Opinions, experience of Elan yachts wanted - particularly the Impression 45 from 2015 onwards.

[Baggywrinkle]

It's got to the point that I might upgrade, looking for something 40-45 foot with enough space to fit genset, watermaker, solar arch etc. and the Elan Impression 45 looks like a good basis for a Mediterranean live-aboard - I plan to convert it to my needs over the next 2-5 years.

Anyone got one, sailed one or experienced one and willing to share their experiences?

Also interested in alternatives but I have a few requirements that I am not prepared to compromise .... the Elan 45 Impression seems to fit all these requirements, but if anyone can suggest an alternative at a similar price point I'm all ears.

Requirements that cannot be compromised are:

1. 6 Berths and good living space for 6 without anyone having to sleep in the saloon - I have visitors regularly but I get up early, make myself a coffee and sit at my chart table perusing charts, pilot books, and weather forecasts - don't want snoring bodies in the saloon.
2. Need somewhere on board for a utility/store room (on the Elan I would re-purpose the bunk-bed cabin).
3. Large bathing platform and easy access to the sea/tender from the cockpit.
4. Large cockpit for entertaining and lounging allowing for a good sized bimini to shade the seating area.
5. Good sized dedicated chart table/desk as it's my private space on my current boat and I want the same on my next boat.
6. A separate shower compartment - can be part of a combined shower/heads.
7. No main sheet in the cockpit, no massive wheel, no open backed cockpit.
8. Typical AWB handling characteristics, turn on a sixpence, go as well in reverse as it does forwards, simple sail handling (roller furling everything) and a reasonable turn of speed under sail or motor.

PS: 99,9% of the time, this boat is going to be a self-sufficient (energy wise) floating apartment with all-round sea views and I'm willing to accept the lack of skeg hung rudder, long moulded in keel, multitudes of hand-holds below, dedicated sea berths, sea-kindly motion, elegant topsides, etc. etc. etc.

If I do get bored in the Med and decide to hop across the pond I'll do what all the other AWBs do - prep the boat well and pray to Poseidon that the keel/rudder doesn't fall off mid atlantic - and simply go on enjoying my creature comforts the rest of the time - so please, no posts telling me to consider a boat that is either too old (pre-2012) or too expensive for what I need - I am a fair-weather sailor - I do have foul weather gear, and I've worn it on 2 occasions in the last 10 years, one of which was a charter on the West coast of Scotland - I intend to continue this trend.

 

[dolabriform]

Although shorter than your target, I can't fault our Elan 36.

Build quality is really good, and she is a dream to sail. My ( totally biased ) opinion is that the Humphries design team lean towards sailability more than other AWBs I've been on. Whilst the finish is not quite up to Rassey / Najad, it's better than most.

Although she is an older boat, Elan customer service have been fantastic, normally answering any emails quickly with any information they have.

 

[DFL1010]

Had the displeasure of racing against the 31 footer. Not sure if it was operator error that caused the main issues, but it was a right old woofer. Struggled to get out of its own way.
One of the newer (mid tens) wide stern jobs (including twin green wheels, which wasn't a good look), it especially struggled upwind in the light due to all that wetted surface area.

I'd imagine with a bit of breeze it would have done alright on coastal races though.

Edit to add: the smaller boats look a bit underpowered. I'd suspect the larger ones are better.

 

[Tranona]

Depends on budget and crucially where you are buying. As you no doubt know Elans are very popular as charter boats in Croatia and to a lesser extent in Greece so always a good choice for sale in the 150-200k range VAT paid. The competitors are clearly Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria of similar size which are also used in your area by charter operators. Typically these may be cheaper than Elans which have always been a notch up in price. Having bought through this route in the past you know the ropes.

Personally I would go for a Bavaria Vision 46 (but of course I am biased) which meets most of your requirements but does not have a conventional private chart table space. However not too many in the eastern Med as they were aimed more at the bluewater market with a different hull, greater ballast ratio and bigger rig than the regular cruiser range. some do come though from time to time such as this one in Greece yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2013/bavaria-vision-46-3749964/

Good luck with your search.

 

[srm]

Not sure if this is relevant to your choice but way back in 2009 or 10 I was paid to skipper a new 45ft Elan that was on charter in the north of Scotland. We sailed from Orkney to Stornoway and back over a two week period.

The boat had two double cabins in the stern, one in the bow and a cabin with two single bunks forward of the main cabin and opposite the heads. Wide transom with big cockpit, his and hers steering wheels, but only a single spade rudder. Deck felt very exposed with low cambered coachroof and only a short handrail that no doubt pleased the stylist. Lots of living space in the main cabin below with plenty of natural light.

