I would appreciate any comments re centre cockpit vs aft cockpit esp re the Ocean 38 Also any comments re Bavaria vs other mfrs ie Beneteau and Hunter. I have a Hunter 34 and have admired the German attention to detail, fit and finish and quality of workmnship of Bavaria's at recent boat shows. I'm looking for a decent liveaboard and at 6 ft 4 in have appreciated the Hunter and Catalina headroom and aft cabin space in thier smaller boats ie 34 ft.
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Center cockpit boats
Every center cockpit boat I have been on, which is very few, I have loved the interior layout, the aft stateroom, and the head room. As I am also pretty tall at 6'5", headroom is very important to me. I do wonder how much the extra height of the center cockpits effect sailing performance, and how much the extra windage effects docking and boat handling in tight spaces. It has to have some effect, I just don't have any comparative knowledge.
Every center cockpit boat I have been on, which is very few, I have loved the interior layout, the aft stateroom, and the head room. As I am also pretty tall at 6'5", headroom is very important to me. I do wonder how much the extra height of the center cockpits effect sailing performance, and how much the extra windage effects docking and boat handling in tight spaces. It has to have some effect, I just don't have any comparative knowledge.
Bavaria 38 Ocean CC 2000
I have skippered a 2000 Bavaria 38 Ocean Center Cockpit for the past 4 years and have nothing but praise for the design and overall workmanship for this model. The superb layout makes for very comfortable cruising for up to 4 - the large stateroom and the generous headroom in the main cabin are big pluses and the detailed woodwork and trims create a very cozy ambiance. AND - thanks to the Center Cockpit - it is easy to access the large engine room from both the front and the big doors on the port side. Oil change is a breeze on this baby! Even though the boat is very heavy (13 tons) and has a lot of momentum it handles quite well on docking EXCEPT in heavy side winds that tend to swing the bow with the wind. Slow approaches are a must. Boat came with a very expensive 3-bladed folding Volvo prop which was a pain to maintain as the 3 small zincs had to be replaced by diver every 2 months or so as our dock has a lot of stray currents. It eventually failed and I replaced it with a Volvo standard fixed 3-blade aluminum prop, which works (IMHO) much better under power and with only a .5 knot penalty under sail. Since we use the boat for leisurely cruising and not for racing - that is no concern for us. Average speed under power at 1,800 rpm (cruising speed) of the Volvo 55 penta is 6.5 knots. Under sail we have hit 7.5 - 8 knots. The boat has furling jib and a folding main (in a Selden mast). Both sails are controlled from the cockpit. The sightline from the cockpit to the bow is clear, making for good visibility when maneuvering to dock or in limited spaces. Another bonus of the center cockpit is the aft deck which is roomy enough for a couple of folding deck chairs - a nice feature when at anchor or at a dock. So, I would give the Bavaria 38 Ocean Center Cockpit top marks as a comfortable cruiser. Good luck finding a used one - but they pop up from time to time.
I have skippered a 2000 Bavaria 38 Ocean Center Cockpit for the past 4 years and have nothing but praise for the design and overall workmanship for this model. The superb layout makes for very comfortable cruising for up to 4 - the large stateroom and the generous headroom in the main cabin are big pluses and the detailed woodwork and trims create a very cozy ambiance. AND - thanks to the Center Cockpit - it is easy to access the large engine room from both the front and the big doors on the port side. Oil change is a breeze on this baby! Even though the boat is very heavy (13 tons) and has a lot of momentum it handles quite well on docking EXCEPT in heavy side winds that tend to swing the bow with the wind. Slow approaches are a must. Boat came with a very expensive 3-bladed folding Volvo prop which was a pain to maintain as the 3 small zincs had to be replaced by diver every 2 months or so as our dock has a lot of stray currents. It eventually failed and I replaced it with a Volvo standard fixed 3-blade aluminum prop, which works (IMHO) much better under power and with only a .5 knot penalty under sail. Since we use the boat for leisurely cruising and not for racing - that is no concern for us. Average speed under power at 1,800 rpm (cruising speed) of the Volvo 55 penta is 6.5 knots. Under sail we have hit 7.5 - 8 knots. The boat has furling jib and a folding main (in a Selden mast). Both sails are controlled from the cockpit. The sightline from the cockpit to the bow is clear, making for good visibility when maneuvering to dock or in limited spaces. Another bonus of the center cockpit is the aft deck which is roomy enough for a couple of folding deck chairs - a nice feature when at anchor or at a dock. So, I would give the Bavaria 38 Ocean Center Cockpit top marks as a comfortable cruiser. Good luck finding a used one - but they pop up from time to time.
Reviews available for 38-Ocean
Go to our website - to the page with boat reviews. There, you'll find e couple of reviews on the 38-Ocean, and similar sized aft cockpit Bavarias. There was also a very favorable review of this model in Practical Sailor, a few years back, not included in the list because it is not available on-line.
Go to our website - to the page with boat reviews. There, you'll find e couple of reviews on the 38-Ocean, and similar sized aft cockpit Bavarias. There was also a very favorable review of this model in Practical Sailor, a few years back, not included in the list because it is not available on-line.
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