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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Hanse 371 review: Different by design – from the archive

• April 13, 2021

The Hanse 371 is a lot of boat for the money – but to buy her for the price alone would be to miss the point, says David Harding

The Hanse 371 is a lot of boat for the money.

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Time was when people expected to get what they paid for. Paying good money meant getting a good boat, but can a boat like the Hanse 371 stand up against a modern trend of wanting ever more for less?

Handing over a smaller wodge of cash used to mean accepting a few compromises, but if you had established your priorities, knew what to look for and understood where the builder had made savings, you would have a good idea of what to expect.

Over the past decade or so, things seem to have changed.

We now hear stories of people comparing boats from opposite ends of the quality spectrum, looking at nothing except how big a boat they can get for their money and remaining oblivious to even the most elementary differences in design and construction.

One dealer recently recounted how a potential buyer had walked onto his stand at a boat show and demanded the answers to just two questions: how long was the boat, and how much did it cost?

When a quick calculation showed that he could buy something that was cheaper for its size, he lost interest and walked off.

It’s a trend with worrying implications, and one that can make life harder for builders whose boats don’t come top in the ‘how-cheap-can-they-make-­them?’ league compiled by some of today’s boat show visitors.

The relatively low volume, semi-bespoke end of the market has been affected most, but even yards such as Hanse – whose boats are among the least expensive for their length – have sometimes lost sales because the formula has worked against them.

Hanses don’t offer as much space for the money as some other boats for one simple reason: they’re designed to sail.

It’s a distinction that sometimes seems to elude people, including our ‘just-two-questions’ friend at the boat show.

I never cease to be amazed by some of the boats that end up on the same list, and I find it hard to understand how the Hanses are sometimes lumped together with boats of a fundamentally different nature simply because they’re in the same price bracket.

Layout of the Hanse 371.

Of course, prospective purchasers might be wondering whether to please those members of the family for whom in-harbour comfort is a priority, or to satisfy their own desire for sailing qualities.

Nonetheless, it’s important to differentiate between boats with beamy, high-volume hulls, shallow draught and modest rigs and the finer-lined, deeper­draught and more generously-canvassed offerings like the Hanses.

Contributing to the confusion, I suspect, is the fact that the Hanses are fast without looking racy.

While even a novice might guess that a Mumm 30 would sail faster than a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 29.1, it takes a little more perception to distinguish between a Hanse 371 and a Bavaria 38, for example.

Hanses occupy the middle ground: they’re performance cruisers, neither floating country cottages nor the sort of boats that are widely raced.

They’re aimed at people whose principal interest is cruising, but who like to cruise quickly in a boat that’s enjoyable and responsive to sail.

Looking for clues

Since the Hanse 371 doesn’t have the marine equivalent of the GT badge, go­faster stripes, alloy wheels and rear spoiler to draw attention to her performance potential, what clues are there for those wandering around the boat show and faced by dozens of thirty-something­footers with plastic hulls and fin keels?

The pedigree of the yard and the designer is normally a good starting point.

Hanse was formed by Michael Schmidt, a successful racing sailor who led the German Admiral’s Cup team to victory in 1985.

If you like boats that sail, you’ve a better chance of finding them if the owner of the yard is similarly inclined.

Schmidt formed the company in Greifswald, in what had been East Germany, and acquired the moulds of discontinued Scandinavian designs.

First came the Hanse 291 – formerly the Aphrodite 29, built in Sweden by Rex Marin. Then the Finngulf 33 became the Hanse 331, while the Bianca 42 had her stem chopped down and was introduced as the Hanse 400.

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All three boats sailed beautifully and, thanks to cheap moulds and government grants following the reunification of Germany, they were sold for almost unbelievably low prices.

Despite this successful recycling of old moulds, Schmidt realised that the boats lacked the internal volume needed for wide appeal in the long term: he needed to develop a range that offered more accommodation while retaining the sailing performance for which the marque had become known.

He re-jigged the 291 and kept her going as an economical starter boat, but commissioned a series of new designs from Judel and Vrolijk – Germany’s best-known design team, with an enviable record in everything from Admiral’s Cuppers to Whitbread 60s and International America’s Cup Class boats.

With men like that behind them, there was never any doubt that the new Hanses were going to sail.

Even if you knew nothing about the Hanses’ background, you could still a distinguish them from their podgier competitors.

The standard self-tacking headsail provides ample power for cruising in a Force 4 and above.

Look at the Hanse 371’s healthy draught, relatively fine entry and narrow waterline, modest freeboard and generous rig.

A little number-crunching reveals a displacement/length ratio of 174 and a sail area/displacement ratio of just under 21.

And there’s more. Instead of the usual iron fin bolted straight onto the hull, Hanse have used lead on the bottom and iron at the top, thereby ensuring a lower centre of gravity and greater sail-carrying ability.

Ideally, you would find lead on the bottom of a moulded stub or spacer, but that’s usually the preserve of boats with a substantially higher price tag.

Whichever way you look at her, the Hanse 371 is a boat with a performance bias.

On the other hand, she comes with several features that distinguish her from racier designs such as the X-Yachts , Elan yachts and the new Dufours (apart from being heavier and with shallower draught).

One is the siting of the mainsheet traveller on the coachroof – though it can be moved into the cockpit – and the other is the provision of a self-tacking jib as standard (an over­lapping genoa is an option).

It’s hard to provide enough sail area for good light-airs performance with a non-overlapping sail plan unless a boat is either lighter than the Hanse, or stiff enough to carry a tall rig with an enormous mainsail.

All the same, the compromise in performance at the lower end of the wind range is something that many Hanse owners seem prepared to accept: relatively few boats have been sold with genoas.

Powering up

Another drawback of self-tackers is that they lose much of their drive as soon as you ease the sheet a few inches: the leech twists open and only the bottom of the sail provides any drive.

But you notice the benefits upwind when it’s blowing as hard as it was when I took the 371 for a spin recently.

In a breeze of 25 knots-plus, a short-footed, high aspect ratio headsail is infinitely more efficient than a genoa that’s been reefed around a foil.

