when the yacht was surveyed prior to purchase, she was held in slings for the underwater part. Our surveyor had considerable previous experience with bavarias, and was aware of potential problems. He therefore carried out a test wherein lateral manual physical force was applied to the lead keel, while he observed the floors in the keel bolt area. Flexing of the hull was easily observed !
The net result was a survey report which recommended re-inforcement of the hull prior to her being sailed. As my insurers wanted a copy of the report, they have now stipulated that the works must be carried out before the yacht is sailed.
Interestingly, there was also evidence of movement at the keel to hull joint, and possible leaking at the keel bolts. Water was seen to exude from the keel hull joint when the yacht was set on her keel.
Had the yacht not been presented to an otherwise very high standard, we would probably not have proceeded with the purchase, but having looked at several of this model, this one was by far the best and came with a huge inventory.
The yacht is currently undergoing work at Hayling Glass Fibre, who have some experience of similar work on other Bavarias.
The work involves removal of the keel and building up the laminates over the keel attachment area internally.
We are keeping the yacht out of the water for the winter and will be carrying out other works to prepare for next season.
Of course the question is – how many other Bavarias have the same problem and are Bavaria Yachts GMBH aware? Is it a design problem, build quality control problem or what.
I intend to contact Bavaria Yachts on this matter and invite them to pay for the repairs, but I will not be holding my breath!
Michael B. Harvey
