Bavaria R40 Review: R Is for Revolution



3 minutes
00:02:22
00:02:22

Bavaria R40 is the first model from Bavaria’s new R series demonstrates a clear tendency toward luxury and charms with numerous smart solutions

In early May we’ve had an opportunity to test the newest Bavaria in the Baotić Marina in Seget near Trogir, Bavaria R40, the first model in the brand new R series, which marks an interesting step toward luxury for the bulider.

Bavaria R40 design

Designed by J&J studio, the Bavaria R40 will debut in Cannes later this summer, so the yard has been making it widely available for testing to make sure it receives plenty of attention even before September. The unit we tested was a pre-production one and differed from the actual model in details, but mostly aesthetic.

Bavaria R40
Sunpad on the bow deck has a bimini and is suitable for two

Although brand new in terms of design, the Bavaria R40 does share some aesthetic with the previous hit Virtess 420 Fly.

The fly bridge of the Bavaria R40 is rather spacious

Almost twelve meters long, the R40 looks and feels both longer and wider thanks to the smart hull design, which – as we’ve learned from project manager, Mr. Robert Chaffer – primarily serves to break the waves more efficiently.

There are several trapezoidal elements on the hull that attract the eye – mostly windows and portholes – which make for a nice recognizable detail to set the Bavaria R40 apart in a crowded marina.

The aft platform is wide and safe, as is the cockpit itself. Large enough for a C-shaped sofa and a foldable teak table, as well as the electric grill (optional), the cockpit is connected to the salon – the two sofas can merge into one when the sliding glass door of the salon is open.
The fly bridge of the Bavaria R40 is rather spacious as well, equipped with another sofa that doubles as a sun bed, and another teak table, behind the command post. The command post is neatly designed and has a secret storage space for its own bimini top.

Large and smartly designed galley

The interior main deck salon is simple, but not minimalist. Mostly decorated in white fabrics and leather and wenge wood, the seating takes up the starboard part of the interior, while the galley is on the left. Large and smartly designed, the galley is fully equipped with elements (ceramic stove, sink, fridge, oven) carefully hidden from sight.

The interior command post has two seats, a navigator’s corner and glass doors that lead directly to the bow. Up on the bow we’ve discovered another sun bed, with cushions for two persons.

Bavaria R40
New Bavaria has two master cabins, one full beam astern (in only 40 feet) and one in the bow

At the moment, the Bavaria R40 is the smallest cruiser with full bram master cabin, which is one of its several selling points. Larger of the two cabins on the vessel, the master has a double bed, a sofa and a large window.

Bavaria R40 reaches 31 knots of top speed

The VIP cabin is in the bow, also has a double bed (that can be separated into two singles) and is, interestingly, more spacious than the master as it has more head clearance.

Both cabins have private heads, both decorated in dark wenge wood and with large windows. Sunpad on the bow deck has a bimini and is suitable for two, while the small teak covered bench on the bow rail is a perfect spot for enjoying some peace

The R40 is a real joy to pilot: on our test, the new boat from Bavaria Yachts charmed us with its maneuverability and simplicity of its Volvo Penta joystick maneuvering system. Powered by two 370-HP Volvo Penta D6-370/DP, the R40 reaches 31 knots of top speed, and cruises at 22-23 knots.

The tested unit lacked anti-fouling paint and its engines were not fin-tuned, but those two corrected all following units will reach 36 knots of top speed. Overall, Bavaria R40 is a pleasant combination of functional design, simplicity of use and big step towards luxury for Bavarian boat builders.

Bavaria R40 specifications
LOA: 11,59 m
Beam: 3,99 m
Draft: 1,08 m
Fuel capacity: 900 l
Water capacity: 348 l
Displacement: 9.600 kg
Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta Diesel D6-330 EVC – 330 HP
ili 2 x Volvo Penta D6-370/DP – 370 HP
Max speed: 31 knots (D6-370/DP)
Cruising speed: 23 knots (D6-370/DP)
Builder: Bavaria
Dealer: Yacht Centar Baotić

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