Not that long ago, many purpose-built cruising boats paid attention to comfort first and performance was little more than an afterthought. Fortunately, those days are all but gone and prominent designers who have made their name creating some of the best-performing boats on the planet frequently lend their talents to the cruising boat set, proving that it is possible to have the best of boat worlds.

In the case of the Bavaria Cruiser 45, Farr Yachts and BMW DesignWorks USA collaborated on the sturdy but attractive cruiser, one of six in the Cruiser line that ranges from 32 to 55 feet.

The hull's most noticeable feature may be its wide transom and 14-foot-3-inch beam which offers considerable volume both in the cockpit and down below. The transom opens up at the push of a button to expose a lavish swim platform. Twin rudders allowing for good control of the boat despite the width and offering a superb emergency steering setup: if one rudder is lost, the boat can be sailed using just the remaining rudder.

Of course a comfortable cockpit is to be expected, and the boat comes standard with a cockpit table, lots of storage and a wood sole and seats. A shoal-draft keel drawing less than 6 feet is standard as is a saildrive.

Down below the 45 has an option of a three- or four-cabin layout. In the three-cabin layout, each double cabin has an en suite head with the master suite having a separate shower. Bavaria calls it "outrageously civilized" and it would be hard to disagree.

A center galley leaves plenty of room in the ends for the cabins and a proper nav station.

Hatches and windows are numerous helping the voluminous interior feel even larger. Little touches that give the boat a level of panache can be found throughout: from the fold-out foot braces for the helmsman to the double German mainsheet system and roller furling sails, the Cruiser 45 delivers.

Bavaria Yachts USA
303 Second St., Annapolis, MD 21403
(855) 222-1120
www.bavariayachts.com

Estimated price
$279,000