Bavaria SR33 Review (2023 Edition)

Let's start with the essentials: Bavaria has a long history of crafting practical, user-friendly, and cost-effective sportscruisers. Collaborating with J&J Design, their earliest creations remain relevant and reliable today, prioritizing safety, ample storage, maneuverable hulls, and spacious interiors.

Moreover, Bavaria has been a pioneer in hardtop designs for vessels under 20 meters. Their hardtops boast a sleek aesthetic, avoiding bulkiness or overly rounded shapes, ensuring both functionality and style.

With the design leadership now under Marco Casali, the essence of the SR range remains intact. These boats still exude a smartness that is sure to impress even a decade from now. However, Casali's touch infuses more detail and finesse into the vessels, evident in features like the SR33's elliptical mid-cabin window design.

The SR range offers a diverse selection of petrol and diesel sterndrive engines, ensuring a guaranteed speed of 30 knots. Opting for diesel power may slightly inflate the base price of EUR €248,000 ex VAT, potentially nearing EUR €300,000. Bavaria is exploring the possibility of introducing a single-engine variant, which could further reduce the price while potentially enhancing efficiency. This consideration is particularly relevant as the SR33 features a relatively modest 500-liter (132-gallon) fuel tank, smaller compared to its competitors.

Interior Balance

The attention-grabbing SR transom seat, maximizing the expansive stern of the boat, undoubtedly stands out as a key feature that will attract many potential buyers for a closer inspection. However, the ultimate success of the boat hinges on the overall balance of its design, particularly below decks.

A significant design consideration revolves around the decision to offer three four-berth models that are nearly identical in size. One contributing factor to this choice is affordability. By utilizing smaller engines and streamlining the production process, Bavaria can offer a range of pricing starting from the €UR 250,000 base figure and reaching beyond €UR 500,000 for the SR41.

Both the 11.7-meter SR36 and the 13.2-meter SR41 feature two separate sleeping cabins. The SR41, however, offers two toilet and shower compartments compared to the SR36's one, giving it a more spacious feel. If your cruising plans involve two couples, the additional heads and increased space of the SR41 may be more appealing. Fortunately, there's a noticeable price gap between the two models to aid in decision-making.

As for the SR33, its unique value proposition lies in its ability to strike a balance between size, amenities, and price point within the SR range.

Open & Closed Case

Despite its model name positioning it below the SR36, the SR33 is only slightly shorter by 11 inches, with near-identical cockpits. Below decks, the slightly lower LOA of the SR33 is noticeable but not significant. The main difference lies in the open-plan main cabin of the SR33, where the forward double berth is only curtained off. This design choice creates a relaxed interior ambiance and allows for a spacious pantry area, along with a nearly identical toilet and shower compartment compared to the SR36.

For cruising as a family or couple, the layout of the SR33 is highly functional. If cruising as a couple, the open cabin design essentially becomes your private stateroom, complete with a lounge, bar, and ensuite. Additionally, there is a proper, separate mid-cabin with full-standing headroom at the entranceway, ample ports, and a useful bench seat. If the need arises for two separate cabins, the SR36 is the better option. However, if you're willing to pay for a bit more space and the luxury of a private toilet and shower, the SR41 is the ideal choice.

As the details come together, the rationale behind each model within the SR range becomes clearer, allowing buyers to find the perfect fit for their cruising needs.

An unmistakable trait of the SR series, which we wholeheartedly support, is the preference for cooking on deck rather than below. In the SR33, a galley unit below decks serves primarily for storage and additional refrigeration, while a deep sink facilitates washing up efficiently. The adjacent dining area, though neat, is more functional than convivial, providing a space for gathering, enjoying coffee, and dining in privacy with a bench and stool arrangement.

The open forward double berth is positioned low for easy access and is surrounded by lockers and pockets for convenient storage. Generous stowage options abound throughout the SR33, with lockers strategically placed and clean storage voids under seats and berths. While some boats in this size class offer a closed forward cabin, few manage to combine two cabins with a lower lounge, and none rival the spaciousness and sense of openness offered by the SR33.