With a slab in the mainsail to help keep the boat on her feet, we made upwind at a consistent 6.5 knots, tacking through 80 to 85° and hitting 9 knots when we bore away onto a reach.

With good sails and a folding prop instead of the fixed two-blader, there’s no doubt that we would have done better still: as on the Hanse 315 the standard East sails did the boat no justice.

Since our demonstrator left the factory earlier this year, Hanse switched to Doyle Sails for a while before giving their business to the North loft in Denmark.

They’re also in the process of standardising on Harken deck hardware instead of using a mix from a variety of manufacturers.

When a boat has the performance potential of a Hanse, it seems a shame to compromise it with budget sails and to make it look as though the hardware is whatever the builder happened to have in the box at the time. These upgrades will be a big step forward.

Even though we had to make do with the poorly cut sails on our test boat, the Hanse 371 proved a delight to handle.

She was finger light to steer via the Whitlock rod linkage, with the wheel only loading up slightly when the toerail started getting wet.

By the time the rudder eventually lost grip, the leeward deck would be well under water but no drama ensured: the boat just rounded up a few degrees in a token protest and then, when the gust passed, the main sheet was eased or the helmsman stopped trying to provoke her, she carried on as before.

For a boat that’s light by cruising standards, the Hanse felt surprisingly smooth and long-legged.

She was also remarkably tolerant when thrown into tight manoeuvres, spinning through 360° in either direction with the sails pinned in, and describing a circle little more than a boat length in diameter.

Still moving at about 3 knots when she crossed her own wake to complete the loop, she accelerated smoothly back to cruising speed without a hint of stalling.

She’d be great for match racing, and, of more relevance to cruising sailors, could be wriggled into and out of tight spaces under perfect control.

Especially when you’re short-handed, it’s important to have a boat that answers the helm and goes where you point her without argument.

Having failed to induce any protests with the pirouette routine, I put her head-to­wind until she was virtually dead in the water (something that’s easier with a self­tacker, because it won’t back) before bearing away onto a dose-hauled course.

That’s when I expected her to heel over and slip sideways, but yet again she pulled away without so much as a murmur of discontent.

And that was in a Force 6, with too much sail up.

While we chose to keep the boat over-canvassed, to show up any handling quirks, I’d have taken in a second slab before setting off on a long windward leg.

Down below on the Hanse 371

Hanse have developed a distinctive interior style over the past few years: red-stained mahogany trim coated in a high-gloss varnish and set off by white-painted bulkheads.

The finish is generally neat, but with few laminated corners. Radiused curves, such as around the door frames and galley, are usually in sections with deliberate gaps between them.

Unusually, Hanse use interior mouldings only in the forecabin, after cabin and heads.

Instead, the joinery is bonded to the hull, which is reinforced in the traditional manner with frames and stringers.

Overhead, you find removable panels covering the deckhead except in the cabins each end.

With varnished trim and white bulkheads, the Hanse’s interior feels more American than European.

Here, it’s moulded, but with sections along the outboard sides that can be unscrewed to allow access to the hull/deck joint.

Notable features include the chart table, opposite the saloon on the port side, with seating forward and aft.

Owners generally seem happy with it. And it’s no good looking for the battery switches in the normal places.

With a keyless engine, such as the Volvo, it’s a good idea to hide them somewhere that’s easy to reach but not so easy to find.

Access to the systems, tanks and engine is generally good, and much better than on the Hanse 315.

Blocks and string

For all her good manners, handling would have been made easier by a more powerful backstay tensioner to control the mainsail and the headstay sag (we took the tail around the genoa winch), halyards that didn’t stretch so much and a mainsheet that the helmsman could reach.

All those issues are simple to address, and indeed two alternative mainsheet systems are offered.

What matters most is that the Hanse 371 seems to do everything that’s asked of her. She also joins that select group of cruising yachts that makes you want to hog the helm. I had to tear myself away to take a tour of deck and interior at 25° of heel.

The latter expedition revealed a shortage of handholds between the compression post and the galley.

In terms of crew comfort, the 8ft-long cockpit (2.4m) might be a friendlier place for short people if it had a foot-brace down the middle.

And owners with small children will want to specify the washboard­style acrylic sheet that fills the gap in the transom. Otherwise, there was little to complain about.

The coamings were nicely angled and high enough to deflect all but the most determined wave sweeping back along the deck.

My biggest concern at this end of the boat was how useable the emergency tiller would be.

Only 21in (53cm) long and facing aft, it would call for a system of lines and blocks if it were to exert any influence over the rudder.

At least the short rod linkage is easily reached via the stern locker.

Unless you choose the option of twin double after-cabins, there’s an enormous, full-depth locker to starboard with a door that opens into the accommodation.

Climbing inside, you can see that the bolts securing the hull-to-deck joint are threaded into rectangular backing plates instead of washers, because the plates won’t spin around (they hit the inside of the hull moulding) and don’t need to be held by a spanner.

Poking around inside the lockers and into dark corners throughout the boat reveals plenty of rough edges, a few areas of dry mat, and other signs that she has been put together fairly quickly.

Similarly, the hull’s external finish is ripply in places.

Yet Hanses have a better reputation than some in terms of structural integrity.

As journalists, all too often we hear alarming stories from owners, charter and delivery skippers, surveyors and repair yards about how well boats have been built.

Some names crop up more often than others. So far, the worst I’ve heard about Hanse has been relatively mild.

Under power, the Hanse 371 is as agile as they come. Astern in a stiff breeze, she could be made to pull her bow through the wind against the prop-walk and then to slalom slowly with no tendency to weather-cock.

With the throttle fully open, the Volvo 2030 Saildrive (which is giving way to the Yanmar 3GM on new boats) drove her along at just short of 7 knots.

It sounded busy and slightly bumpy, but not unduly noisy at its maximum of 3,400 rpm.

With a boat like the Hanse, you’ll be tempted to sail rather than motor when­ever you can: her speed, responsiveness and obedience put her in a different league to much of the competition.

