The Bavaria Sport 33 was designed to replace the company’s popular Sport 32, and it adds a few frills to the menu, among them 1’ (.3 m) in length, a little height, a new cockpit layout, and a second stateroom.

Viva la Difference?

Since Bavaria is competing head to head with the American sport yacht market, it’s hard not to make comparisons and observe some key differences in the layout. The most notable, in our mind, is the option to have your 33 in either a sport or hardtop version. Frankly, having a hardtop is a feature that is typically reserved for yachts approaching the 40’ (12.19 m) range which says a lot for Bavaria's ability to think outside the box. Having an electrically actuated sunroof built into that hardtop will also be nice on sunny days when you want to bring the outdoors in.

On a smaller scale, but significant nonetheless, is the absence of a walk-through windshield. In Germany, and seemingly other parts of the world where Bavaria exports to, the traditional side decks are the preferred method of reaching the bow.



With rakish curves, and a GRP radar arch, the Sport 33 has a relatively high freeboard which should keep you dry in sloppy conditions.

The good news is that Bavaria accommodates this with grab handles mounted to the arch and bow rails high enough to come to mid thigh. Additionally, Bavaria offers the option of covering the side decks in wood matching the swim platform and cockpit. The 11’9" (3.59 m) beam allows for ample room in the salon. We also appreciate the split bow rail that allows one to enter or exit from a quayside approach.

Once up on the foredeck, you do get a large hatch in the center, and two smaller ones to the sides, which combined pour natural light into the salon below, but make for a cramped foredeck lounging area. We’d like to see the large hatch fully forward to provide an easier emergency exit to the forward stateroom while allowing extra lounging room above.



Cockpit and bridge deck seating is as well-executed as we have seen it done on this type and size of boat.

Moving into the cockpit, we see two key differences between German and American layouts. First, notice how the portside seats extend into the center of the cockpit. The nav seat to port faces forward as it should. An American version would have the portside seat running fore and aft which we would have always seen as a porr compromise to get headroom below. Secondly, the helm seat is only single width, a rarity on any American yacht over 26’ (7.92 m).

On to the Layout

As expected, boarding is via the swim platform that is covered in solid wood. The cockpit deck is and bridge deck are both on one level, which makes for comfortable viewing. New to this model is the starboard side entertainment center. The wetbar with sink is standard, and Bavaria allows for the option of an electric grill and 12v refrigerator. These are clever choices for those of us who spend as much time at anchor as underway.

Cabin Comfort

To be sure, there are few complaints to be had in the Sport 33 interior.



Notice the two staterooms with the mid cabin allowing for both twin, or with a filler insert, double berthing. Bavaria even includes a settee to port in the mid cabin. The single head lies to starboard, next to the center companionway.

It is here where generous use of woods and laminates come together in an eye appealing manner that is not usually found in a boat in this size range. Oak, mahogany, and walnut are used extensively throughout to bring a touch of class and elegance usually reserved for larger yachts… a theme that seems to be recurring as we delve deeper into the Sport 33 layout.



Generous overhead storage and the contrast between the mahogany deck and oak cabinetry and bulkheads gives the Sport 33 a rich look. The deck is an attractive departure from the teak and holly we see so often.



Take a look at the overhead with its multiple levels and interesting use of rectangular hatches which open from the forward edge. This allows even gentle breezes to keep the entire cabin cooled. Notice the storage under the settee as well as under the table. We love the clever grab handles cut into the bulkhead next to the companionway. Height of the overhead is 6'3” (1.9 m)



Over to the starboard side, the galley is modest while still remaining functional. We like the grab rails, and the companionway has a stainless handrail along the bulkhead. Pocket doors to the staterooms allow for privacy without taking up space. An 80L refrigerator is concealed in the lower cabinetry.

Comfort After “Lights Out”

Being functional while in the harsh light of day is one thing. And we’ve certainly seen how the Sport 33 is able to hold her own during a dockside cocktail party, a weekend excursion to a remote island, or a dinner at a secluded anchorage. However, we also need to explore how she will handle her guests on an overnight. For that, we look to the staterooms.



Here’s an interesting layout for the forward stateroom. The open space allows for accessing the berth from the center, as opposed to from the sides in an island berth. This bed configuration is practical and makes good sense to us.



The "V" berth configuration create useable deck space in the forward cabin not seen on many American boats with an island berth. Note the seat to port.



The aft cabin features twin berths that, with the addition of a filler, convert easily to a double. This arrangement allows for accommodating another couple, as well as two kids in the same family. Notice that Bavaria also includes a space for sitting and changing in this stateroom. A look at the overhead shows that there is ample standing space in front of the settee.

Power Options

The Bavaria Sport 33 is set-up for twin sterndrive engine installations and power options are offered from both Volvo Penta and MerCruiser. For gasoline power, you can choose from a pair of Volvo Penta’s 225-hp 4.3 GXIE or 320-hp 5.7 GXIE, both with the proprietary Electronic Vessel Control (EVC). Alternatively, MerCruiser supplies the 260-hp 5.0 MPI’s, or the 300-hp 350 Mag’s, both with Bravo III drives and digital throttle controls.

For diesel power, Bavaria goes solely with Volvo Penta’s 190-hp D3’s, again, with EVC.

Recommendation

Without a doubt, the Bavaria Sport 33 is a formidable contender in the sport yacht market in Europe for people who want to seriously cruise. Further, its high freeboard not only creates good standing headroom below, but it also makes the boat dryer and more seaworthy. Yet while the boat is clearly designed for northern Europe, its sunpads both fore and aft and cockpit "U"-shaped seating should give her appeal to southern Europeans as well.

We think the Bavaria Sport 33 would ideal for the Dalmatian Coast, the Greek islands, or the Turkish coast. In short, this boat has a lot of room for a 33-footer. The Bavaria Sport 33 is not available in the U.S.