With or without a roof? Among other features, this is the most significant difference between the Sport 39 variants. Below deck there are two separate cabins, a saloon with galley and a wet room with WC. The fact that the shipyard is not stingy when it comes to headroom or space is now an "unwritten law of comfort". Elegance and fine details, of which there are plenty - such as a raised passenger seat - round off the positive picture. The quality is right, and it's good that a shipyard like Bavaria, which builds its boats on an assembly line, can always make improvements. As far as the quality of our test boat is concerned, we have arrived in the premier league.
The gaps and lines below deck are correct, nothing disturbs the eye. "More than good" is therefore the comment in the test sheet, even if the four obligatory circular cut-outs in the engine compartment lid have not been treated, a hose occasionally rests on an unrounded cut edge or the few screw ends of the soft top buttons in the engine compartment have been forgotten to be cut. There is nothing to criticise about the technical and electrical installations.
The choice of engines is lavish: either two MerCruiser V8 petrol or four Volvo Penta diesel twin packages with twin-propeller Z-drives. The engine outputs range from 260 to 430 hp. We drive the most powerful diesel version with two D6-370 from Volvo Penta. Two engines guarantee manoeuvrability, especially when manoeuvring. One drive in forward gear, the other in reverse means turning almost on the spot, and both in forward gear result in turning diameters of 1 ¼ boat lengths. The optional bow thruster is only needed in strong crosswinds or disturbing crosscurrents.
During slow passages, we do not allow the D6-370 to turn higher than 1000 rpm so that the waves generated by the boat at a speed of 7 knots do not threaten the shore. At the push of a button, the engines run exactly synchronised to ensure that the boat runs straight ahead; people moving around in the boat have no influence on the course or heel.
The test boat begins to obey the dynamic lift from about 2000 rpm or 13 knots and is planing smoothly from 2500 rpm or at a speed of 23 knots. Visibility is briefly interrupted during this transition phase. At 2600 rpm, the test boat is already gliding economically, where one tank of fuel (720 litres) is sufficient for a theoretical range of 170 nm plus 15% reserve. At slow speed (7 knots), more than 500 nm are theoretically possible and at full throttle just over 150 nm at a stretch, plus reserves. At all speeds, even at full throttle, the minimum ranges required by us are correct. If that's not enough, you can order the 950-litre tank at extra cost.
The extreme manoeuvres performed at top speed are all more than satisfactory. In the increasingly tighter bends, the Sport 39 leans towards the centre of the bend, brakes on its own at the tightest points down to fast displacement and accelerates again without any problems after steering out.
The 180° turns are completed in one go with one or two swings, but without hooking in. The propellers ventilate, which means throttle down and restart. On the imaginary slalom course, the Sport 39 is made to swing harmlessly over its longitudinal axis, and when the rudder is pulled away, the test boat follows the hard course without grumbling. During all the manoeuvres, we measured a maximum centrifugal force of just under 1 g, which means it is safe for the passengers.
We rate the sound pressure levels as "sufficient", with the 85 dB/A limit being exceeded by one decibel at full throttle. Our test area was the Turkish Aegean, where the 39 mastered everything that came in front of its bow safely and dryly in wind force 4. On our test boat, the driver sits safely and comfortably in the luxury bucket seat, which is available at extra cost; the steering system proves to be a little clumsy, which gives it an "adequate" rating. The fact that both windscreen wipers only clear a vertical viewing slit in an emergency will be improved by the shipyard. The co-drivers sit opposite on a raised double bench that is open to starboard.
The cockpit galley is installed behind the driver, with guests sitting opposite on a U-shaped bench at the table. The sunbed with storage space underneath is also the engine compartment lid, which opens at the touch of a button. If it is open, you can climb down via a ladder (extra); everything is clearly organised and neatly installed here.
Solenoid valves regulate the diesel flow, fuel pre-filters without water alarm sensors keep the fuel clean. The fact that you have to buy extra safety features, such as the water alarm sensors or the ladder into the engine compartment, is unfortunate. Instead, manual bilge pumps and a fire extinguishing system are standard. The batteries, which are switched on and off via relays, are well packaged in the engine compartment. The fuses can be found in the electrical panel above the galley.
In general, the Sport 39 is equipped ready to sail. Compass, log and plumb line are just as much part of the standard equipment as the certified navigation lights or the six mooring cleats. Bavaria also offers special accessories that are hidden in practical packages, such as the "Comfort basic package", the anchor and navigation function packages and individual items. In total, our test boat is equipped with special accessories totalling over 67,000 euros.
Conclusion: The Sport 39 is an all-round successful and safe boat. Families or skippers who like to take friends with them will enjoy it