She’s a boat you will choose to sail for the pleasure of sailing, and not just because bobbing around on the water is more agreeable than sitting in an office.

If you’re used to racing yachts – which are lighter, more expensive and deeper in the draught – the 371 might feel like a cruising boat, because that’s what she is.

But in terms of performance for the money, she probably tops the table.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Hanse 400: popular modern performance cruiser

• Duncan Kent
• July 27, 2021

Duncan Kent takes the Hanse 400 for a sail and discovers that this popular modern performance cruiser is quick and powerful but easy to handle

A tall mast and generous sail area make the Hanse 400 quick and powerful. Credit: David Harding

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Voted European Boat of 2006, the J & J-designed, Hanse 400 still has all the attributes of a modern performance cruiser.

Founded in 1993, Hanse became Germany’s second largest production sailing yacht builder after extending its Greifswald site in 2005, and now produces 750 yachts annually including the Moody, Dehler and Privilege brands.

Since 1999 all Hanses have been designed by Judel and Vrolijk, a renowned team of performance yacht designers with America’s Cup heritage.

Hanse yachts aren’t just modern flyers, they have all the comforts needed for extended cruising as well.

Plenty of galley space with lockers and a top-loading fridge. Credit: Duncan Kent

The look of the 400’s interior isn’t particularly to my liking, with its sharp edges and unusual design statements, such as pea-green Plexiglass panels, but you can’t fault the layout’s flexibility and the intelligently thought-out key areas such as the well-appointed galley and heads.

Where the Hanse 400 scores over other more conservative performance cruisers is in the sailing stakes.

With dinghy-like performance, she’s just so easy to drive that you positively long to go out sailing alone, just to prove you can.

I love the idea that a 40ft yacht can be sailed quite safely single-handed – it gives you a fantastic confidence boost, meaning you’re more likely to take her out and sail her every chance you get.

Design & constructions of the Hanse 400

The Hanse 400 is sleek-looking with plumb ends, low freeboard and a long waterline.

With shallow underwater sections and a broad beam, they were designed to be quick and easily handled, and strong enough to cope with rough conditions offshore.

The hull is reinforced using a rigid floor framework and laminated foam stringers, while weight is minimised by incorporating a balsa core above the waterline.

For a little more money, the Hanse 400 was also offered in epoxy (400e), which not only reduced its displacement over the polyester/vinylester model by being a thinner layup and having foam sandwich below the waterline, but also increased its impact strength and flexibility, and virtually eliminated any risk of osmosis.

The Hanse 400 is unashamedly modern.

The high-gloss finished furniture is all a bit square and slab-sided, with stainless steel grab rails and the occasional green Plexiglass panels.

When buying from new, Hanse offered up to 16 different layouts and 99 options, so few ended up identical.

The interior is split into three design sections, each of which had several different available styles, such as a choice between one or two aft cabins.

The long, straight saloon settees make good sea berths and there’s stowage underneath.

Headroom is a generous 1.95m/6ft 5in, but the table will only seat four in comfort.

The chart/coffee table option comprised a small table between two seats on the saloon’s port side with shallow stowage inside for folded charts.

The chart table is small with limited instrument space. Credit: Duncan Kent

The locker containing the electrical panel has limited instrument space, which isn’t ideal as the doors have to be closed at sea.

The sensible alternative is to go for the straight settee, use the saloon table for passage planning and house most of the sailing and navigation instruments up in the cockpit.

The galley is large with plenty of stowage in numerous lockers and drawers, a full-size gimballed cooker with oven and a voluminous top-loading fridge plus a separate, smaller drinks cooler below.

Opposite, the heads is roomy with 1.83m/6ft headroom and separate shower stall with seat, under which are housed all the pumps and filters.

All the seacocks are neatly arranged and clearly labelled beneath the sink.

The aft cabins boast 1.98m/6ft 6in-long berths, 1.88m/6ft 2in headroom, a dressing area with seat and a large clothes locker.

The portside cabin has a slightly wider berth than the starboard one and is adjacent to the aft heads.

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Beneath the port berth is the calorifier, while the fuel tank is under the starboard berth.

Hull sides could be smartly wooden panelled for extra insulation.

The forecabin had the most layout options and was clearly intended to be the owner’s cabin.

Though long, in the pullman version the offset berth is only 1.00m/3ft 3in wide, which is narrow for a double.

The vee-berth option gives you more, but you lose the locker forward.

The choice then was whether to have a second wardrobe, a small ensuite heads/shower, or a desk/dressing table.

On deck & under way

The cockpit is wide and spacious, with straight seats cutaway around the large single wheel.

Initially, the transom had an open gate as standard; later a ‘drop in’ one became optional.

Either way, a fold-down transom platform provides room for showering and boarding from a dinghy.

Stowage is good, although better in the single aft cabin model, which has a full-depth cockpit locker to starboard.

The Hanse 400 has a 150mm-high companionway threshold and, cleverly, the one-piece Plexiglas washboard stows conveniently on top of the sliding hatch cover.

The mainsheet track is on the coachroof as standard and its sheet, together with all the other lines, are led back to the cockpit via neat rope garages.

The wide and spacious cockpit makes it a comfortable cruiser. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

A mainsheet across the cockpit, just forward of the wheel, was optional and popular with racers or those regularly cruising shorthanded, but it did mean sacrificing the fold-up cockpit table.

Clear access along the side decks is enhanced by the inboard shroud plates and genoa tracks, although the handrails are tokenistic.

The toe rails are a solid alloy extrusion with integral fairleads, and all six cleats are a good size and well positioned.

The foredeck is clear of obstructions, the anchor chain being fed under the locker lid to a windlass below decks.

The chain locker is absolutely vast and able to hold an armful of fenders as well as 80m or more of chain.

The single bow roller is offset to clear the bowsprit and to enable the forestay to be attached well forward, thus allowing space to have the largest jib possible.

Rig & Sails

The Hanse 400 sports a high-aspect, 9/10ths fractional rig with twin spreaders and noticeable pre-bend.

