Just watching the three of you sail it open to all the elements. It’s at best a weekend go fast boat.

[@Deep.Purple]

you need a wind muff for you camera... especially if you are on the coast ;)

[@gil7335]

What about Bavaria build quality now?

[@chimbatete]

Toby gets a lot of shade in other videos but He's the one doing reviews while actually sailing the boats. Go figure.

[@jackofmosttrades9127]

What are those shoes you’re wearing?

[@yachtingworld]

Zhik ZHG

[@viarnay]

Nice tupperware :- D

[@billhanna8838]

Hell i hope the hull wasn't flexing to cause that rig slackness & those bruise maker corners , man they will have to get Bruce Farr into save them again ? Wish you could show us the keel bolt & grid below the flooring .

[@chriscurtis8597]

But how long will the keel stay connected?

[@puertola7186]

Indeed!

[@jean-pierregermain6854]

Your audio track would benefit greatly from my proper noise absorbent cover on your microphone

[@Sofaighter]

guys its all well and good but you should really improve audio and video quality

[@rolandoomar10]

We need to start to call a performance boat a performance boat

[@sdcofer52]

Designed and built to sit in the marina.

[@viarnay]

and almost affordable for everybody

[@smartcatcollarproject5699]

And rightly so, as 99% of the owners will use it for daily of week-end sailing ?

[@kevinlockwood9564]

Nothing wrong with pricing given poor Euro exchange rate and if you make some modifications it’s just what you want in charter market I guess where most will be sold. Would be good to see a review of a Dufour competitor sometime ?

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

Why do so many manufacturers keep putting all these sharp pointy corners on tables & cabinets that someone is bound to bump into while underway?

[@kevinlockwood9564]

As an owner of a Moody 41 and former Bavaria owner some good and bad points here. I cannot see why you would not want the German main sheet system and hence extra power winches each side. The self tacker is good but don’t like angles of furniture below . You don’t say much about quality of sails fitted ? No engine controls on helm stations ? Might need some extra fridge storage ? Bedding looks rather thin maybe. It’s not an attractive boat either but I sure it’s fine for Med charter market so a season crashing around Greek marinas will soon show up issues I guess.

[@everstormz]

Drives me nuts that primary winches are so far forward.

[@roadboat9216]

Looks like she would sail really well. But the tankage ? Pitiful to call it a cruiser. She will join the ranks of so many boats with the decks lined with jugs! Yes, it has a wonderful interior. But as you open the lockers opps tanks in here. Oops tanks in here, oops batteries in here, oh and pumps in here and air con in this one! And after all that, only 47 gal water and fuel? Lots of open space looks great. Nice costal boat and family general use. But not a cruiser. Sure you can cruise it accross oceans, but that is certainly not her purpose. And not to pick on this one. That is the trend of this type of boat. No bilge, no tankage not much storage for longer trips. But beautiful and I’m sure a great sailor. Thanks for the tour!

[@jamesmoore5997]

Below was subcontracted to Ikea?

[@svgitana2499]

🤣🤣 I said the same thing

[@dfharris03]

Why no main traveler? The line management on top of the house will be really messy with a limited crew. I've never seen so many right angles on a boat, from the hull to the cabin. They should call it the Ikea edition! Engine coolant looks low! Not much ventilation in the aft cabin. I think I'm too old school. These need to be plugged in to power up the A/C.

[@mcbrite]

My thoughts exactly... I've never sailed a day in my life and even MY first thought was along the lines of: "How is this a cruiser if you can't single hand it? The position of the winch is really stupid, too far away from the wheel and no line bins..." I'm sure there is tons more, but like I said: I don't even sail (yet)... :-D

[@amycollins6007]

This looks like a MacGregor 26 that grew up 😬

[@obidamnkenobi]

lol, true!

[@richardwyman5975]

I previously owned a MacGregor 26X for 10 years and now the owner of a Bavaria 39 for 9 years. I wish people who have owned neither would keep their stupid comments to themselves

[@amycollins6007]

@@richardwyman5975 I'm really unclear why you got hostile. There is something in the aesthetic of this boat with its big black windows that reminds me of a big MacGregor.

[@amycollins6007]

@@richardwyman5975 I fail to see why my comment is "stupid" - Ifelt that the big black windows looked like the big black windows on a macgregor andthis boat is obviously bigger - hence my comment. I'm sorry if you feel self conscious about your choices of boats, but that's no reason to call my comments stupid.

[@paulcarrier2424]

Does every single thing still break on those?

[@mister_ray]

Notice how slack the lee shrouds go even on a reach. Time for a new rigger.

[@user-ie5sc5ur2v]

To be fair Toby did say at 3:05 it was a new rig and it hadn't settled down properly.

[@billhanna8838]

@@user-ie5sc5ur2v 1+19 rig dont stretch that mush , Hope it wasn't the hull moving ?

[@sheilamorrison1954]

Looks like a door stop

[@HHJung1976]

The mainsheet is so far in the front? Lots of load on it...