She sailed wonderfully in light winds and smooth seas with full main and genoa.

We were storm bound one day in Stornoway, the next day was similar but the charter party wanted to go out for a sail. Fully reefed main, but only two reefs available left a lot of sail up, and well rolled genoa was manageable going to windward. Waves were only about one metre. After a couple of hours we turned onto a run to head back. Within a few minutes the boat rounded up and lay dead across the wind. We coaxed it back onto a run only for the same to happen again. After the third rounding up I told the crew to drop the main. Two of them had completed the German Yachtmaster theory course and questioned this. "If you want to go back to Stornoway drop the main".

The rest of the charter had strong winds and I think that was the last time the main was used. Not so close winded under the genoa alone but she gave a reasonable cruising performance.

Probably ideal for fair weather cruising in the Med but I would have serious reservations about going very far from shelter in the Atlantic.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Depends on budget and crucially where you are buying. As you no doubt know Elans are very popular as charter boats in Croatia and to a lesser extent in Greece so always a good choice for sale in the 150-200k range VAT paid. The competitors are clearly Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria of similar size which are also used in your area by charter operators. Typically these may be cheaper than Elans which have always been a notch up in price. Having bought through this route in the past you know the ropes.

Personally I would go for a Bavaria Vision 46 (but of course I am biased) which meets most of your requirements but does not have a conventional private chart table space. However not too many in the eastern Med as they were aimed more at the bluewater market with a different hull, greater ballast ratio and bigger rig than the regular cruiser range. some do come though from time to time such as this one in Greece yachtworld.co.uk/boats/2013/bavaria-vision-46-3749964/

Good luck with your search.

Thanks, I will probably be going for an ex-charter boat like I did last time - my current AWB has lasted me 10 years so far - but as with all ex-charters, it's buyer beware and be prepared to unearth all sorts of minor issues with "quick-fix" repairs buried out of sight. I'd like something where it hasn't yet had a major instrument re-fit and has just a basic set-up - my current boat had pretty much all the original equipment swapped out before I bought it and the wiring was a total mess that took ages to clean up - and it's still not finished.

€200K is a bit out of my price range unfortunately, I would seriously consider a nice Vision 44 though, dependent on condition - see what comes up.

 

[dom]

It's got to the point that I might upgrade, looking for something 40-45 foot with enough space to fit genset, watermaker, solar arch etc. and the Elan Impression 45 looks like a good basis for a Mediterranean live-aboard - I plan to convert it to my needs over the next 2-5 years.

Anyone got one, sailed one or experienced one and willing to share their experiences?

Drop Flaming a line, he's very familiar with this range.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

Not sure if this is relevant to your choice but way back in 2009 or 10 I was paid to skipper a new 45ft Elan that was on charter in the north of Scotland. We sailed from Orkney to Stornoway and back over a two week period.

The boat had two double cabins in the stern, one in the bow and a cabin with two single bunks forward of the main cabin and opposite the heads. Wide transom with big cockpit, his and hers steering wheels, but only a single spade rudder. Deck felt very exposed with low cambered coachroof and only a short handrail that no doubt pleased the stylist. Lots of living space in the main cabin below with plenty of natural light.

She sailed wonderfully in light winds and smooth seas with full main and genoa.

We were storm bound one day in Stornoway, the next day was similar but the charter party wanted to go out for a sail. Fully reefed main, but only two reefs available left a lot of sail up, and well rolled genoa was manageable going to windward. Waves were only about one metre. After a couple of hours we turned onto a run to head back. Within a few minutes the boat rounded up and lay dead across the wind. We coaxed it back onto a run only for the same to happen again. After the third rounding up I told the crew to drop the main. Two of them had completed the German Yachtmaster theory course and questioned this. "If you want to go back to Stornoway drop the main".

The rest of the charter had strong winds and I think that was the last time the main was used. Not so close winded under the genoa alone but she gave a reasonable cruising performance.

Probably ideal for fair weather cruising in the Med but I would have serious reservations about going very far from shelter in the Atlantic.

That's a good point and it's exactly what my current boat, a Bavaria 36 does. It does not like too much mainsail out and will round up when the rudder loses grip. Fortunately I can use the roller reefing to reduce the main to a sweet spot where the boat travels fast but isn't overpowered - and still maintain a balanced main and genoa. Had some fantastic sails in strong winds over the last decade where she went like a train, even managed double figures surfing down wavefronts the length of the boat (not breaking though god forbid - they were rollers).

