
BAVARIA 42
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.96 ft |
| LWL | 36.58 ft |
| Beam | 12.96 ft |
| Draft | 6.4 ft |
| Displacement | 18,519 lb |
| Ballast | 6,172.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.1 kn |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | D2-5555 hpSee all 14 parts → |
About the BAVARIA 42
LOD: 42'7" / 12.98m Shallow draft: 1.65m / 5.42 ft Sail area: -Furling main: 37.5 sqm / 403.65 sqft -Batten main: 44.5 sqm / 479 sqft -Genoa: 62 sqm / 667.36 sqft The center cockpit version was called the Bavaria 42 Ocean
The Bavaria 42 is a fractional sloop designed by J&J Design and built by Bavaria Yachts (GER) between 1998 and 2001. With a displacement of 18519.0 lb and a beam of 12.96 ft, this vessel represents a significant era in Bavaria's production history, though the exact number of hulls built is not specified in the available data.
- Best for:
- This boat is well-suited for coastal cruisers and families seeking a spacious, comfortable interior with modern amenities, as evidenced by the high prevalence of galley upgrades and canvas installations. Its moderate displacement and fractional rig make it manageable for couples or small crews who prioritize livability over extreme performance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.96 and a D/L ratio of 168.9, the Bavaria 42 is designed for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than heavy offshore passage-making. The relatively light displacement and fin keel configuration suggest it is not optimized for extreme bluewater conditions compared to heavier displacement keelboats.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 42 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of comfortable coastal cruisers. These vessels offer similar beam and displacement characteristics, providing a benchmark for interior volume and sailing ease.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(7 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.4 |
| 110° | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.8 |
| 120° | 5.1 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.7 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.9 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| Beat VMG | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.6 |
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
69 listings · boat years 1999–2025 · median $249,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 43.96ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 9 systems for the BAVARIA 42, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BAVARIA 42? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 30 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the BAVARIA 42
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