Elan Boats

[kieran]

Hi all
Does anyone have any options between yhe Elan 362 and the Bav 36.
I have seen both at the SBS however I have the chance to test sail the Elan which I thought was cool.
Any help at all would be great

Regards
Kieran

 

[davel]

A friend has the Elan 333 and is very happy with it.
I considered it before I decided on my X-332. The Elan was cheaper but the finish wasn't quite as good and I had concerns about the second hand resale value (this was my main concern).
The 333 sails very well and I'm sure the 362 will be equally impressive. Both are designed by Rob Humphries. I'd have no concerns on resale value vs the Bav. If they're both at a similar price, I'd have thought the Elan would be the better bet.

Dave L.

 

[kieran]

Dave
Thanks for that

Kieran

 

[nicho]

Kieran,

Sorry, don't know too much about the Elan, 'cos if I remember it was out of my price range. However, I did order a Bav 36 at the Show for Jan delivery. Had a test sail last week (see my post on Scuttlebutt under the "Bavarias" thread). It was part of a PBO boat test, and the guys really pushed it very hard in a F6/7 (gusting to 33 kts).. It did very well to my inexperienced eyes, and the tester concerned seemed to comment positively (we'll see if he was just being kind when it's published!!)

Thing is, for me, it's a fully loaded 37 footer with lots of living space, and on the water for under £75K (including in-mast furling, Colour radar/plotter, ST 60 wind + Multi, Raymarine 5000 in-board autopilot, Eberspacher, shorepower, hot water and numerous other bits and pieces). Where bavaria score (in my opinion), is that they market boats for regular types who just want to go cruising comfortably at a reasonable price.... types who leave the blue water/strong wind stuff for the more adventurous. The fact is Bavaria took 240 deposits for new boats at the Show (up 60% I believe on 2001). Not everyone's cup of tea for sure, but with this number of orders, they must be doing something right!!.

I'm sure the Maxi is in many ways a better boat, Swedes tend to build good things (can't stand Volvo's - (cars) - though), but the Bav will suit us fine.

Whatever you end up with, good sailing!

 

[kieran]

Thanks for all your advice
Kieran