TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands HYC 2016 Bavaria 51 vs 2008 Jeanneau 54

Hi! I'm planning my 7th charter for next June. Our party is a group of 2 couples and 2 singles (6pax).
We are going with Horizon for the first time. I am torn between choosing 2016 Bavaria 51 or the 2008 Jeanneau 54.
Anyone with experience with either of them? Pros cons?
My husband is leaning towards the older Jeanneau. I am laying towards shiny and new ;-)
Any help appreciated!
Cheers,
Christy

Hmmm.... that's kind of like asking someone what flavor of ice cream they like. No right or wrong answer - they're all good.

Both boats are plenty big enough (and then some) for 6. They both have AC and they both appear to cost about the same.

All things being equal (and they seem to be pretty much equal in this case) I would personally choose the newer boat. Less chance of something already broken and/or breaking while you're out.

Maybe turn it around - why does your husband like the Jeanneau better?

He likes the Jeanneau just because he is used to it.
I should have said, that, I am looking for any feedback from those who have had experience with either of these specific yachts in the Horizon Fleet.
Thanks for your input! I do appreciate it :-)
Christy

We are on a Bavaria 46 in November from Horizon. This will be our first time with a furling main. We were a little hesitant because we have never used one before, but the layout was just too perfect for us to pass on (2 doubles, 1 single cabin and we have 2 couples and a single!)

Always choose the 1.)newest and 2.)largest boat you are willing to pay for when it comes to a short distance sailing BVI charter trip.

The sales values of those boats would be less than $300K for the 2008 Jeanneau 54 and 2016 Bavaria 51 would be closer to $500K. The Bavaria 51 is a Farr design and should sail very well if that is what you are interested in. The Jeanneau will weigh +/- 40,000 pounds the Bavaria +/- 30,000 pounds. The old for a charter boat Jeanneau is certainly more boat with three feet more waterline and one more foot of beam. Old Cadillac versus new Accord. When was the last time all the mattresses and fabrics were replaced in the Jeanneau?

@Kryssa- if you need tips or hints on the main fuller, give me a PM. I have one of those boats. They really work well as long as you lay the furl over, rather than under. making sure the vang is neutral. tensioning the out haul over the aft winch, while furling in...etc....

I think it furls from the mast - not the boom - will try to double check that, though.

I agree with those who recommend the newer boat - all else being equal. However, Take a look at the cockpit on the Jeanneau - and compare it to the Bavaria. The Jeanneau is much larger. We chartered the Jeanneau 53 last year, which has a similar cockpit and it really was nice. The swim platform on the Bavaria is nice at anchor, but the large cockpit on the Jeanneau really allows plenty of room for everyone under sail and at anchor. Tough choice, but IF the Jeanneau is well maintained (I have not chartered from Horizon) I don't think you can beat that cockpit.