Bavaria SR41 HT Review (2020 Edition)

Those acquainted with Bavaria, especially its sports yachts, recognize the brand's knack for crafting sleek, stylish designs imbued with understated performance. Bavaria's creations stand the test of time, maintaining a fresh appearance even after a decade on the water. The SR41 stays true to this tradition, boasting a seamlessly integrated design characterized by clean lines and a cohesive silhouette, where every element blends cleverly from bow to transom.

The assertion that the SR represents the pinnacle of Bavaria's offerings holds true upon closer examination. The deck layout mirrors the open, secure, and adaptable design seen in the S-Line models, featuring a sizable sunroof and ample flexible seating options. Below deck, the SR41 embodies the cruising philosophy of the R40, boasting two well-appointed cabins, including a spacious owner’s suite spanning the full beam, along with two toilet compartments. The interior is characterized by generous space and headroom, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout.

Reverse Psychology

However, the SR41 also distinguishes itself through innovative approaches, often by challenging conventional norms. A prime example of this unconventional thinking is evident in the cockpit, where the transom is ingeniously cut away to create an aft-facing lounge or sunpad — a stroke of genius that optimizes the use of the transom section. Below deck, the SR demonstrates its versatility by accommodating a full-beam owner’s cabin and a lower lounge — a feature absent in the R40, which offers an owner’s suite but lacks a dedicated lounge area.

The craftsmanship throughout the yacht embodies Bavaria’s pragmatic approach, rooted in its sailing yacht heritage. Inside, sleek and minimalist cabinetry maximizes storage space, while concealed lighting, expansive windows, and refined design elements elevate the overall aesthetic. On deck, Bavaria’s self-assuredness shines through in the prominent branding on seating and stainless steel fixtures.

Descending the wide, gradual steps to the lower lounge, you're immediately struck by the generous space. The ample headroom and width create an expansive environment, with a broad sole enabling easy movement for up to four individuals without the typical need for constant maneuvering. 

The lounge comfortably accommodates four occupants around a compact, fixed table — an inviting spot for a casual coffee rather than a formal meal. Enhanced by surrounding cabinetry, the ambiance is cozy and relaxed, illuminated by a hull window and skylight that infuse the interior with natural light.

Double Double

Forward and aft, two double cabins offer versatile options for the Owner's retreat, although the full-beam mid-cabin stands out as the primary contender. Featuring a comfortable bench seat and an ensuite located off the cabin entrance, it offers full-standing headroom in the entranceway, allowing ample space to sit up in bed.

The day head, accessible from the salon, extends into the starboard side of the forward cabin, leaving the port side clear for a hanging locker and easy access to the berth. Surrounding the berth are deeply fiddled shelves, complemented by expansive window sections on each side and an overhead hatch, flooding the space with natural light.

The absence of a twin berth option is notable, especially for families with children. One potential solution could be to offer twin berths in the mid-cabin, although this might lead to ensuite envy among occupants, given its status as the preferred cabin for adults.

Galley Down & Up

In the salon, the galley area appears functional, featuring deep-fiddled worktops, a spacious sink, ample cupboard space, and a refrigerator. While equipped with an opening port for ventilation, Bavaria envisions the galley primarily as a breakfast area, suitable for preparing coffee and eggs. The cockpit wet bar, on the other hand, is designed to accommodate larger grilling tasks. This approach aligns with the preference to avoid cooking below decks, where odors and condensation may accumulate. However, in practice, the standard wet bar may seem somewhat under-equipped to serve as a full-fledged galley.

The single helm station is straightforward yet efficient. Its sloping facade neatly arranges the yacht's controls, featuring throttles and the optional joystick on one side. Initially equipped with a pedestal-style single MFD mount, the debut yacht has since been upgraded to a console capable of accommodating two screens.

Similarly, the optional joystick has been relocated behind the throttles, enhancing safety by preventing accidental contact with the engine controls. While there's only a single helm seat, the raised seating pad to port allows for two additional people to join the skipper, offering a fantastic view forward.

The open sports yacht design offers ample seating and lounging options under the raked hardtop, extending into the cockpit area. You can choose between different sunroof designs, including manual or electric vinyl roofs, or a solid GRP option. While the solid GRP option avoids the wear and tear associated with vinyl, it offers a slightly smaller opening.

At the stern, Bavaria's distinctive and inspired transom seat design steals the spotlight. Unlike the typical fixed transom or raised sunpad, Bavaria's designers have innovated by cutting into the coaming to fashion a U-shaped, aft-facing seat complemented by a high-low table that easily converts into a sunpad. The standout feature here is the aft-facing design, offering an ideal spot for enjoying the seascape, especially if you opt for the optional hydraulic bathing platform.

Bar & Grill

The aft seat design features a hinged backrest, allowing it to cleverly integrate into the cockpit's seating arrangement, which includes an L-shaped bench, flip-over dining table, and the wetbar. Bavaria wisely suggests doing any significant cooking in the open space here, a sensible move, although we'd advocate for a larger grill to match the size of the wetbar. While Bavaria is not the only offender in this regard, we encourage all boat builders to consider including larger and more practical barbecue grills.

Known for their practicality, Bavaria excels at delivering yachts that offer excellent value for money while being highly usable and enjoyable. The deck is no exception, with ample storage tucked under the seats. Additionally, the yacht boasts excellent walk-through side deck access, with lower grabrails cleverly integrated into the hardtop, emphasizing its family-friendly design.