[@jimheaven]

Niccceeeee

[@franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187]

🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤….no coment. Amo la Mar “ mi santuario personal. Y donde descansaré o reposaré algún día

[@belgianquill]

I don't understand boating! The base price is £141,000 but the pretty basic reviewed boat on the water is £242,000? Why quote the base price? Please can you review a base boat inc VAT? I'd love to see it - if it exists. Alternatively, explain the £72,000 of extras. I won't even ask why the ropes couldn't have been routed around the cockpit seating.

[@johnturner2175]

Watching this boat healed over is the reason why you need twin rudders.

[@splintmeow4723]

Would be excellent if they had one large aft cabin with extra headroom. 😕

[@alessiob5866]

Toby, is it GoPro you use for filming? Everything is so... sowbelly and round.

[@yachtingworld]

Yes - except the off boat/on water footage

[@biztabs7670]

Interior reminds me of an IKEA pack. Looks a bit cheap. Will be interested to see the interior after a season..

[@ushillbillies]

YUP ME AS WELL

[@alexandermenzies9954]

The bow looked undecided whether it would go over the waves or under them. I'd prefer it went over..

[@invictusmaneo464]

Jste ho přestali hlídat a zase vysadil prášky :D

[@joem3556]

Looks like a Vendee boat

[@jonkje]

No... Vendee racers are high quality boats.. This is.. Never mind

[@joem3556]

@@jonkje know where you were going... thanks for the laugh

[@jameslamm8101]

What is a "chine" he was talking about?

[@yachtingworld]

The hard angle in the hull topsides James

[@jameslamm8101]

@@yachtingworld THANKS

[@pandzik]

This is Not oceanic yacht?

[@Sabre3861]

I still like their Vision line better.

[@sebd6307]

Hi Toby! besides the great reviews you bring us, aren't you getting bored by reviewing all these plastic sailing yachts that all look the same? I mean look at Bavaria, Jeanneau, Dehler, Beneteau and Dufour. If you look at a harbor during summer, everything looks the same. I'm sure either of these boats are nice boats to sail, but my hart does not say YES to either one of them. Is it so much more expensive to mass produce a hull that looks like a Sparkman or a Morris yacht?

[@marcopolo242]

If people wanted to buy those ancient designs they'd still be making them.

[@sebd6307]

@@marcopolo242 I can understand, but almost all people I know simply like the looks of the more classic ships, but do not have the money...

[@marcopolo242]

@@sebd6307 it is more than just the money in the end. The molds could be easily created and the hull shapes produced at the same costs as what we see today. In the end those those hull shapes just aren't as practical so even at the same price, they will be passed over by buyers in favor of the modern designs. Is their a nostalgic appeal to them? Absolutely. But you must be rich to justify spending 400k on a boat because of how it looks instead of how well it meets your needs. Which is how we end up needing to spend more for a custom build to get it. Similarly with classic cars.

[@sebd6307]

@@marcopolo242 Thanks for the clarification! I understand what you are saying.

[@someguy9440]

This boat is lightly built for casual use ... which is how 99% of boats get used. I'd like to see the faces on all these rigging experts in the comments after getting walked by an elderly couple in their 70's. That simple split mainsheet with the hard vang are a perfect combination for a cruiser and look correct for the design brief. Big vertical battens. Self tacking jib. Easy access to the rudder post and plenty of room in there for your choice of autopilot and windvane gear. Flat transom make an e-rudder fitting simple, too. I'm just not seeing many downsides here to the rig 'n rudder choices for this kind of boat.

[@ross82]

When a boat looks like it’s sailing in heavy weather, but really it’s champagne conditions... then you know it’s a dog!

[@borys2767]

Wood work cabinets look like a cheap massprodution RV...LOL

[@obidamnkenobi]

Gonna go with the journalistic rule of "if there's a question in the headline, the answer is always NO" ..

[@pflaffik]

Several studies has shown the answer to be a little more yes than no.

[@TheBanditKingKir]

This channel always: Is this *insert boat* the best boat for *insert characteristic*?

[@adamgreiner390]

Lol! Shot over the bow goes unanswered...

[@chrisoleary9876]

Does "best value" mean cheap?

[@thatdopedude7217]

Around 160k€

[@chrisoleary9876]

@@thatdopedude7217 Thanks! I got the dope from the Dude!

[@gregkowalski2780]

@@thatdopedude7217 do you have any links showing where one can get it for 160K? Few searches i did it's more like 260KE

[@puertola7186]

tested boat costs ~282,000 Euro! (242,118 pound)

[@morghino1497]

157.000€🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Ok,but, in water, full equipe for sail, 280.000€ if you wont a boat complete and with a minimum of style !!!! please don't fool people with false prices!

[@steffenoei9078]

At the end of the video Toby speaks about €250.000-300.000 depending on the options. The price of the testboat was also shown at the end on the list with about € 278.000.