Her backstay bifurcates above the cockpit and has a powerful six-part adjuster, while her standing rigging is discontinuous.

She comes with a fully battened, slab-reefed mainsail and lazyjacks.

This, plus her self-tacking jib and primary winches right beside the helm, makes short tacking in confined spaces simple, even single-handed.

For lighter airs there was an optional 140% gennaker, using the tracks and travellers already provided, and downwind a large asymmetric can be set on the short, retractable bowsprit supplied with the gennaker kit.

The Hanse 400 has a tall mast and generous sail area, making her a quick and powerful boat, despite the relatively small headsail.

Close reaching, she is well balanced and quick, pointing high thanks to the tightness of the jib sheeting angle and ploughing her own groove with little or no input required from the helmsman to keep her on course.

A little further off the wind and she truly flies, with the log remaining above 8 knots in a constant Force 4 plus.

Over Hanse 400 yachts have been sold since launch in 2003. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

The rod-link steering is light but sensitive, providing plenty of feedback, and the helming position is excellent, offering a clear view forward over the low-profile coachroof.

Her streamlined underwater profile results in little wake and swift, but effortless tacking through 75° or so with little loss of momentum.

Under power, the standard 40hp Yanmar diesel provides plenty of oomph for quiet, economical cruising, while spinning so deftly about her keel that manoeuvring into tight marina berths without a bow thruster is a cinch.

Fuel capacity of 140 litres is a bit limiting, however.

Hanse Yachts Owners’ Forum: www.myhanse.com

Owners’ Experience of the Hanse 400

S/Y Dashzani (2011, HN 814)

Andrew (54) and SWade (49) Pickersgill bought Dashzani , a three-cabin model, new at the Southampton Boat Show.

They added composite wheels, a bimini/cockpit tent, a Flexifold prop and extra anchor chain.

They’ve since replaced the lighting with LEDs, installed a new battery charger and added 300W of solar panels plus a battery monitor.

Recently, they’ve fitted a second chart plotter and instrument repeater at the chart table as well.

They’ve had a few minor faults, such as nav light failures, defective wind transducers, a faulty skin fitting and a leaking engine oil seal, but nothing structural other than beefing up the boom vang fitting.

The low profile coachroof gives the helm excellent visibility. Credit: Andrew Pickersgill

Andrew says: ‘I have sailed all my life and spent more than 20 years chartering in the Solent, West Scotland or the Med with my wife. After buying this, our first yacht, we spent four years cruising the UK south coast, northern France and the Channel Islands, before giving up work to sail. We joined the ARC Portugal across Biscay and then carried on down to the Med, where we spent three seasons cruising Corsica, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily and Greece, before basing ourselves now on Menorca in the Balearics.

‘Dashzani is surprisingly quick under sail once the wind reaches 10 knots. The self-tacking headsail makes tacking a doddle, but the large mainsail needs reefing at around 16 knots true wind. She is well balanced and her helm light, making handling easy for a couple, but she doesn’t like light winds or beating into short choppy seas. In the past, racing crews have commented “It’s almost like helming a dinghy”, although not now with all our liveaboard kit onboard.

‘Downwind is fun, especially with the Parasailor spinnaker. Our fastest recorded speed is 14 knots, with 30 knots of wind behind us.

‘Though I’ve not sailed her single- handed, it shouldn’t be a problem and the bow thruster certainly makes manoeuvring under power easier.

‘We love the comfort and usability and, having lived onboard for 10 months of the year for five years, find her ideal for two people cruising. There’s ample room in all cabins and the cockpit tent provides excellent entertaining space. The transom platform extends the deck, making her feel much larger and providing almost step-free access when moored stern-to.

‘If travelling further afield we would prefer a larger battery bank to accommodate a freezer and water maker. However, the impact on storage space would probably steer us towards a larger yacht. ‘Being able to use her for extended periods has allowed us to enjoy her more than we could have imagined. Dashzani has ticked all the boxes (and more), from winning silverware in the Solent to sipping martinis on deck in the Med’.

S/Y Grey Goose (2005, 400e)

Owner, Mark Johnson, says, ‘My wife and I bought Grey Goose as second owners in 2012 and she has been exceptional. I’ve sailed 12,000 miles in other boats but the 3,000 miles in her have been the best. Our best 24-hour run so far is 187 miles crewed, and I have nearly equalled that solo.

‘When we bought her, she had a suit of rather aged Dacron sails, including a 130% genoa and self-tacking jib. They survive to this day, however a new offshore set has replaced them, providing a significant increase in performance. An asymmetric was an early upgrade for cruising, plus we added a spinnaker pole and track, though they’re mainly used for poling-out headsails as we rarely have sufficient crew to fly the spinnaker. After heavy weather experience, she now has a trysail and storm jib on an inner forestay too. Though the self-tacker and third reef are great high into the 30-knot wind range, I’d like to be able to change down a further gear when things get truly interesting!

Owner Mark Johnson finds it easy to sail Grey Goose solo. Credit: Mark Johnson

‘My joy is sailing Grey Goose single-handed, which is ridiculously easy. One powered primary winch enables swift mainsail hoisting, the other controls the mainsheet while simultaneously helming. She has a big rig for a 40ft boat – 108m² (1,163sq ft) upwind with the genoa hoisted. The single-line reefing is simple to use too, although you do end up with a copious amount of line in the cockpit. ‘Like all high freeboard designs, berthing in unfavourable winds can be awkward, although I sailed her happily for four years without a bow thruster. When we did add one, together with a Featherstream prop, the two were a great upgrade for slow speed manoeuvres under power.

‘ Grey Goose makes a great second home. My wife loves her and I’m pleased to say, on the occasional trip with crew, they’ve also found the accommodations comfortable. Build quality is great; after 16 years there are some gelcoat stress cracks, but they’re only in non-cored deck areas and are mostly ‘wounds’ inflicted by crewmembers dropping winch handles or similar. The epoxy hull is very sound and strong. We did get an issue with the fairing covering the cast iron section of the keel, but that was lobster pot impact induced!

