Bavaria s Deep Blue 46 Words by Dean Castle Pictures courtesy of Wiltel Marine Sophisticated, sleek and sexy. Everything a 46-footer should be It s now available in South Africa, Bavaria s flagship powerboat, the Deep Blue 46. Designed by Bavaria and BMW DesignWorks USA, she certainly is a gorgeous craft. But, she s got big shoes to fill when it comes to having to improve on Bavaria s current top seller, though. We anticipate the arrival of this gorgeous craft into our waters, by taking a look and drooling over what we can expect. BMW DesignWorks USA and Bavaria Yachtbau have always been synonymous with Bavarian quality, so naturally, when these two companies come together to 48 october 2009
make a product, you can rest assured that this will unsurprisingly result in a truly extraordinary design concept. The Bavaria Deep Blue 46 was developed in close collaboration with BMW Designworks USA, a subsidiary of the BMW Group. All the new models from the new 28 Sport, Cruiser 33 and the largest sailing yacht, the october 2009 49
An electronically operated dinghy garage at the stern allows you to keep all your watertoys ready for action. Otherwise, feel free to simply relax on the more than adequately sized swimplatform. Cruiser 55 show the similarity of BMW DesignWorks USA s input. The brief to BMW DesignWorks USA was to set new standards in Should conditions suddenly become less than ideal, simply put the fabric roof up and you can still enjoy the comfort and amenities of your Deep Blue. design and functionality. This, without compromising the company s principal philosophy of offering exceptional value for money had to be maintained, without losing any hint of style or space. They had to design a model which will be made available in a sport and a sport top configuration, and then Bavaria s first flybridge configuration as well. Some of BMW Group Designworks USA award winning designs and partnerships includes the Embrear Jet interior, a concept design for Boeing s 787 Dreamliner, Rolls-Royce Phantom and BMW X5, to name a few. Judging from this, we can really expect something exceptional in the Deep Blue 46. Worldwide impressions To say the design has been well received by both the media and the public is an understatement. The Deep Blue 46 has been awarded the Boat of the Year 50 october 2009
The designers weren t shy in giving headroom in the saloon and cabins. And, the choice of interior colouring really does make the Deep Blue 46 feel as though it s your own. Trophy at this year s Croatia Boat Show. Each year, the prize is given to those manufacturers that reflect the newest and most impressive boats. The Bavaria Deep Blue 46 impressed everyone with its sheer presence and won in the Open 40- to 50-footer category. She s got the look With the emphasis more on a streamlined voluminous characteristic design instead of a traditional sporty sleek one, the high free board hull offers many benefits. The higher free board not only offers a lot of headroom inside the boat but also contributes to a safer boat at sea for the passengers, and is also ideal for our local needs. The Deep Blue design incorporates some very important design concepts which I, as a South African boater, feel is very important from the lifestyle angle. Starting at the stern, the swim platform size has been extended and has been described as a terrace on the sea. There is easy access to the cockpit from the stern, with steps leading up either side of the seating area. Below the seating there is a larger than normal, electrically-operated dingy garage for your tender or water toys. The cockpit is an entertainer s dream with a stunning blend between a social but yet practical half circular seating area facing towards a well designed wet bar. The area can easily seat eight people with more seating behind the skipper seat. Aside from the ample seating, there s also a large sunbed on the port side situated at the same level as the instrument panel. This means 52 october 2009
you ve got one of the best views while you sunbathe and remain sheltered from wind and harmful sun rays. Access to the bow is easy with integrated steps and a wide walkway. Downstairs you will have the choice of a two- or three-cabin lay-out with a generous 2.1 metres of headroom. The concept of a space hull offers a large cabin space without compromising the cockpit area. In traditional designs, clients always had to sacrifice either cockpit or cabin room, depending on whether you will be using the boat for day cruising or overnighting on. The advantages of the new, higher, free board design makes itself known down below deck, where you have the option of the above-mentioned cabin lay-out. This cabin lets in an abundance of natural light and yet offers exceptional headroom. The interior finish provides for a host of finishing options to suit your individual taste. You also have a choice of Walnut or Light oak. The upholstery can be finished in dark grey, beige, or light or dark brown. Whether cruising, dining, sunbathing, swimming or entertaining, the Bavaria Deep Blue 46 offers superb optimised spacing above as well as below deck. Large side windows do well to let in as much light as possible to the saloon. If the weather does start to turn, or if you re spending a night onboard, the cabins make for the perfect retreat. Every cabin is not only well-lit during the day to give a warm, inviting and airy feel, but at night, each cabin is warmed by a 5 500 watt heater. There are plenty of defining features which set the Deep Blue apart from the rest, and certainly ensure it catches your eye as it stands out from the crowd while set in amongst other boats, whether you re anchored in sunny Camps Bay, or any other world famous cove. Although the aggressive yet retro styling certainly is eye-catching, the stainless steel radar tower will be the Deep Blue s most identifiable feature when you see it cruising across the horizon. When she starts getting closer, you get to truly appreciate her finer characteristics, like the large portholes, large modular sunbed (which allows for easy storage), the cockpit wetbar with grill and sink, and much, much more. Topping this is how Bavaria and BMW DesignWorks USA were able to design a craft with space available in such abundance, that you ll almost start to forget where you ve put things, as opposed to where you could store it! On the cards Like what you see? I do. But, it must be said that it gets even better! Soon, a fly bridge version will be introduced as well. This will make the Bavaria Deep Blue 46 a strong contender in this size sector, and certainly something you should keep your eyes open for. For more information contact Wiltel Marine on 0860 MARINE. At a glance L.O.A. Hull Length Beam Height above waterline Draft drive lowered (approx.) Dry weight from (approx.) Fuel tank (approx.) Water tank (approx.) 14,20 m 12,93 m 4,45 m 2,80 m 1,10 m 11.800 kg 1.200 l 410 l Persons, max. CE B 12 Cabins 2/3 Berths 4/6 Height in cabin (approx.) Engine options Twin Volvo Penta D6-330 EVC Twin Volvo Penta D6-370 EVC 2,10 m 237 kw 272 kw 54 october 2009