cloud7
Well-Known Member
Any forum members any views / experience of the 40 ft plus yachts.
Thks
Thks
Elan yachts
- Thread starter cloud7
- Start date
dunedin
Well-Known Member
Which generation? Have been through a few different series and quite different - eg the 2000 ish Elan 40 w@ very different from the later (and slower) Impression series,and the latest E etc are much different from the Impression.
cloud7
Well-Known Member
It was impression 450
skipper021
Well-Known Member
The Elan model range is a bit confusing!
Ok, I think what you're referring to is the post 2013/14 Impression 45? this was an update/development of the earlier Elan Impression 444 model (which was developed from the earlier 434)
The Impression 45 is a roomy cruising orientated yacht featuring good accommodation with multiple layout options, 2 cabin, 3 cabin and 4 cabin options.
Designed by Rob Humphreys, this model had good vice free performance, but it is firmly aimed as a cruising yacht, with the majority featuring in-mast furling which tends to neuter the performance! (In my opinion!)
The Impression 45 is very popular in the charter fleet market in the Adriatic/Croatia, usually with the 3 or 4 cabin layout - it is popular as this model is quite tough and can stand up to 25 weeks of charter use per year!
The Elan 450 on the other hand is a very different yacht, a very different hull shape to the Impression. The 450 was launched around 2011/12 and like all other Elan's of this era, was designed by Rob Humphreys as a fast cruiser/racer. Elan packed a lot of very neat features into this model such as flush deck hatches, and options like a hinged/pivoting bow roller fitting and swiveling/powered passerelle - a very stylish yacht!
There is also another model from the early to middle/late 2000's called the Elan 45, this was closer to the 450 in styling and purpose.
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cmedsailor
Well-Known Member
I do have some experience with the Elan Impression 45 (including a 850 miles delivery trip) and was impressed enough to order one! Production will be finished in February/March.
Comfortable, strongly built, quality seems very good, quite fast for cruisers and very roomy.
Solent Sailor
Well-Known Member
I had an Elan 40 (2004). Beautifully built, fast and robust. The later ones were a great disappointment in comparison (and I've sailed a few). Build quality much poorer and on the latest ones, the accommodation is style over function in my view.
cmedsailor
Well-Known Member
Which models are you referring?
cloud7
Well-Known Member
Could you give me more info on your experience since your delivery , pm if you want & thank - you in advance
cmedsailor
Well-Known Member
First of all the boat is not 45 ft! Hull length is 13m (42.8 ft) and overall 13,37m (which is fine for me). The hull is the same as the one designed back in 2004 which is something that made me wondering if it was the right choice of boat. It is more conservative look with more overhang bow than the current trend, not so wide stern and without these sexy looking chines! However this hull is quite fast for a cruiser and I must say comfortable. We met some nasty seas in the winter Med and the boat was simply cutting through the waves without slamming and feeling very steady and secure. These are relatively heavy boats, stiff and they feel like this.
Built quality? Well hopefully iti is good. At least it looks good. The boat feels solid and far from lightly built. The layout although same with the original impression 434 has many changes in terms of wood, materials, some design features and so on. The cockpit also of the last Impression 45 has many changes from previous models. Platform, open cockpit, different cockpit table and so on. The boat I am familiar with has in mast main sail which moves the boat OK, even in low winds. I have opted for in mast with vertical battens that is supposed to have same area as the classic main sail.
I could tell you more in a couple of months!
Edit: forgot to mention, motor sailing with the help of the 75hp volvo penta we could easily maintain an average speed of 8 knots.
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cloud7
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the I formation
run_sk
New Member
Hi Solent Sailor, I'm considering an Elan 40 (2003ish) upgrade from my Elan 333. Looking for something quick yet comfortable and manageable for double handed cruising and 2/3/4 crew passage racing. Whilst a great boat we find the 333 a little too small and lighweight for the cruising part, esp as we expect to spend more time aboard in the coming years.. Do you have any words of wisdom from your time with the boat?