‘The internal woodwork has held up very well but she is getting a mid-life rig refurb and upgrade this year. It will, however, leave the rig stronger for future Atlantic crossing plans. After eight years I still don’t hanker after another boat. She’s the perfect fit for us as a cruising couple and a good balance of initial cost, versus passage making capability and running costs.’

What the experts say about the Hanse 400

Nick Vass, Marine Surveyor B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS

www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

The Hanse 400 had a conventional GRP hull made from polyester resin, strand fibreglass matting and woven fibreglass cloth, stiffened by a foam sheet sandwich core.

The 400e had a more sophisticated composite hull that was built using epoxy resin and glass fibre cloth pre- impregnated with epoxy resin which was cured under pressure provided by a vacuum-bagging technique.

This process allows the same foam-core sandwich stiffening material to be bonded onto the inside of the hull under pressure, which results in a better bond and helps reduce the possibility of delamination where the layers of the laminate come apart.

Using epoxy instead of polyester resin also reduces the possibility of osmosis, which is just as well as I have found osmotic blistering on smaller Hanse yachts.

Dry laminate can also be an issue.

This is where not enough resin was used, resulting in the glass fibre matting being left starved of resin, making the structure weak.

Using pre-preg techniques helps ensure that the resin-to-fibre ratio is precise and that the resin infuses all of the fibres without missing patches.

The epoxy hulls were lighter as less resin was used. This is because only just enough resin needs to be mixed in.

Hanse has never made any pretence that it is anything other than a builder of modestly priced yachts and so one must expect a little cost-cutting.

Deck mouldings can be thin, but they represent good value, are good looking and are fun to sail.

A Hanse 400 was fitted with a Jeffa rudder, which had aluminium stocks. I find the stocks to be corroded and rudder post bushes can wear prematurely.

However, many German- and Scandinavian-built yachts also use this make of rudder.

The stock can become pitted just above the blade, sometimes due to galvanic corrosion caused by dissimilar metals in contact with each other.

Conventional antifouling contains a lot of copper as a biocide, which also reacts with the aluminium.

The trick is to insulate the stock with epoxy resin or use a copper-free antifouling such as International Trilux, which is designed to be applied to aluminium saildrives.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)

www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

The Hanse 400 and 400e didn’t have a long production run; the ones I’ve surveyed were all ex-charter fleet based abroad.

Commercial operation will often notch up high engine hours and wear to sails and running rigging, so check the yacht’s history and consider instructing a surveyor.

The Yanmar is a pretty bomb-proof engine but, like all modern engines, they do need regular servicing. Be aware of tachometers that have been replaced or frequently lose their digital readouts.

Ben Sutcliffe- Davies has been in the marine industry for over 40 years as a long- time boat builder, has been surveying craft for over 20 years and is a Full Member of the YDSA.

One of my clients had a yacht with 500 declared engine hours; on research it had over 4,500 hours.

The Hanse has a sail drive, so check when the unit’s hull sealing ring was last replaced and that the oil has no contamination.

Poor or a lack of servicing of the gearbox drive cones can often lead to a replacement unit so check servicing records.

Like Nick, I have also had issues with pitted rudder stocks and tubes.

The cockpit deck finish was teak and many yachts will now need this replacing, especially those used for charter abroad as boat decks are often washed down with a pressure washer!

As with many modern cruisers, laminates are much thinner than some older builds.

Although they are generally quite reliable, if damaged, items like the keel matrix do need proper inspection.

Alternatives to the Hanse 400 to consider

Bavaria cruiser 40.

The steering is light and responsive. Credit: Bavaria Yachts

Until it launched the Cruiser series, Bavaria yachts were known for their practicality.

In 2009, Bavaria employed BMW to give their yachts a more modern look, inside and out, with help from the Farr design team.

The result was a notable improvement in sailing performance with ‘love it or loathe it’ contemporary styling.

Construction methods remained broadly the same. The hand laid-up hulls continued to combine waterproof isophthalic polyester resins with chopped strand and woven matting, reinforced in high load areas with unidirectional Kevlar rovings.

They also had a rigid GRP/foam floor frame and Airex foam sandwich above the waterline.

The cockpit is roomy and functional, with high coamings and a large drop-leaf table.

The twin-wheels allow easy access to a large, fold-down stern platform, ideal for deck showering or for boarding.

Unlike the bigger C45, 50 and 55, the C40 only had a single, deep spade rudder instead of twins.

The two-point, double-ended mainsheet arrangement works well, but the lack of a track limits the ability to drop the traveller down to leeward in gusty conditions.

The jib sheet tracks are on the coachroof, which keeps the sheeting angle tight, but the sheets lead to winches mounted forward in the cockpit and cannot, therefore, be reached by the helm.

The cockpit is spacious with a drop-leaf table. Credit: Bavaria Yachts

Below, a two- or three-cabin layout were available, the latter sporting two spacious aft double cabins with shared heads, as well as a decent owner’s cabin forward with optional ensuite heads.

The linear galley isn’t ideal for cooking under way, but the seatback to the central bench provides a bum support.

Six can dine in comfort around the saloon dinette.

A good-size, forward-facing nav station is opposite the rear heads and close enough for easy communication with the crew.

Under sail she is spritely and responsive.

The steering is light and positive, and requires little effort to keep on course, even when pushed hard.

The hull cuts a much cleaner swathe through the water than its predecessor, meaning less slamming and spray when beating to windward, and off the wind she flies with an asymmetric chute set on the optional bowsprit.

Dufour 405GL

The open cockpit has deep coamings and a fixed table. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot

Winner of the European Yacht of the Year 2010 (family cruiser category) the Dufour 405GL was penned by Italian designer, Umberto Felci.

With full-length Twaron-reinforced stringers, criss-crossed by strong frames that spread the rig loads down to the keel, and injection-moulded, balsa sandwich decks, the Dufour 405GL is very robust.

Below, the Dufour has a traditional warm and woody interior with one or two aft cabins.

The former has an L-shaped galley aft and a chart/coffee table between two saloon seats, the latter a linear galley and forward-facing navigation station.

