bavaria 29 sport motorboot

Bavaria Sport 29

Peter Laessig

 ·  27.10.2013

If you want to get into motor boating with a Bavaria, start with the S 29, currently their smallest day cruiser-style cabin cruiser and successor to the Sport 28. It has a V-shaped seating area with table under the foredeck, which can be converted into a berth. This is followed by the galley on the port side and a separate bathroom with shower and WC opposite. Behind this, the shipyard has accommodated a separate large cabin with a double berth under the cockpit and cockpit seating.

The range of engines is extensive. You can choose between a single petrol engine or a petrol twin pack from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta; Swedish diesel engines are also available. If you choose the twin option, you can decide whether you want to include the joystick package. Our test boat is equipped with two diesel engines.

In terms of overall quality, construction number 1 has no major weaknesses. We criticise a few openings where hoses or cables rub against untreated cut edges, but the shipyard intends to change this in subsequent models, and we were also disturbed by the gaps between the ceiling and the bulkhead under the foredeck, which the shipyard has since rectified and got under control, as we were assured. The plastic finish on and below deck is good, with high-quality, glossy gelcoat or sealed laminate. The untreated plastic cut edges in the engine compartment are criticised. There is nothing to criticise about the work of the furniture makers or upholsterers, as the gaps are correct and the seams are pleasing. What impressed us about the oak wood trim (extra) was that the doors to the bathroom or the aft cabin make a rich sound when you close them, as if you were closing the door of a luxury saloon.

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Driving and manoeuvring

Two engines guarantee agile manoeuvring in confined spaces. One gearbox on forward and the other on reverse allow the test boat to turn almost on the spot. And if crosswinds or cross currents get in the way when mooring or casting off, you can use the bow thruster (extra). Longer reverse journeys are possible with the test boat without offset, a full circle measures about 1 1/4 boat lengths, and when reversing with the gears engaged in reverse, the boat reacts directly to course changes. For the slow passages, it is advisable not to go faster than 1000 rpm in order to keep the waves generated by the boat at a reasonable height.

The S 29 starts planing from 2200 rpm at a speed of 12 knots. The bow lowers from 2400 rpm and we measure the maximum speed at 38.9 knots. Acceleration, transition and reaching the maximum speed are smooth, and the visibility remains good. Reflections from the light-coloured surface in the windscreen are distracting.

According to our measurements, one tank of diesel at slow speed is sufficient for a non-stop route of around 577 nm plus 15% reserve. You are travelling economically at a fast gliding speed of 2800 rpm (24 knots). The 520 litres of diesel are then sufficient for around 253 nm plus reserve. Our minimum requirement of at least 200 nm radius of action plus reserve is met at an economical speed. That's good.

We also rate the sound pressure values as "good", as the value in the cockpit does not exceed 84 dB/A at full speed. We also gave a positive rating to all off-road manoeuvres performed at almost top speed. As the bends get tighter and tighter, the S 29 leans slightly towards the centre of the bend, brakes on its own to the lower glide speed and picks up speed again after steering out. The tightest curve diameter is around three to four boat lengths. The 180° turns are completed well, the boat rocks sideways once or twice, but this is more due to the sea than the hull. Centrifugal forces of up to a maximum of 1.2 g can still be maintained well.

On the slalom course, the S 29 can be made to oscillate safely over its longitudinal axis, and when the rudder is pulled away, it follows the chosen course without complaint. The Mediterranean showed its rough side, but this caused no problems for the test boat. The windscreen wiper in front of the driver creates too small a field of vision in splash water, and the log, plumb line and compass are standard, as is the higher windscreen. While the driver has everything in view and under control in a comfortable, longitudinally adjustable bucket seat, the guests sit opposite on the U-shaped cockpit bench at the table. As with the predecessor boat, the S 28, there are more holding options throughout the cockpit.

Engine, tank, electrics

The two five-cylinder diesels do their job without a hitch and are agile on the throttle. They are accessible from above under the rear sunbed, which also functions as an engine compartment lid with integrated storage space. Everything opens at the touch of a button. Bavaria offers a platform with a ladder in the engine compartment for an extra charge, which you should definitely order if you want to climb down comfortably. Down below, you can see a clean installation, everything is clearly laid out and easily accessible. The stainless steel tank is well supported in front of the engine compartment bulkhead; solenoid valves switchable via the ignition control the diesel flow. Separate fuel pre-filters are standard, the associated water alarm sensors cost extra. The batteries are located in a separate box and the power flow is switched via relays at the helm, where important fuses are also located. The remaining fuses are easily accessible from the underfloor cabin as long as the boat is stationary. The 230 V circuit is secured and switched on the panel above the galley.

