Elan 384 impression

Elan pitch themselves just above the "budget" end of the market. I looked seriously at a 344 a couple of years ago. Design and finish generally good, but not distinctly better than other similar boats. The attraction was some nice individdualistic touches like the cockpit layout, but the interior less successful.

Have not sailed an Elan, but Rob Humphreys is a capable designer and the "Impression" range is more cruiser orientated.
 
I have to admit that I think they are bug ugly.

Which is a shame considering the cruiser racer Elans have a lot of style for AWBs.
 
Tranona said:
Elan pitch themselves just above the "budget" end of the market. I looked seriously at a 344 a couple of years ago. Design and finish generally good, but not distinctly better than other similar boats. The attraction was some nice individdualistic touches like the cockpit layout, but the interior less successful.

Have not sailed an Elan, but Rob Humphreys is a capable designer and the "Impression" range is more cruiser orientated.
Click to expand...

How would they fair against the jeanneau , beneteau & dufour ranges , we are looking at
a yacht in the 37 - 40 ft bracket , a cruiser and modern fit out . thks
 
can't comment on that model, but have done a LOT of sailing on an Elan. My overall impression is favourable, decent enough quality in the build and some really good design touches. Not a boat that leaves doubts in your mind when it blows up.

However, it's not been a completely trouble free time. Mainly I suspect because of the absolute hammering we've given the boat when racing. And certainly the equivalent Beneteau in the same yard has had at least the same number of issues.
 
cloud7 said:
How would they fair against the jeanneau , beneteau & dufour ranges , we are looking at
a yacht in the 37 - 40 ft bracket , a cruiser and modern fit out . thks
Click to expand...


To be honest, there is not a lot of difference. A bit like saying can't decide on a Ford a VW, Renault Toyota etc.

Each builder tries to differentiate its products enough usually in looks, styling and equipment to appear different.

They are all well built, well equipped, and most builders have a "sporty" and "cruising" range. If you are thinking of buying new, then a couple of days spent at the Southampton show will either help (or confuse). A further couple of days spent looking at the SH boats in the same area should give you good coverage of that option.

At the end of that exercise you should be abl;e to draw up a pretty short "short list". If you are still confused, maybe you need to get more experience so that you can be clearer about your preferences.
 
Tranona said:
To be honest, there is not a lot of difference. A bit like saying can't decide on a Ford a VW, Renault Toyota etc.

Each builder tries to differentiate its products enough usually in looks, styling and equipment to appear different.

They are all well built, well equipped, and most builders have a "sporty" and "cruising" range. If you are thinking of buying new, then a couple of days spent at the Southampton show will either help (or confuse). A further couple of days spent looking at the SH boats in the same area should give you good coverage of that option.

At the end of that exercise you should be abl;e to draw up a pretty short "short list". If you are still confused, maybe you need to get more experience so that you can be clearer about your preferences.
Click to expand...

thks for the reply , my short list is complete its a matter of getting the best QUALITY
product , hence my post , and asking the forum for their opinion , the elan is not the
most common yacht around , infact no one at the club has one so merely trying to
establish any built quality stories which would not show up at a boatshow viewing.
 
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