Both layouts have two heads with an ensuite forecabin and the headroom is excellent. In the cockpit, a sturdy drop-leaf table and grab bar helps the crew to move around safely under way, while the wide transom gate and drop-down swimming platform makes boarding easy.

Her generous beam provides wide decks and the foredeck is clear thanks to a recessed windlass and cavernous chain locker.

A short alloy bowsprit can be added for an asymmetric sail.

Like the Bavaria C40, she has twin wheels but only a single spade rudder.

The helmsman has easy access to the primary winches but all other sail controls and halyards are on the coachroof.

Her 9/10ths fractional rig came with semi-battened mainsail, though in-mast furling was popular. Her stem is almost plumb and she sports a long waterline.

Her deep, semi-balanced rudder offers a good grip on the water and, with the bulk of her cast iron ballast at the bottom of her keel, she remains stiff in wind.

Under sail, she is delightfully well-balanced and fun to handle, especially once trimmed up. On a close reach she’ll top 8-knots easily.

Delphia 40.1+

The Delphia 40.3 had a two or three cabin option. Credit: Mathias Otterberg

The Polish-built Delphia 40 went through several marques, but the differences between the models are fairly insignificant.

All had deep, shoal or swinging centreboard options. Delphias are built to Germanischer Lloyd’s exacting quality standards and are conventionally laid up by hand from solid polyester laminate below the waterline.

With a choice of a 2/3/4 cabins the Delphia 40.3 provides comfortable accommodation for extended periods.

The raised coachroof has large windows, and the 3/4 cabin models include a dinette and linear galley, whereas the latter is larger and U-shaped in the two-cabin version.

The saloon is pleasantly woody, without being gloomy, and headroom is 1.98m/6ft 6in.

The forward-facing chart table is small but adequate, with a hinged instrument console and a tray for plotting gear.

There are two heads, both of which have generous headroom and full moulded inserts.

The ensuite owner’s cabin forward boasts a generous V-berth with ample dressing area and stowage.

The berths in the aft cabins are equally roomy.

In the four-cabin version an extra twin-bunked cabin takes the place of the forward head, with the displaced head moving to the other side in place of the dressing area.

The Delphia’s cockpit is spacious, with comfortable seatbacks.

The Delphia 40.3’s shallow underwater sections, moderate beam and generous waterline make her quick and agile for her size, with no impact on stability.

She tacks briskly, even in light airs, and accelerates back up to speed in seconds. She tracks well off the wind with little to no helm adjustment needed.

Dear Mr Johnston, 

It appears you tend to get personal and you have also exhibited poor judgement.  

I wonder why you pick on Johcow and not the other complainants to whom Johcow was merely answering.   I see some other very unhappy punters on the forum with similar complaints.

I am an Engineer, of similar age to yourself, and have been in yachts and boats all my life beginning sailing at 7.  Johcow became a friend after he sold me on Hanse boats. He is also an Engineer, retired.   He is meticulous and has a great eye for detail.   There are many others who would support him as well.   It would appear from your misguided eloquence that you maybe in law or accountancy but I would have thought those professions would have resulted in one being more circumspect.

 Johcow has not had anywhere near the issues with his previous boats and has been responsible for many sales of Hanse boats in Auckland and they owe a great deal to him. His issues with his current boat are still ongoing after 12 months, giving rise to his frustration.   He also owned a number of yachts before his first Hanse. His son is a boatbuilder.   If I want to know something about boats, I ask his advice and he has always given good counsel.   He may not be at liberty to divulge all the current issues with boat or the starter motor to yourself or even to me.   You may read whatever you like into that.   I note that another 418 owner had to replace a starter motor and another saying he would not buy another Hanse.   So why have you not attacked them?

 With regard to my keeping going back, people have strange loyalties. Sometimes it is the better the devil you know.   My Hanse 430 had a serious issue which was fixed by the brilliant boatbuilder Dave at Windcraft Australia. Peter Hrones was great.

 I was very disappointed with a number of issues with the Dehler 41 including a bent racing keel from the factory which smacked of poor quality control. It was replaced.   My engineering business which I have handed over to my son is ISO 9001 so I know what quality systems should be.   I wrote to Hanse, after ordering my 418 hull 56, specifically to Gregor Bredenbeck, head of production,   airing my concerns on quality control.   I never even received a reply.   I was assured that my boat would have a 3 rd party inspection in Germany before it left due to my specific concerns.   I am still waiting for written evidence.

 My 418 delivered November 2018 has had issues and they are being resolved after 5 months.   The features of the 418 were more suitable to me for cruising with a few modifications.   At hull 81 you should not have too many issues. Johcow’s boat is not as well built as mine.  

I was going to call my boat Antsy as a play on Hanse.   I didn’t although it was registered under that name to get a sail number as I could not find a suitable name at the time but it is now called Vellamo.   Perhaps you should look up the many meanings before you again attack someone.     Your nom de plume of Muriel perhaps suits you as well.   But then you might be going to call your boat Muriel for whatever reason.     I was previously on Myhanse as Perchanse   but   reading both Rock’s and your attacks I have tried to relogin as Perchanse but was unable to.   Hence my recent joining under the name Antsy.  

Antsy.   Urban Dictionary meaning.   A mood, which is a mix of being anxious, uneasy, restless and bored. You are typically antsy when expecting something pleasurable and exciting to happen ...  

Cruising yachts made in Germany

Since 1990, HanseYachts AG has been building sailing yachts under the brand name Hanse  – a brand name that stands for individual customisation, fast cruising, easy sailing and innovative design. Eight different models are constructed at the yard in Greifswald. The seagoing sailing yachts from Hanse  are showcased at more than 80 trade fairs in 54 countries and exported to over 90 countries worldwide, with strong sales growth in Australia and China. The market share in New Zealand is 50%. More than half of the Group’s sales can be attributed to HanseYachts AG’s founding brand.

• Cruising yachts – made in Germany
• A new and comprehensive product range comprising eight models
• More than 62 international awards over the past 25 years
• World-renowned Hanse durability

Breaking rules. Setting trends.

