Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 vs Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 or the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 is the longer of the two at 42,3 feet overall. The Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 comes in at 40,1 feet, making it roughly 2,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 is rated to a maximum of 370 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 share an 13.09 ft beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 or the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 has the bigger tank at 238 gallons, versus 198 gallons on the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018. That 39-gallon difference translates to roughly 119–198 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 are built by Bavaria Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 vs Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018

Bavaria Yachts

Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019

2019

View full specs →

Bavaria Yachts

Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018

2018

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 vs Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 vs Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 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 370 hp, the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 has a 70-hp advantage over the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019's 300-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 R40 Couple 2019 carries 238 gallons versus 198 gallons in the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 at 42,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 at 40,1 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail42.30 ft

Length overall - Detail40.10 ft

Length - Feet42.3

Length - Feet40.1

Length overall - Meters12.89

Length overall - Meters12.22

Length overall - Inches508

Length overall - Inches481

Beam13.09 ft

Beam13.10 ft

Beam - Meters3.99

Beam - Inches157

Draft [max] - Detail3.47 ft

Draft [max] - Detail43.50 ft

Draft [max] - Meters1.06

Draft [max] - Meters13.26

Draft [max] - Inches42

Draft [max] - Inches522

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Gal237.7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal198

Fuel tank capacity - Liters899.79

Fuel tank capacity - Liters749.51

Engine makeVolvo Penta

Horsepower300 hp

Horsepower370 hp

Fuel typeDiesel

Drive typeinboard

Engine 2 Engine MakeVolvo Penta

Engine 2 Engine Makenot available

Engine 2 Horsepower300 hp

Engine 2 Horsepowernot available

Engine 2 Fuel TypeDiesel

Engine 2 Fuel Typenot available

Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard

Engine 2 Drive Typenot available

Performance

Cruising speed25

Cruising speednot available

Cruising speed measureknots

Cruising speed measurenot available

Maximum speed33

Maximum speednot available

Maximum speed measureknots

Maximum speed measurenot available

Operational Info

Sleeping capacity5

Sleeping capacity4

Cabins2

Head2

Head1

Water capacity92

Water capacity66

Boat typePower

Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 vs Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 or the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 is the longer of the two at 42,3 feet overall. The Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 comes in at 40,1 feet, making it roughly 2,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 is rated to a maximum of 370 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 share an 13.09 ft beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 or the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018?

The Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 has the bigger tank at 238 gallons, versus 198 gallons on the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018. That 39-gallon difference translates to roughly 119–198 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 and the Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 are built by Bavaria Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Bavaria Yachts R40 Couple 2019 full specs ← Bavaria Yachts S40 HT Hard Top 2018 full specs