Yacht Bavaria 55

Facilities: Bow propeller, folding propeller, DVD, Radio-CD, bimini, sprayhood. 

The Bavaria 55 uses a 110hp engine, a Volvo, to power things. And it has a lot to power; apart from the Raymarine navigation gear (ST70 readouts and C90 plotter) options include washing machine, water maker and Bavaria’s $7k multimedia package. At anchor, the optional generator can get things going and stored power is via three 135ah house batteries powered by 45ah charger. An effective anchoring setup comprises large double bow rollers and a powerful l Quick Dylan 1700W windlass/capstan with manual override, located on the deck.

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION
The high topsides allow for a cavernous interior which comes with the option of three- to five-cabin layout choices, including bunks instead of a wet locker. The forward owner’s cabin has ensuite shower and head and can even have a walk-in dressing room, if an optional partition is used.

Distinctive features in the Wenge wood lined saloon include an island worktop and full-sized front opening freezer. Nice touches include a slide-out bench at the large dinning table and strong grab rails around the island bench.

The starboard-side galley has room for a washing machine but I’d have preferred a four-burner rather than three-burner stove-oven. Nearby, a spacious bow-facing navigation station housed the Raymarine control panel as well as shipboard controls with plenty of bulkhead space for electronics. Natural light is limited due to the unusually small hull windows but, cleverly, flush hatches have been alternated at 90-degree angles to aid airflow.

Twin wheels in the cockpit give easy access to the drop-down swim platform, and back in the cockpit, all lines run aft. For the steerer, flip-up footrests and medium-diameter wheels make for a pleasing setup. Clever use of recesses for washboards, lines and even the spray dodger give a very contemporary -- even racey -- look to the deck which, on the review boat, used powered primary winches from Lewmar for easy sail handling with the buttons located near the helm.

Nearer the helm were another set of spinnaker winches and, up on the cabin top, a smaller pair of Lewmars controlled the mainsheet and other running rigging.