This motto embodies the guiding philosophy of everyone who works for Hanse . State-of-the-art production processes at the Greifswald yard ensure that every single sailing yacht constructed there sets standards when it comes to technological innovation, ease of handling and customisation. The sleek lines of the hull and impressive sail plan are the work of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. The combination of the carefully harmonised lateral plan and pre-balanced rudder blade ensures speed, stability and safety. Hanse’s easy sailing concept encompasses the integrated self-tacking jib and a deck that is completely free of ropes and fittings. Because all ropes lead to the helm, all Hanse yachts can be sailed single-handed. For Hanse , the perfect yacht is all about the interaction of advanced technology and how it is realised in the design – and more than 62 international awards are testament to this philosophy. Customers can configure their own one-of-a-kind yacht from 11,500 different options. The range of fabrics, furniture woods and carpeting offered by Hanse is unprecedented on the market.

Strong market position

With a total of ten models, Hanse  offers one of the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art product ranges on the market for recreational sailing yachts . With the Hanse 460 , a whole new model range has recently been launched, combining traditional Hanse values and a radically new design. The newest development has already convinced internationally and is nominated for the "European Yacht of the Year" award 2022. The innovative 8 Series includes the Hanse 348 , 388 , 418  and the 548 , a smaller version of the highly successful 588 .  All models in this series are extremely light and roomy and fitted out with high-quality materials. The exteriors are characterised by real glass surfaces, large sail surfaces and easy handling. The model range is rounded off at the low-spec end with the Hanse 315 . This model succinctly embodies everything that makes an excellent yacht: comfort, thrilling performance and maximum customisability. All the models from this brand offer that world-famous Hanse durability that our customers can depend upon. Every sailor knows that you can always resell a well-looked-after Hanse yacht at an attractive price.

MyHanse Safety Cloud

With its cloud-based app , Hanse is setting new standards when it comes to service and safety on board sailing yachts . Hanse owners can use the app to access live data about their vessels, including owner’s instructions and alarms on board. Hanse is the first sailing yacht brand in the world to offer a Digital Service Book. This allows routine maintenance measures to be logged and monitored, which in turn has a positive impact on the resale value. As of July 2019, customers can arrange to have their newly ordered yachts equipped with the necessary hardware. For existing customers, Hanse offers a retrofit package via its online shop and global dealer network.

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Schedule your appointment today.

(*) Disclaimer: Maximum price advantage based on the Hanse 588 until end of June 2024. All discounts including 19 % German VAT. Price advantages for other markets may vary depending on applicable VAT. Not valid with any other promotions or incentive programs. No refund if single options from pack are not taken. Errors excepted.

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IMAGES

1. Hanse Yachts UK

   

2. Hanse Yachts UK

   

3. Hanse 410

   

4. Hanse Yachts Launches New 2021 Hanse 460

   

5. Hanse Yachts Range

   

6. Hanse Yachts UK

   

VIDEO

1. Hanse 445

2. Hanse 315 Sailboat

3. Hanse 325 Yacht For Sale Now SOLD by John Rodriguez Yachts

4. Hanse 445

5. NEW LISTING

6. Hanse Yachts Configuator

COMMENTS

1. Hanse

   Hanse is at the "budget" end (based on £ per measure of size). It tries to differentiate itself nowadays by being performance orientated compared, say with Bavaria. However today's Hanse is very different from those of 10 years ago, so any judgement about "quality" then is meaningless if you are buying a new boat.

2. Beneteau vs Hanse: Which Is Better?

   The Hanse 458 is an overall 46 feet boat. This makes it ideal for comparing comfort levels with the 46-foot Beneteau Oceanis 46.1. The Hanse 458 has a large cockpit that can accommodate a large family to live aboard. The interior also has a sail-locker at the bow to store different things in case of a long voyage.

3. Hanse 460 review: First in a new range

   The Hanse 460 is different. Very different. The first model from a new alliance with the French designers, it promptly won the European Yacht of the Year as the best Family Cruiser for 2022. A ...

4. Boat Review: Hanse 510, Top 10 Best Boats 2024 Winner

   Hanse has sold more than 200 of this boat's little sister, the 460 that was launched in 2021. That's a hard act to follow, but there's no doubt this 510 will appeal to sailors who want a lot more of a good thing. Photo courtesy of Hanse Yachts. LOA 52'5" (with bowsprit) LWL 47'7". Beam 16'1". Draft 6'6" shoal; 8' L-keel;

5. Experience the Hanse Yachts Difference: Unparalleled German Quality

   Hanse - Your Yacht of Choice. Hanse stands for German craftsmanship, quality and reliability. Hanse yachts combine style with speed and safety. Each yacht is designed for easy handling and harmoniously combines family-friendly features with high-performance capabilities and comfortable sailing. In addition to their elegant design, Hanse yachts ...

6. Boat Review: Hanse 588

   Accommodations. Compared to the 575, the 588 boasts a more open saloon with larger hull portlights and improved finish quality. There is a total of 20 deck hatches, which let in scads of outside light, but will also pose something of a chore when closing up the boat for a squall. The overall effect, as is common now on Euro boats, is of a ...

7. Hanse 460: first test of this luxurious cruiser

   The Hanse 460 is unquestionably such a boat. How the crew lives aboard and moves around, both above and below decks, has clearly been thought about in the context of modern lifestyles. The port aft heads includes a shower as standard. Credit: David Harding. And this boat exudes style with a capital S.

8. Test Sailing the Hanse 455 Performance Cruiser

   Top 10 Best Boat 2025 Nominees Hanse 360, J/40. Hanse 360 With the new 360, Hanse Yachts continues its design partnership with Berret-Racoupeau, extending the line that began with the 460 and 510 (both SAIL Top 10 Best Boats winners in 2023 and 2024, respectively) and now also the new 410.

9. The world of Hanse

   Building a Hanse yacht goes far beyond mere assembly. It is about maximum seaworthiness and precision, supported by the use of innovative technology. Our comprehensive engineering approach encompasses every element - from the aquadynamic hull and state-of-the-art navigation systems to the substructures. Quality and stability are indispensable ...

