The German builder Bavaria was sold for 1.3 billion euros in 2007, so it should not come as a surprise that the new owners are announcing new models. What surprises me a little is that the first new boat is a 34-footer rather than a big-ticket 60-footer. But then again, the new owners may realize that sticking with Bavaria’s proven high-volume production formula is probably a good idea. Regardless, the new 34-footer appears to be quite similar to the thousands of mid-sized cruising boats the company built under the previous ownership. The accommodations plan is clean and spacious, with light-colored joinery. The deck is laid out to be simple and functional. The hull is hand laid and reinforced with Kevlar in the bow. Unlike previous models, this boat has a Volvo inboard diesel mounted under the cockpit sole to allow for easy access. And the boat’s 40-gallon fuel tank and 55-allon water tank are intended to enable a cruising range that is greater than your average weekend cruise. Bill Springer