[@morghino1497]

@@steffenoei9078 exactly what I say ... it makes me angry that the prices displayed are half of what you actually have to spend if you want to navigate

[@puertola7186]

157,000 Euro. But the tested boat costs ~282,000 Euro! (242,118 pound). I think we are all familiar with this 'German trick' (no, not the diesel one). Especially from BMW. Initial price seems relatively low but when you need some comfort that comes standard with Honda, Toyota, price skyrockets. And all due respect, in terms of build quality, I think we all know that Bavaria is no BMW.

[@lovropirkl2672]

The older "cruiser" series of Bavaria sailboats were actually developed in cooperation with BMW

[@drxym]

Ridiculously cheap boat but I bet the price goes up a lot on the options. It seems weird that no one thought to fix the sharp corners or put grab rails in.

[@larkhill2119]

Its good in some ways to drive away the people with to much cash away from good secondhand blue water boats around £100,000 and allow normal people who want to "sail" better boats. That's a lot of boat for entertainment, the holidays and photos. A Mastercraft 26 ft waterboard boat is $200,000+ driving secondhand prices up. I sold a 4 year old wake boat in 2007 like when I sold it the price has not dropped from new because the new powerboat prices are crazy.

[@fstelpstra]

how low can you go ym

[@SA-zv4wr]

That mast's continuation in the boat looks symbolic and does not give much confidence.... I think it is just an apartment for bay hopping cruisers. And not a cheap one when you have to buy the `optional` things that one normally needs.

[@VirtanenDK]

I rather have the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey with it's sinking keel lol

[@userrmr]

I'm sorry; we own a 2014 Dufour 410 which matches most of the "innovations" and the excuses for non-sailing issues is totally glossed over. I love you are looking at more affordable yachts beg to differ this is the benchmark. Hmm

[@gcaskew]

Would like it in a lighter color

[@Nils_Hammarsten]

2.7 m sek

[@afistfullofdollars9154]

Hallberg-Rassy 40C could be the benchmark. The bavaria, not so much.

[@MrBrian8749]

She has nice lines a beautiful boat...but inside it looks cheap. I bet you all that wood inside is laminate covered (plastic) the doors look like those cheap hollow core. Maybe some folks like it, but as for me I want my cabins to look like a boat cabin and not an apartment in the city.

[@nan-shan8098]

a big tupperware, wiht mast...

[@nan-shan8098]

@@charonstyxferryman Ok but that layout is coastal/oceanic, supposed to be safe, so much beam, strut, no grips inside, rudders exposed. Maybe it works for charter. I don't know, I prefer ims or ior helmets ...More harmonic ...

[@Maloy7800]

What the heck is a "chine"?

[@Cptnbond]

What a small toy anchor, Lol.

[@Carlos_Verhaak]

I wonder where could someone grab to when sailing and not fly all through the saloon! Nice interior to chill out in the marina, but if you want to sail, well..... I'd rather spend that money in a used real blue water boat.

[@Johnonayacht]

She looks like a Hunter from 2010

[@GI-AUS]

You mean ugly?

[@edferculo8887]

For a very large interior there’s no room except to dance. Not good on the water

[@rogersliter4999]

I wish someone would teach this guy how to conduct a walk thru tour..

[@yachtingworld]

Perhaps you could Roger?

[@andrewbarton8525]

Hanse's cockpit sheet storage and rear winches are way neater and easier to use short handed. That mess of spaghetti either side of the companion way is terrible

[@MBrln-no8vd]

Comparing with Hanse? Even Bavaria would be offended by that comparison!

[@andrewbarton8525]

@@MBrln-no8vd Don't know if you've sailed one? But I found the Hanse easy to sail single handed and tidy in the cockpit. Down below? Everything worked fine thanks. No Halberg Rassey, but not asking Halberg prices are they.

[@ericseidel4940]

We rented a Hanse with a similar arrangement regarding chart plotter in the middle, its HORRIBLE. Takes 2 places around the cockpit table, and it is just not usable in navigation. You cant manipulate the touch screen and keep the wheel at the same time. This is a bulsh... done by marketing guys, not real sailors.

[@epimetheus9053]

90% Hanse ...

[@ianpullen1844]

I'd be interested to know how this trip was achieved within lockdown rules

[@neildobie4094]

You sound like a fun guy.

[@ianpullen1844]

@@neildobie4094 why thank you.

[@neildobie4094]

@@ianpullen1844 Pleasure.

[@78779]

Hard edges. Cheap production costs.

[@mtrezaie]

I won’t even charter it. It looks bad and feels not even thought out.

[@peterblok5116]

no

[@puertola7186]

"Benchmark for 40 footers?" No it is NOT. Azuree 41, X-Yachts X43 are yachts with much better build quality and much better sailing performance. Plus, they do not lose their keels.

[@PaulGabow]

The boat from Bavaria is not interesting. maybe she's good) Toby Hodges rarely appears. with great pleasure I heard his opinion)

[@edferculo8887]

Completely unsafe galley. You’ll be flying backwards to stbd. Horrible

[@jaysparc]

It's beautiful and spacious down below, just really ugly lines.

[@FighterFred]

Cheap, ugly, low quality. What a pity.