Good and safe driving characteristics, such as the outwardly self-draining cockpit, provide plus points. However, the interior height is too low if you decide to use the tubular door to the cockpit at the rear. The aforementioned lack of grab handles leads to a downgrade, but wide side decks and a suitably dimensioned and stable railing are pleasing. Access to the port side deck from the bathing platform is somewhat narrow.

The starboard side deck, on the other hand, is very accessible, and we must praise the fact that all accessible surfaces have an effective anti-slip structure. We rate an electrically operated bilge pump for the cabin, a manually operated one for the engine compartment, the automatic fire extinguishing system operating there and fire extinguishers in the living area below deck as "good" as standard. On the starboard side, under a hatch, there is a properly dimensioned folding telescopic bathing ladder, which can also be handled acceptably from the water by means of a rope mechanism, and whose handle has been integrated.

Living, cockpit and equipment

There is plenty of space below deck, primarily thanks to the generous width. The forward seating area, which can be converted into a lounger, is large enough for two people. On the port side, between the entrance to the underfloor cabin and the forward seating area, there is a good-sized galley with running water and sink, electric ceramic hob and refrigerator.

An acceptable headroom gives the average person enough headroom in the boat. The separate underfloor cabin under the cockpit deserves the attribute "spacious" and has a small bench seat on the port side at the entrance. The bathroom opposite the galley with shower and standard pump toilet has everything you need for hygiene on board.

The U-shaped seating area with table and the aft sunbathing area dominate the cockpit. The backrest of the rear bench seat can be folded forwards to increase the size. A cockpit galley behind the driver's seat completes the range. A plastic equipment carrier with certified navigation lights, to which the soft top is attached, is enthroned above everything. A self-draining anchor locker is standard, as are the six large double-T mooring cleats, while a towing eye at the front of the bow helps with slipping. As there is a rear shower, the hose, shower head and tap in the bathroom cost extra. There is no shortage of storage space in the boat - both below and on deck.

Bavaria offers various equipment packages to customise the already well-equipped boat and enhance comfort. The shipyard also hides important accessories such as a bow thruster, hot water supply, equipment relating to the canopy and tarpaulin, an electric anchor winch with chain and anchor as well as a pair of trim tabs and other items such as navigation electronics. The basic price with a 320 hp V8 petrol engine is 89,131 euros; for our well-equipped test boat with the two diesel engines, you have to pay a little more.

THE WERFT SAYS

The S 29 is a sport cruiser with high functionality for owners who want to enjoy fun under the sun - a dynamic boat with powerful proportions. Skippers who prefer an exciting ride will get their money's worth. The cockpit is spacious and equipped with numerous seating and lounging options. The Bavaria S 29 also impresses below deck: with the large seating area and table forward, which can be converted into a berth, plus the spacious cabin aft with a double berth. The integrated bathroom offers plenty of space and storage.

In many ways, the Sport 29 is the logical further development of the Sport 28. What led to criticism of the S 28 at the time has been improved or supplemented in many areas in its successor. The fun on the water is undoubtedly there - on the test boat with great sailing safety. Space and room on and below deck leave little to be desired. - It fits the bill in all respects.

Data sheet: Bavaria 29 Sport

Shipyard: Bavaria GmbH

Type designation: Bavaria 29 Sport

CE category: B - Outside coastal waters

Material of hull and deck: Plastic

Length: 8,95 m

Width: 2,99 m

Displacement: 4,00 t

Price: 133.994,00 €

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• Data and Options

BAVARIA S29 - Data and Options

Perfectly equipped.

The BAVARIA S29 is perfectly equipped and ready to go directly off from the shipyard. 

Technical data

Two can sleep here – or even four.

The two‐metre twin beds in the stern of the BAVARIA S29 are part of her basic equipment. But you can improvise cleverly on board this motor yacht. Should your guests want to stay longer or you want to go on a trip with four, you can easily create two more beds in the saloon. 

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