Boat profile- Bavaria’s new 46 a perfect Vision

by Mike Rose on 28 Aug 2012
Bavaria’s new Vision 46 combines great performance, luxurious comfort and incredibly clever, practical innovation.

With a hull by Farr Yacht Design, the Bavaria 46 is a slippery performer on all points yet, thanks to the latest technology, is super-easy to sail short-handed or even singlehanded.

Using Bavaria’s superyacht-like new Trim Control and sophisticated Auto Tack function, owners can simply trim, tack or gybe with the simple push of a button. There is no need to rush around releasing sheets or winding winches, the whole operation is simply and easily controlled from one of the Bavaria 46’s twin helm stations.

Approaching or leaving the marina is just as easy, thanks to Bavaria’s new Dock Control. Employing the latest joystick technology, the Vision 46’s main engines and the bow and stern thrusters, Dock Control turns even complicated berthing manoeuvres into a one-handed, stress-less operation.

The Vision 46’s cockpit is not only a great place from which to sail, it is also a fantastic social area. By drawing a unique offset companionway to the saloon, Bavaria’s designers have created a superbly practical space on the port side of the cockpit. Cleverly combined with a versatile folding leaf table and electric rise and fall pedestal, this spacious area can be used as a large L-shaped settee with coffee table, a huge comfortable sunbed or a superb six-person dinette.

'This is by far the best use of cockpit space I have ever seen,' says marine industry veteran Bill Rutherford whose company, Busfield Marine Ltd, distributes the Bavaria in New Zealand.

'On many cruising yachts of this size, there are very few parts of the cockpit that are genuinely comfortable. On the Vision 46, there are at least six and they are all ergonomically designed for comfort at both rest and when the yacht is under sail.'

Other cockpit features include those twin steering wheels, complete with stylish and practical binnacles for instrumentation and controls; a fold down transom, complete with shower, and innovative pushpit seats, complete with backrests.

The Bavaria Vision 46 is just as appealing below decks. Luxurious upholstery, large hatches and portholes and the use of high quality timbers and fabrics combine to create spacious, welcoming living areas that work superbly well whether the yacht is underway or at anchor.

Owners have the choice of either two cabins or three. They can also choose between a variety of attractive, high quality timber and flooring finishes and upholstery to create their own personalised interior.

Bavaria’s designers have also cleverly turned standard fittings into innovative and practical features. A nav station that effortlessly turns into a three-seat settee, or extra seats at the dinette; a desktop in the main cabin that doubles as a vanity, complete with mirror; a specialist shoe locker; an integral wine cellar and a special space where the owner can choose to install a coffee maker, beer tab or ice maker are just a few of the features that make this yacht special.

The options for the Bavaria Vision 46 start at $420,000

Bavaria Vision 46

LOA 13.99m
Hull length 13.70m
LWL 12.83m
Beam (overall) 4.19m
Draught (standard) 2.14m
(optional) 1.70m
Displacement (dry) 12.30 tonnes
Engine Volvo Penta D2-55
Fuel capacity 210 litres
Water capacity 580 litres
Max sail area 103 sq m