Aqua Badger
New Member
Not as light as they used to be
It is interesting to see how peoples perceptions of different boat brands differ and it is great to see that owners have taken the time to get in touch who are really the only people with factual experience.
My wife and I have been a fan of Hanse Yachts for a while as our long term plan is to own one (or something similar) and cruise.
When we started looking at our options the Hanse were probably too light for the longer distances we were looking to do but the later models have become considerably heavier and certainly more cruisey, which is great news for us as they tick both the fast passage making and solidity for security.
Our view is that since Hanse bought Dehler they have left Dehler to be the lighter faster range and Hanse have become the heavier cruisier range.
Some friends of ours have just ordered a 385 and we went along on the test sail in the solent, which was a real eye opener. Lots of wind and about as much sea as you can find in the solent. The boat was supremely stiff and solid and made us feel very safe. I have no doubt that for out and out long distance cruising there are better options (ie a halberg rassy) but then we also want something nice and spacious to live on when we get where we are going and something easy for the two of us to sail......plus we don't have nearly that much money.
From our view as far as modern fast cruisers are concerned it will still be our choice.
It is interesting to see how peoples perceptions of different boat brands differ and it is great to see that owners have taken the time to get in touch who are really the only people with factual experience.
My wife and I have been a fan of Hanse Yachts for a while as our long term plan is to own one (or something similar) and cruise.
When we started looking at our options the Hanse were probably too light for the longer distances we were looking to do but the later models have become considerably heavier and certainly more cruisey, which is great news for us as they tick both the fast passage making and solidity for security.
Our view is that since Hanse bought Dehler they have left Dehler to be the lighter faster range and Hanse have become the heavier cruisier range.
Some friends of ours have just ordered a 385 and we went along on the test sail in the solent, which was a real eye opener. Lots of wind and about as much sea as you can find in the solent. The boat was supremely stiff and solid and made us feel very safe. I have no doubt that for out and out long distance cruising there are better options (ie a halberg rassy) but then we also want something nice and spacious to live on when we get where we are going and something easy for the two of us to sail......plus we don't have nearly that much money.
From our view as far as modern fast cruisers are concerned it will still be our choice.