10. Head to Head: Hanse 348 & Hanse 418

    The two boats we chose were the Hanse 348 (Price as tested: £166,804 inc VAT) and Hanse 418 (Price as tested: £254,534 inc VAT) ... It gives the entire boat an air of quality that many manufacturers could learn from. Although smaller than the 418's saloon, the 348's layout is similar and still works well. ...

11. Hanse 315 review

    This test has unsettled me. For the last few years, the Winner 9 has been the leader in her class. No other yacht around her size could offer her excellent combination of performance, price, build quality and customisation. Now Hanse has launched its 315, I'm not certain which boat is best. The hull of the 315 is reminiscent of Hanse's ...

12. Hanse 2017 455 Quality?

    Also concerned about the quality, have seen some threads about new Hanse owners who have had lots of quality problems. We intend to keep for 10 years. How well do they hold up? thanks! 05-10-2020, 14:37 #2: Sand crab. Registered User . ... Boat: Farr 40 (Racing), Contest 43 (Cruising) Posts: 950 Re: Hanse 2017 455 Quality? Quote:

13. Build Quality

    Build Quality. We are considering changing to a Hanse 415 from a Jeannneau and would be very grateful for owners comments regarding the build quality and customer service they have experienced from Hanse. We will buying in the UK and I have heard good comments regarding the UK brokers. Any comments good or bad will be very welcome.

14. The world of Hanse

    Hanse stands for German craftsmanship, quality and reliability. Hanse yachts combine style with speed and safety. Each yacht is designed for easy handling and harmoniously combines family-friendly features with high-performance capabilities and comfortable sailing. In addition to their elegant design, Hanse yachts offer unrivalled value and are ...

15. Hanse 371 review: Different by design

    Even though we had to make do with the poorly cut sails on our test boat, the Hanse 371 proved a delight to handle. The Hanse 371 is a lot of boat for the money. She was finger light to steer via ...

16. Hanse 400: popular modern performance cruiser

    Voted European Boat of 2006, the J & J-designed, Hanse 400 still has all the attributes of a modern performance cruiser. Founded in 1993, Hanse became Germany's second largest production sailing yacht builder after extending its Greifswald site in 2005, and now produces 750 yachts annually including the Moody, Dehler and Privilege brands.

17. New 2023 Yachts: Experience Unmatched Luxury

    Discover new 2023 yachts. Six brands, Forty-five models, 1,500 employees, One goal: enhance the thrill of sailing. HanseYachts AG offers one of the world's most diverse and cutting edge product portfolios. It is a leader in its market of sailing yachts and motor yachts. One thing all our yachts have in common is quality and durability ...

18. Hanse 575: Performance-minded Sailing

    On Deck. Big teak expanses best describe the Hanse 575's large and comfortable deck layout. Dual helms (with optional helm seats), a scooped-out cockpit transom, dual retractable cockpit tables (that double as a huge sun-bathing area/abovedecks berth), dual waterproof stowage compartments (either side of the companionway) and a pronounced bulwark that runs from bow to stern are other ...

19. 2025 Hanse 508 Cruiser for sale

    This Hanse 508 Sailing Yacht For Sale is perfect for long distance sailing. The newly developed subframe structure of the new Hanse 508 was specially designed for the innovative mast-keel connection. ... Interior furniture in high quality marine plywood, satin varnish. Hanse companionway closing system. Saloon table, fixed. Equipment. 12 V and ...

20. Hanse 348

    Hanse 348. Built to greet the elements with a smile, the Hanse 348 features a tall rig and sporty sail plan to ensure maximum performance and exceptional seaworthiness. Below deck, three double cabins and a generous number of windows allow you to enjoy a mesmerizing, fresh breeze on this 34-foot yacht.

21. Quality problems with the interior

    If we want to fix quality issues in the boats, Hanse has to be paying to fix them via warranty problems. FWIW. Edited by Black Diamond - 09 April 2019 at 00:02. Rick S/V Black Diamond Hanse 575 Build #192, Hull# 161 Newport, RI mglonnro . Members Profile. Send Private Message. Find Members Posts.

22. Seagoing sailing yachts fast stable safe easy

    Cruising yachts made in Germany. Since 1990, HanseYachts AG has been building sailing yachts under the brand name Hanse - a brand name that stands for individual customisation, fast cruising, easy sailing and innovative design. Eight different models are constructed at the yard in Greifswald. The seagoing sailing yachts from Hanse are showcased at more than 80 trade fairs in 54 countries and ...

23. Hanse 311: Quality Cruiser

    The Hanse 311. The Hanse 311 had her US debut at the Annapolis Boat Show 2001 and she was immediately nominated for SAIL magazine's Boat of the Year Award. Meanwhile she is one of the most successful Hanse yachts. The sporty 7/8 rig gives her excellent sailing skills and makes her a fast cruising yacht. With the single line reefing system and ...

24. Hanse Models

    Made for realising wishes. Hanse 315. High standards. Compact size. Hanse 312 - European Yacht of the Year 2002. Hanse 341 - European Yacht of the Year 2002. Hanse 371 DS - European Yacht of the Year 2001. Hanse 510 - SAIL Top 10 Best Boats 2024. Hanse 510 - Boat of the Year (Cruising World) 2024.

25. 2023 Hanse 418 #288 Cruiser for sale

    With Hanse, you have a progressive yacht that makes a statement. Technical innovations and quality in every detail are just as much part of the Hanse 418 as are an emotional design and comfortable atmosphere of well-being. Each detail is a subtle expression of superior design.

26. 2024 Hanse 588 Cruiser for sale

    Find more information and images about the boat and contact the seller or search more boats for sale on YachtWorld. ... This Hanse 588 is Available for delivery Mid-February 2025. The US "Final Call" Offer Discount offered by Hanse is reflected in the listing price. ... Interior furniture in high quality marine plywood, Satin Varnish. Hanse ...

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