The big Bavaria facelift (see also BOOTE 3/15) is consistently continued on deck in the smaller models, i.e. omission of the sunbed and storage space above the engine compartment and redesign of the cockpit. And, the shipyard offers the 330in three variations with or without equipment carrier and, as with our test boat, with a fixed hardtop, for which the abbreviation HT stands.
The hardtop can be closed by means of a mechanical fabric sliding roof and two sliding windows are installed in the side glazing for ventilation.
Below deck, the underfloor cabin, open bow cabin, saloon with dinette and galley plus separate bathroom with shower and WC offer everything you need to feel at home. What the entireProcessing of the test boat the same high standard as before. We only criticise the fuel line screwed onto the stringer in the engine compartment on the port engine, which should change in the future.
Driving and manoeuvring
Two motors and two Z-drives guarantee manoeuvrable behaviour.There is little trouble in the harbour, manoeuvring the Sport 330 HT to where it needs to go. One drive lever forwards, the other backwards turns the boat almost on the spot. Otherwise, you need just under 1 ¼ boat lengths of space for a full circle.
In strong crosswinds, a bow thruster is an advantage, which is hidden next to the electric trim tabs in the Smart Power accessory pack.
At slow speed (7 knots), synchronised motors at the push of a button determine the direction of travel. If someone changes their place in the boat, theNo effect on course and heeling. To avoid disturbing waves, both motors do not turn higher than 1500 rpm. During the transition from displacement to planing speed, the foredeck briefly dances around in the field of vision.
The driver's seat is to be raised, which will also improve the view of the small instruments.
We determine the minimum planing speed at 12 knots. AsMaximum speed logs just under 37.5 knots, while the rev counter shows 100 rpm more than permitted. However, this is fine given the low load. After analysing our measurements, the test boat runs most economically at a speed of 28 knots and one tank of fuel is enough for a theoretical range of 127 nm plus 15% reserve.
At full throttle, you have to top up the tank after just over 100 nm. At the slowest speed, it won't be more than 180 nm, plus reserves in each case - that's not enough. The following should be improvedthe engine compartment insulationso that the sound pressure is reduced to the acceptable range during economic driving (now 86 dB/A).
For theExtreme manoeuvres we cross the Bay of Lübeck at wind force 5 to 6 Beauford against wind and waves and also take on spray in the smallest gliding speed. This is normal and is no great challenge for either windscreen wiper. With the wave on the way back, we step it up a gear to full throttle.
The hull of the Sport 330 HT performs well and also copes well with the adverse conditions on the Baltic Sea if you adjust the speed a little.
We perform the extreme manoeuvres off the sheltered Timmendorfer Strand. In the increasingly tight bends, the boat leans towards the centre of the bend and follows its course unperturbed right up to the tightest point, while the hull gradually moves up to a fast displacement speed.brakes by itself and picks up speed again immediately after steering out.
Visibility on bends over port is only optimal when the sunroof is open. The tightest turns are just over two boat lengths long, as are the 180° turns, which are completed in one go without rocking or hooking the hull when the drives are fully trimmed. If the power trim remains in the optimum position, the whole thing involves two to three rocking movements.
At the slalom test The test boat can be made to swing safely over its longitudinal axis and when the rudder is twisted, it goes where it should. The driving position is neatly designed: everything is under control and almost everything is in view, including the reflections in the windows. While the driver sits in the bucket seat, the co-driver sits opposite on a fixed bench seat. The grab handle on the companionway is too far away.
Engine, tank, electrics
Two V8 MerCruisers are easily accessible in the engine compartment, which favours inspection and servicing. The only problem is getting down comfortably through the cockpit floor hatch.Another item on the to-do list of the shipyard. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, and there is nothing serious to criticise about the entire electrical and technical installations.
Batteries are switched with relays from the driving position and the solenoid valves open the fuel lines via the ignition.When cleaning the fuel you rely solely on the engine manufacturer. The fuses are strategically distributed in the boat and, with the exception of one, which is hidden behind a flap at the foot end in the underfloor cabin, are easily accessible.
Security
We award plus points in this category for the safe driving characteristics,the self-draining cockpit and the side decks fitted with handrails. The standard manual bilge pump and fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment with manual extinguisher are exemplary. However, there is a deduction for the cockpit, which lacks handholds in places. Praise deservedthe new bathing ladder conceptwhere the ladder can be handled from the water and, in addition to the permanently installed grab rail, there are two more that can be plugged in.
Living, cockpit and equipment
Bavaria still sets the tone in terms of space below deck. Headroom is provided almost everywhere andthe bunk dimensions fit. The bathroom with shower and WC are exemplary, only the WC could be larger. The open-plan design of the forward cabin benefits the berths and the space in the saloon, and the galley matches the boat. On and below deckNo lack of storage space.
Those who want to sunbathe in the cockpitThe table must be lowered and covered with a cushion. Otherwise, the sun-seekers go to the foredeck. Spoilt for choice: In addition to the standard equipment, there are also interesting basic packages and optional extras. There is no shortage of mooring cleats, but the rubbing strake is more for decorative purposes.
