Hanse 325 buying advice

[Blasketblue]

Hi I’m thinking of buying a secondhand Hanse 325. It’s a lovely boat but i had a few concerns about the speed, especially to windward, and performance in heavier seas.
We are looking for a boat that gets places in moderate comfort rather than a slow boat for pottering about in great comfort.
That can comfortably exceed 5 knots in 12 knots of wind or above.
But online reviews (which are limited) suggest the 325 is more about comfort than performance.
Any views gratefully received!

 

[mrming]

If you have good sails and know how to set them, and keep the bottom clean, I don’t think you’ll have any problems. The rig is big enough and the boat has a nice hull shape / foils. Upwind, in 12 knots, you’ll be doing more like 5.5 to 6 knots depending on sea state. The self-tacking jib is small, so downwind in lighter airs (which 12 knots is once you take away the apparent wind) you will likely need a gennaker. This is true of most modern-ish cruisers with a fractional rig.

 

[Blasketblue]

Thank you - that’s very helpful

 

[Tranona]

Welcome to the forum

Echo that. The Hanse was on my short list when I was buying new in 2015. Like many newer boats it is mainsail driven and the selftacking jib is fine for windward work, but you will benefit from an asymmetric once the wind gets around 90 degrees. A furler is worth having for ease of handling. Surprised that you have got the impression it is more comfort than performance orientated, although it depends on what you call comfort. One of the reasons I decided against one (rather than the Bavaria I chose) was the less good ergonomics particularly for a single hander in the cockpit and tight below as I am a big bloke. Although I did not sail the Hanse everybody I spoke to who had owned or sailed one remarked on its sharp performance. Do you have a link to the boat?

 

[TSB240]

Hanse 325 performance

Have you asked here?

I had a much smaller 301 and was more than happy with the performance.

 

[Blasketblue]

Thank you - that’s very good to hear. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Blasketblue]

Welcome to the forum

Echo that. The Hanse was on my short list when I was buying new in 2015. Like many newer boats it is mainsail driven and the selftacking jib is fine for windward work, but you will benefit from an asymmetric once the wind gets around 90 degrees. A furler is worth having for ease of handling. Surprised that you have got the impression it is more comfort than performance orientated, although it depends on what you call comfort. One of the reasons I decided against one (rather than the Bavaria I chose) was the less good ergonomics particularly for a single hander in the cockpit and tight below as I am a big bloke. Although I did not sail the Hanse everybody I spoke to who had owned or sailed one remarked on its sharp performance. Do you have a link to the boat?

Thanks - very useful feedback! Appreciate all the swift responses here.

 

[ashtead]

You don’t say whether the sails have been replaced -if it still has Elvstrom then consider changing these as that might help. In heavier seas it might slam but I haven’t sailed one so just a point to ask others about maybe. The Hanse parts are all standard and quality generally and fitted across the Hanse/dehler/moody range .

 

[johnphilip]

Back in 2005 we test sailed the Hanse and an Elan 333. The performance lead us to buy the Elan she was so responsive and great fun. No regrets and we easily keep up with newer and bigger boats on the Orwell. You may not be intending competitive sailing but the YTC handicap listing on the RORC site is one way to compare. You can download the whole list in Excel and then sort by boat type to find the boats you want to compare. Look at the white sail listing for sailing without a spinnaker. As this is a racing list I would assume that all the Hanse listings are for setting a full genoa rather than the self tacker which will make quite a difference. The different ratings for apparently identical classes are because to get a rating each yacht submits their particular configuration with sail areas so roller headsails which tend to be a bit smaller are allowed for when competing against racing sails. Propellor type is also considered. Good luck. RYA YTC Listings - Royal Ocean Racing Club | Rating Office

 

[Blasketblue]

You don’t say whether the sails have been replaced -if it still has Elvstrom then consider changing these as that might help. In heavier seas it might slam but I haven’t sailed one so just a point to ask others about maybe. The Hanse parts are all standard and quality generally and fitted across the Hanse/dehler/moody range .

Than you - it’s got new sails - Quantum, in good condition.

I’d be interested to know about the slamming alright, if anyone has views?

 

[Blasketblue]

Back in 2005 we test sailed the Hanse and an Elan 333. The performance lead us to buy the Elan she was so responsive and great fun. No regrets and we easily keep up with newer and bigger boats on the Orwell. You may not be intending competitive sailing but the YTC handicap listing on the RORC site is one way to compare. You can download the whole list in Excel and then sort by boat type to find the boats you want to compare. Look at the white sail listing for sailing without a spinnaker. As this is a racing list I would assume that all the Hanse listings are for setting a full genoa rather than the self tacker which will make quite a difference. The different ratings for apparently identical classes are because to get a rating each yacht submits their particular configuration with sail areas so roller headsails which tend to be a bit smaller are allowed for when competing against racing sails. Propellor type is also considered. Good luck. RYA YTC Listings - Royal Ocean Racing Club | Rating Office

Thanks! I would love to get a 333 alright hit there aren’t many on the market in Ireland. Will definitely check out the ratings, thank you.

 

[johnphilip]

Thanks! I would love to get a 333 alright hit there aren’t many on the market in Ireland. Will definitely check out the ratings, thank you.

https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/elan-333-for-sale/803513
The clyde is not so far away? This one is priced higher than ours is valued and is older but perhaps better equipped, new cooker for instance, our oven is pretty useless. Full spinnaker gear? Perhaps they want to add value for the new deck but I is not something I would value very highly.
If you do decide to look into a 333 further please message me for more info on them, the good, and the compromises.

 

[Tranona]

https://www.apolloduck.co.uk/boat/elan-333-for-sale/803513
The clyde is not so far away? This one is priced higher than ours is valued and is older but perhaps better equipped, new cooker for instance, our oven is pretty useless. Full spinnaker gear? Perhaps they want to add value for the new deck but I is not something I would value very highly.
If you do decide to look into a 333 further please message me for more info on them, the good, and the compromises.

It is probably not practical to buy a boat in the UK for use in Ireland now that theuk is no longer in the EU. Rather difficult for our Irish friends as they are limited to what is already in Ireland or in the EU. Mainland EU has a lot of choice but logistics of buying there can be quite daunting.