NOVEMBER 2008
The latest edition of Modern Boating magazine is out now! To get your copy delivered to your door, simply click on the link be
The latest edition of Modern Boating magazine is out now! To get your copy delivered to your door, simply click on the link be
Modern Boating and Big Hat Productions head out for a glorious day on the water to give the Seawind 1160...
The Modern Boating forum is the place to have your say about all things boating.
Check out the latest discussion topic: Chrysler 135hp
There are currently 1778 members registered forum members.
Bavaria takes the cake
WORDS + PHOTOS: IAN MACRAE
Consistency is the Bavaria secret.
I've tested a lot of Bavaria Sport Boats over the years, but it wasn't until recently that I realised just how big the Bavaria operation was. It must be close to being the biggest boat builder in the world. The company's massive turnover has allowed it to spend billions of Euros automating much of the construction process used to build these boats.
Some will argue that a totally handmade boat is better, but I defy any craftsman to consistently keep his tolerances to 1mm throughout any job. It's not humanly possible. This is the realm of computer-aided design (CAD) and multi-axis cutting machines that can turn out thousands of precise, identical parts. And when all the various parts that form that 'new boat jigsaw' come together, you can be assured that every boat's construction and quality control is spot-on. The ability to do this consistently also stops wastage and down time, keeping the price down.
But this is not the only reason Bavaria Sports Boats are so popular right around the world. Bavaria has always offered boaties clever, user-friendly designs and layouts in tough boats. So tough in fact, this boat is rated to Gale Force 8, which means it's capable of withstanding 40 knot winds and seas more than 5m.
read on below advertisement
LET HER RIP
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXI 320hp petrol engines, driving through DPS Duo-pro legs, power this almost 10,000kg vessel (full load) to 34 knots at 4900rpm. But I reckon that once the engines are run in for a few more hours, and with a bit more trim tab, 36 knots is within reach.
But who cares anyway? The 37HT is a well designed, user-friendly family cruiser that can sleep six and confidently tackle offshore passages. And as most boaties know, we seldom travel at 36 knots offshore, especially with fuel prices as high as they are, but it's nice to know she can do it.
By dropping her cruise speed back to 22 knots, not only will the ride be a lot softer, but you won't need the bank manager's consent when you fill her up. Her fuel consumption drops dramatically to only 30L per side, per hour. At that speed a trip from Sydney to Port Stephens will take around 3.5 hours and you'll still have teeth when you get there.
At 39ft 2in overall, the Bavaria Sports Boat 37HT is a sizeable boat, but surprisingly she still handles like a ski boat. Throwing her into full-lock turns at wide open throttle doesn't faze her. The 37HT's deep forefoot and sharp bow-entry make short work of chop and swells and her aggressive chines deliver a soft, dry ride and keep her stable under power and at rest.
next page »
« go back
Consistency is the Bavaria secret.
I've tested a lot of Bavaria Sport Boats over the years, but it wasn't until recently that I realised just how big the Bavaria operation was. It must be close to being the biggest boat builder in the world. The company's massive turnover has allowed it to spend billions of Euros automating much of the construction process used to build these boats.
Some will argue that a totally handmade boat is better, but I defy any craftsman to consistently keep his tolerances to 1mm throughout any job. It's not humanly possible. This is the realm of computer-aided design (CAD) and multi-axis cutting machines that can turn out thousands of precise, identical parts. And when all the various parts that form that 'new boat jigsaw' come together, you can be assured that every boat's construction and quality control is spot-on. The ability to do this consistently also stops wastage and down time, keeping the price down.
But this is not the only reason Bavaria Sports Boats are so popular right around the world. Bavaria has always offered boaties clever, user-friendly designs and layouts in tough boats. So tough in fact, this boat is rated to Gale Force 8, which means it's capable of withstanding 40 knot winds and seas more than 5m.
read on below advertisement
LET HER RIP
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXI 320hp petrol engines, driving through DPS Duo-pro legs, power this almost 10,000kg vessel (full load) to 34 knots at 4900rpm. But I reckon that once the engines are run in for a few more hours, and with a bit more trim tab, 36 knots is within reach.
But who cares anyway? The 37HT is a well designed, user-friendly family cruiser that can sleep six and confidently tackle offshore passages. And as most boaties know, we seldom travel at 36 knots offshore, especially with fuel prices as high as they are, but it's nice to know she can do it.
By dropping her cruise speed back to 22 knots, not only will the ride be a lot softer, but you won't need the bank manager's consent when you fill her up. Her fuel consumption drops dramatically to only 30L per side, per hour. At that speed a trip from Sydney to Port Stephens will take around 3.5 hours and you'll still have teeth when you get there.
At 39ft 2in overall, the Bavaria Sports Boat 37HT is a sizeable boat, but surprisingly she still handles like a ski boat. Throwing her into full-lock turns at wide open throttle doesn't faze her. The 37HT's deep forefoot and sharp bow-entry make short work of chop and swells and her aggressive chines deliver a soft, dry ride and keep her stable under power and at rest.
next page »
« go back
