Longevity of Bavaria Ocean

[Marcin]

Hello Everyone,
I'd like to start by introducing myself. My name is Marcin, I'm 38 years old, and although I'm new to this forum, I've been a proud Bavaria owner for quite some time.
In 2022, I purchased a Bavaria 44 Ocean (2004) from its original owner, who had spent many years sailing around the Mediterranean. The boat is in excellent condition—well maintained and equipped for long-distance cruising.
Over the past four seasons, my wife, our 4-year-old child, and I have spent about six months each year living aboard and exploring the Mediterranean. It's been an incredible journey, but now we're at a crossroads and considering our next steps.
I'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you think a well-kept Bavaria Ocean is a boat that can reliably serve a family for the next 10 years and safely carry us around the world? We're weighing the idea of switching to a multihull, but as you know, that's a significant investment.
I'm not looking to start a "mono vs. cat" debate—rather, I'm interested in your opinions on setting up the B44 Ocean as a capable ocean-crossing vessel that can take good care of our family. I understand that certain upgrades and renewals will be necessary, but my main concerns are around hull longevity, steering design, and overall structural integrity after years of use.
I'd be truly grateful for any insights or experiences you're willing to share. Thank you so much!

Sharing picture of our lovely Kim Kim.

Warm regards,
Marcin

[Yngmar]

Fibreglass boats don't really age, only the components do, and those get replaced. So if you keep up with the maintenance, it will be fine. The 44 Ocean is just the right size for three, I think. Our 40 would've been a bit small. You'll probably have to fit some upgrades to prepare, but I don't see why not. It'll certainly be safer than the average modern cruising catamaran

I know of at least one 40 Ocean (Bomika) that has circumnavigated and they did it the hard way, around the capes. Although they did smash it to pieces when surprised by bad weather at anchor in the Beagle channel and then patched it back up and finished the trip. They did publish a book about it, although it's in German language.

[all3n]

Thanks Yngmar. Let's add another layer to this considerarion. We will be able to start the journey in 5 years from now. What would be the best way to keep the boat until this time? We dont have much time to sail, we would like to Save as much money for our adventure (and keeping the boat insured in the marina in Croatia is not cheap). We can bring it to PL and keep on land, doing upgrades but I also heard about Hull issues after long period on hard. What would be your advice?

Thanks

[Yngmar]

Simple, go sail now, who knows if in 5 years you still can 

If you want to park it somewhere cheap, sail it down to Greece and park it on the Aktio peninsula near Preveza, there's three storage yards with huge hard standing area. But the UV in the Med will do its damage unless you cover it. Getting it trailered to Poland and back down again is going to be hugely expensive?

[all3n]

Simple, go sail now, who knows if in 5 years you still can

This is absolutely the best advice I can get Unfortunately money talks, I have to be still active for some time.

Trip to PL via truck will be approx 11k EUR and I can put the boat in my garden... But it is a lot of money.

I know Cleopatra in Preweza, was there 2y ago. Maybe I will use it as an option... But what about staying on hard for some time (Hull flexing etc.)?

[Yngmar]

It will always flex a bit when sitting on the keel, but nothing permanent. You can ease the rig off a bit or best take it down entirely. I'd be more worried about sitting in the sun, abrasive dust, leaks and general decay for so long. Does boats no good to sit around unused and they definitely decay faster in Greece than in central Europe, where they might just grow some moss