mdin
New Member
Does anyone have any experience of the Elan 36 ? In particular, build quality given that they're knocking on the door of 15 years old now ? Thanks.
Elan 36
- Thread starter mdin
- Start date
flaming
Well-Known Member
Not the 36, but the replacement 37. PM me.
mdin
New Member
Thanks Flaming, PM sent
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Great boat IMHO.
- Rob Humphries designed so sails like a dream
- Significantly faster than most equivalent Ben / Bav/ Jean - without being as racy as the later Elans
- Lovely wood interior - not Halberg Rassy style but similar to a Westerly (and again very different to current Elan plastics)
- Lots of practical features - due to involvement of Scottish dealer in the design finalisation
- Good quality rig fittings etc
Deck gelcoat chips a bit if mistreated (eg by winch handles) - but easily filled. Hull seems pretty tough
Nothing similar, until get on to recent Salona etc
- Rob Humphries designed so sails like a dream
- Significantly faster than most equivalent Ben / Bav/ Jean - without being as racy as the later Elans
- Lovely wood interior - not Halberg Rassy style but similar to a Westerly (and again very different to current Elan plastics)
- Lots of practical features - due to involvement of Scottish dealer in the design finalisation
- Good quality rig fittings etc
Deck gelcoat chips a bit if mistreated (eg by winch handles) - but easily filled. Hull seems pretty tough
Nothing similar, until get on to recent Salona etc
mdin
New Member
Thanks, that's really helpful. Current choice is between the Elan and a Dufour Classic 36. Both would I think do the job, but whilst I think I'm erring towards the performance of the Elan, my wife is a fan of the accommodation of the Dufour, in particular the seemingly larger forepeak. Hmmm....
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Your call - don't know the particular Dufour. Like Elan the different eras of Dufours are quite different in terms of performance and build.
I would also compare the numbers in detail - including ballast ratio, sail area / displacement etc. Also the practicality factors of accommodation.
Is the Elan the 3 cabin or 2 cabin owners layout ?
BlueSkyNick
Well-Known Member
A good friend of mine has a 362 which has the single aft owners cabin, rather than twin cabins on a 36.
Definitely quick for its size, especially in lighter winds, and very comfortable accommodation. He races it very effectively with a few mates and also enjoys simply cruising with family. A good all rounder.
mdin
New Member
Thanks folks. I'm looking at the 3 cabin Élan. I'm definitely leaning the way of one of these on performance grounds, but the Dufour is roomier down below and feels nicely screwed together. It definitely looks to be more cruising oriented though.
johnphilip
Well-Known Member
Biased sailor trying to be objective.
Any chance of a test sail on each? or contacting owners who would take you out?
We had the chance when choosing to test sail and my better half's grin while sailing an Elan made the decision easy. I don't know the Dufour or that size of Elan but our 333 was so delightful and responsive to sail that I still have difficulty getting the helm off her. Performance isn't just about racing. It means arriving before your favourable tide turns against you. It means powering up to 5 knots with only a slight breeze and many others still have their diesels running.
Less space yes, but how many are going to be on board?
Any chance of a test sail on each? or contacting owners who would take you out?
We had the chance when choosing to test sail and my better half's grin while sailing an Elan made the decision easy. I don't know the Dufour or that size of Elan but our 333 was so delightful and responsive to sail that I still have difficulty getting the helm off her. Performance isn't just about racing. It means arriving before your favourable tide turns against you. It means powering up to 5 knots with only a slight breeze and many others still have their diesels running.
Less space yes, but how many are going to be on board?
dunedin
Well-Known Member
And you know what - a quick trip to Southampton and it looks like our Élan 362 (2 cabin) will be on the market soon.
roblpm
Well-Known Member
Come on........ What is the replacement??!!
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Yes of course - once its all signed and sorted (but hopefully similarly fast and nice wood interior)
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