The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 vs Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 380 hp, the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 has a 305-hp advantage over the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016's 75-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 carries 317 gallons versus 74 gallons in the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 could be the deciding factor.
The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 has a documented displacement of 31 085 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 draws 7,5 ft, compared to 2,7 ft for the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017. That 4,8-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 carries a 380-hp engine against 75 hp on the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 carries 148 gallons versus 108 gallons on the Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Bavaria Yachts Cruiser 51 Standart/Shoal Draft 2016 at 49,2 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Bavaria Yachts Virtess 420 2017 at 44,8 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.