The toilet and shower compartment in the SR33 is indeed not identical to the SR36, but it closely mirrors its size and design. The compartment features a sensible layout, with the toilet and shower thoughtfully separated from the sink and vanity unit. This configuration ensures that one-half of the compartment remains dry while also creating a convenient seat for the shower.

Separate Mid-Cabin

Accessed through its portside door, the mid-cabin of the SR33 is truly impressive. Bavaria has cleverly extended the cockpit footwell well into the cabin, providing standing headroom throughout. While the SR36 features a bench seat that could serve as a child’s berth, the SR33, is simply a seat — but a highly functional one. Here, you can comfortably spend time and enjoy panoramic views through two tiers of hull-side windows.

At the single helm, a raised lounger and a tidy little seat to port provide seating for two or three additional passengers to join the skipper. Sliding side windows on each side offer not only valuable ventilation when the sunroof is closed but also facilitate easy communication with the deck or shore.

The console design is simple yet elevated, especially with the optional Glass Helm—an integrated Raymarine design featuring two 12-inch MFD screens. Reflecting Bavaria's confident character, the helm boasts a sleek sports steering wheel and prominent branding on the seat. Bavaria's expertise shines through in the throttle setup, particularly with the optional joystick positioned further back for optimal control.

The SR transom seat design, consistent across the three models, shines particularly bright here, offering a superb lounge area and captivating seascape views on a smaller vessel. Positioned outside of the hardtop overhang, it remains open to the elements and easily converts into a sunpad. While options like the telescopic table or extra storage infill are available, ample storage space is already provided under the transom seats.

Moreover, the transom design facilitates excellent dual access from the swim platform and onto the side decks, enhanced by strategically placed grab rails and stanchion posts extending aft.

Remarkably, this 11-meter boat boasts proper side decks—an often overlooked feature in vessels of this size. While many boats struggle to provide adequate decks at this length, some don't include them at all. Here, you'll find two wide, secure decks that lead seamlessly to the foredeck. Although there's no foredeck seating akin to the Beneteau GT32 or Regal Grande Coupes, an optional pad is available, with the transom lounge offering a comfortable alternative.

A Cooking Cockpit

The transom seats merge with the cockpit lounge, with a pivoting backrest creating a fluid connection between the two. A standout feature is the wet bar, a common inclusion on boats, but this one stands out for its larger size and thoughtful design to accommodate a two-burner hob and deep lockers. While an additional wet bar fridge is available as an option, it's a common feature on most boats.

Regarding the hardtop design, there's the option of a GRP electric sunroof, as seen here, or a more cost-effective canvas roof. Each option has its pros and cons — the canvas roof has a limited shelf life, while the electric sunroof offers less open sky for a higher price. Regardless of the choice, investing in the aft canopy curtain will be necessary for added comfort and protection.

Bavaria's forte has long been providing diesel-powered sportsboats and cruisers to a market largely dominated by petrol-engined US brands. Particularly appealing to European buyers, these diesel boats offered lower running costs without sacrificing the ability to cruise comfortably at 30 knots.

While there were still some areas for improvement on the options list, the overall package — whether petrol or diesel — remained highly valued for its combination of practicality, style, and affordability. This trend continues today, although there are indications that the pendulum may be shifting back towards petrol options.

At €UR 290,000, the Volvo Penta D4-300 diesel base price still represents excellent value when compared to other offerings in the market. However, this option does alter the dynamics of the boat. In contrast, the standard €UR 248,000 355hp 6.2l V6 Mercruisers seem like the more favorable choice. The additional €UR 10,000 for the Mercruiser joystick, compared to the €UR 15,000 for the Volvo Penta option, further emphasizes this point. Opting for a bow thruster adds €UR 5,000 to the total cost.

Beyond engine choices, the optional €UR 15,000 Comfort Package offers enticing features such as underwater and deck lighting, stylish teak decking, a cockpit fridge, and an electric flush toilet. Investing in the GRP sunroof will set you back around €UR 8,000, whereas opting for the canvas option costs a more modest €UR 1,700. Additionally, the sleek 12-inch Simrad Glass Helm comes in at approximately €UR 9,000.