Reviewer Alex Smith found the all-new 2017 Bavaria R40 while walking the docks at the Cannes boat show, and couldn’t pass by this cruiser without stopping to check it out. Join him for a quick overview of this model, and learn how the R40 is designed to be both a serious cruising boat and still keep the entire family happy.


So, just what does the “R” stand for? According to Bavaria, Realize your dreams, Responsive, Rapid, Recreation, Restful, Relaxing, and Revolution. Perhaps the biggest difference between the R series and past Bavaria yachts is the construction method. This boat has a sandwich-core hull, floor pan, deck, and flybridge that are all laminated with resin infusion. This minimizes weight while maximizing strength, and also gives a better consistency between parts.

Another interesting construction technique takes place in the cabin. Or actually, outside of the cabin—the staterooms and heads are pre-built, then the entire module is placed inside of the hull.

With standard Volvo-Penta D6-370 diesels, Bavaria says top-end will hit 35 knots. The use of tapered S-chines, meanwhile, along with electric steering, is intended to provide responsive but predictable handling characteristics. We haven’t run the R40 off the dock just yet (it wasn’t possible at the Cannes show) so we can’t confirm or deny these claims. Yet. Stay tuned, for more details.

For more information, visit Bavaria Yachts.

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.