The Bavaria Sport 31 was presented to the public for the first time in 2011 at the trade fair in Friedrichshafen. It is positioned between the Sport 28 and Sport 34 and has been given the best of both boats - in terms of space utilisation - in a slightly modified form: The underfloor cabin from the Sport 28 and the engine compartment, the saloon with dinette and the bathroom as well as the foredeck with the two large berths from the Sport 34. You could therefore say that the Sport 31 is a "small Sport 34". In terms of motorisation, there is a choice between one or two diesel engines or two petrol engines with sterndrives. The engine and drive suppliers are MerCruiser and Volvo Penta.
Our test boat is the first boat intended for the public. Other shipyards call it a "prototype" to excuse quality or workmanship defects. We therefore searched intensively for weak points on and in the Sport 31. We found a few unrounded wooden cut edges at cable and hose feed-throughs in the living area and two untreated plastic cut edges under the engine compartment lid.
Otherwise, we didn't find anything that the shipyard hasn't already noted on its list, such as installing the fuel supply line to the engines on the side and not on the foundation stringers or adjusting the railing that protrudes over the boat. Apart from this, Bavaria motorboats are also certified by Lloyds in addition to CE and comply with Volvo Penta's extremely strict installation guidelines. Our comment in the test sheet under "Workmanship and overall impression of the plastic and woodwork as well as technical and electrical installations" is short and sweet: good.
Driving and manoeuvring
Our test boat is equipped with two Volvo Penta V8 engines. Thanks to the EVC-D switchbox, shifting and throttle control are precise and smooth thanks to the electric system. However, the servo control does not have the latter feature. The Franconians still have some work to do. Two engines with two drives are a guarantee for manoeuvrability, so you don't really need a rudder at slow speed, but at best the optional bow thruster if wind or cross currents interfere when mooring or casting off.
In any case, our test boat can be "parked" backwards in narrow pits without any problems and turns on the spot when one gear lever is set to "forwards" and the other to "backwards". If both gearboxes are engaged forwards, a full circle measures just under 1 1/2 boat lengths.
In order to keep the waves generated by the boat at slow speed (6 knots) low, we do not let either engine turn higher than 1200 rpm. The transition from displacement to planing speed is associated with a brief obstruction of visibility, the foredeck comes into view. We measure the lowest planing speed at 2800 rpm (17 knots), and the test boat runs economically at a fast planing speed of 3500 rpm or a speed of 25 knots.
The two engines accelerate the boat to a maximum of 40 knots. With an economical driving style, one tank of normal petrol is sufficient for a distance of around 124 nm and at full throttle for just under 100 nm, until you have to look for a bunker station if you want to keep the 15% reserve. This means that the Sport 31 with the two V8s falls short of our minimum requirement of at least 150 nm range plus reserve and is rated as just "sufficient".
The sound insulation receives the same grade, as the sound pressure exceeds the comfort limit of 85 dB/A from 4000 rpm. On the other hand, the maximum engine compartment temperature, which is only 2 °C above the outside air temperature, is impressive.
In the increasingly tighter, fast bends, the Sport 31 with fully trimmed Z-drives leans slightly towards the centre of the bend and follows its course, while it slows down to a fast displacement speed on its own. There is a slight rocking at the narrowest point, but without the hull hooking, which picks up speed again immediately after steering out.
The same thing happens with trim, except that the test boat starts to rock a little earlier and the propellers ventilate at the end. This is not unusual and means "restarting". On the imaginary slalom course, the Sport 31 swings harmlessly over its longitudinal axis, and when the rudder is twisted, it follows the course it has set without faltering.
The waves from other pleasure craft and ferries had to be used for the "rough water" theme, but this was no great challenge for the test boat. The hull signalled that it could also cope with larger waves.
The driving position is well designed, including the longitudinally adjustable driver's bucket seat: safe seating, everything in view and within easy reach.
In front of the driver, the view through the windscreen is unobstructed thanks to the non-reflective cab roof window below, while on the port side the light-coloured surface is reflected in the windscreen. Good: A sturdy windscreen wiper on the driver's side with limit switch is standard equipment, just like the log and plumb bob.
Engine, tank, electrics
The engine compartment can be accessed from above when the cover above, with its large storage space and sun lounger on top, is raised at the touch of a button. You can then see the low-slung engines and an aluminium platform with ladder (extra), which makes it safe to get on and off.
The V8s stand freely in a neatly designed and finely installed engine compartment, where the petrol tank and batteries are housed alongside other units. The latter are well supported in separate plastic boxes with lids.
The fuel flow is regulated by solenoid valves via the ignition, and large pre-filters without water alarm sensors ensure clean fuel. The electrics for the boat and engines are switched at the helm using pushbuttons. Three permanently running exhaust fans keep the engine compartment temperatures at a low level.
Security
This is where the Bavaria Sport 31 scores with its good and predictable handling characteristics and the outboard steering cockpit. The automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment and the manual bilge pump are commendable. However, we criticise the fact that the electric bilge pump and boarding ladder are on the accessories list and rate this as "sufficient".
It is good that they want to think about alarm sensors in the fuel pre-filters and a grab handle in the cockpit above the bar. Otherwise, there is nothing to criticise as far as grab handles are concerned. Our test boat is equipped with the large bathing platform, which is available at extra cost and has an integrated bathing ladder and grab rail. In addition, all walk-on levels except for the foredeck are covered with a teak substitute to ensure safe footing. Access to and from the side decks is also safe.
Living, cockpit and equipment
In appearance, the Sport 31 is a large day cruiser. Below deck, the shipyard has accommodated a V-berth for two adults in the foredeck, which is separated from the saloon by a curtain. The galley is installed in the saloon to starboard and is equipped with a sink, refrigerator and a gas cooker (at extra cost). Opposite, you sit at the fixed table on an L-shaped bench seat with storage space underneath and behind.
Next to the galley is the bathroom with marine toilet and associated faeces tank. If you want to take a hot shower, you have to pay extra for the boiler and shower head; the standard shower is cold water from the stern shower. The underfloor cabin under the cockpit is respectably spacious. Double bed, cupboards, storage compartments, bench seat, headroom at the entrance - everything is there. You would wish for larger portholes for the ventilation.
The cockpit is divided into two sections. At the front is a U-shaped bench seat with table to starboard and opposite is the helm station with cockpit bar. Behind the seating area, the engine compartment lid, storage box and sunbed form a single unit. The plastic equipment carrier, to which the canopy poles are attached, is enthroned above everything.
Bavaria equips the Sport 31 ready to go as standard. Our test boat is almost fully equipped and costs 177,334 euros with two 320 hp V8 petrol engines. Shortcoming: The customer is forced to tick the bilge pump and ladder in the engine compartment on the accessories list, which in our opinion are a must. The soft top and tarpaulin cost extra, which we rate as "unsatisfactory". On the other hand, six large mooring cleats, anchor locker with bow fitting and navigation lights authorised in Germany are included as standard.
