We are working on putting a BVI charter together for this winter. Crew will be my family of 5 and possibly one other teenager. Trying to decide between the FP Saona or a Bavaria Open 46. In comparing the two boats the Saona seems to edge out the Open 46 in terms of cabin space and it has the raised lounge next to the helm. The Open 46 appears to be a sleeker and possibly slightly faster/more fun to sail boat with a modern interior and spacious saloon/lower cockpit area.
My son and I are intrigued by the Open 46 and think it might be fund to try for something a bit different than the big 3. Never spent any real time on a Bavaria but did take a quick look at an Open 40 and it seemed to have a very small and cramped saloon, though maybe things on the 46 are more akin to what we're used to. I have sailed a couple FP boats (Astrea 42 and Saba 50) and Fountaine Pajot seems to strike a good balance between performance and comfort. All else being equal I think I'd go with the Open 46, but I just don't want to go with the Bavaria and have my wife and daughters (but mainly my wife) complaining that it doesn't have the upper lounge or that the cabins are too small or that there isn't enough storage for the overabundance of clothes that we bring down with us.
Anyone familiar with either (or ideally both) of the boats care to offer some input? Obviously not a life or death decision as I'm sure either boat will be more than fine, but since I have the option I might as well do my due diligence...