I guess the boat you had had the typical charter set-up. Non-furling main with 2 reefs and a 120% genoa? Specced for light winds and no asymmetric. .. I prefer roller reefing for this situation - but would take a stack-pack if the sail area could be reduced to a small handkerchief.

 

[dolabriform]

That's a good point and it's exactly what my current boat, a Bavaria 36 does. It does not like too much mainsail out and will round up when the rudder loses grip. Fortunately I can use the roller reefing to reduce the main to a sweet spot where the boat travels fast but isn't overpowered - and still maintain a balanced main and genoa. Had some fantastic sails in strong winds over the last decade where she went like a train, even managed double figures surfing down wavefronts the length of the boat (not breaking though god forbid - they were rollers).

I guess the boat you had had the typical charter set-up. Non-furling main with 2 reefs and a 120% genoa? Specced for light winds and no asymmetric. .. I prefer roller reefing for this situation - but would take a stack-pack if the sail area could be reduced to a small handkerchief.

We have found that our Elan and the one we sailed in Croatia on charter need to be reefed early. She powers up in light airs, but we we have 3 reefs in the main which we use when needed. With 3 reefs and a few rolls on the genoa she handles well.

 

[Skylark]

Elan Impression 45…….

I believe that cmedsailor of this parish has one. He bought it new and sailed it from the factory to his Med home berth.

 

[srm]

and the wiring was a total mess that took ages to clean up

Been there .... Found and removed a few kgs of redundant wires on my last boat, they had been cut off at each end.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks, I will probably be going for an ex-charter boat like I did last time - my current AWB has lasted me 10 years so far - but as with all ex-charters, it's buyer beware and be prepared to unearth all sorts of minor issues with "quick-fix" repairs buried out of sight. I'd like something where it hasn't yet had a major instrument re-fit and has just a basic set-up - my current boat had pretty much all the original equipment swapped out before I bought it and the wiring was a total mess that took ages to clean up - and it's still not finished.

€200K is a bit out of my price range unfortunately, I would seriously consider a nice Vision 44 though, dependent on condition - see what comes up.

Promising looking one in Bulgaria 2007 Bavaria 44 Vision Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - nice trip sailing it back to Croatia - or even keep it where it is for a change in scenery.

 

[cmedsailor]

I believe that cmedsailor of this parish has one. He bought it new and sailed it from the factory to his Med home berth.

Yes, correct! Only today I noticed this thread. I hope you are fine in this mad planet we live the last 1,5 year...

 

[cmedsailor]

I bought a new 2019 model Elan Impression 45 new on March 2019 and since then have sailed her (in the Med) a few thousand miles. I like to consider myself as the not typical “mine is the best” character so hopefully my opinion is objective. I have the 3-cabin (twin aft and single bow) version, with in-mast furling sail (long vertical battens) and the upgraded 75hp Volvo Penta engine. Looking at your requirements I think the boat ticks all boxes.

The boat certainly has good living space for 6. All three cabins (two aft, one at the bow) are large enough for two adults to sleep. I cannot comment on the version with the two bunk-bed cabin. Being a private boat I wouldn’t like to have that (no need for 4 cabins). On that bunk-bed version I believe that the bed in the bow cabin has still the same size but the cabin is of course smaller with less storage area and not a drawer at the foot of the bed. And there’s one more door in addition to the already three ones! As mentioned, my boat has the single bow cabin which means a separate heads on port side (can be used as shower too) and a separate shower on starboard side. That separate shower is as a great feature. When ordering the boat I specifically asked the factory to make the bow bed bigger by “filling” the gaps of those standard cut outs at the front of the bed (if you are familiar to what I mean you will understand; difficult to explain with words). Result; a huge bed that has a length of 220cm! This is an upgrade that anybody can do anyway, provided the boat is the single bow cabin version.

You said no people sleeping in the saloon, but if necessary, dropping down the table will create a super big bed too!
I have the large bathing platform (most common selection on this model) so no open cockpit. The platform cannot be operated from outside the boat so this can cause some problems when stern to. You will need to keep it open and jump with your lines unless you have somebody at the dock to throw them. On my permanent place at the marina (stern to of course!) I keep the platform closed and use a “step” fender to get into the boat. Works fine for me.

The large platform (common for many other boats too) is great for the Med. A large veranda with direct access to the sea.

The boat does not have the modern big ass (!) shape but still the cockpit is quite big. Very nice stern seats (everybody’s favour place) and a really good cockpit table with excellent hand rails and storage area. The two lazarettes are relatively big but if you keep a liferaft there and a probably a couple of jerry cans it’s easy to get them full. No stern lockers below the aft seats (unlike the Impression 444 or 434), but I personally like this modern feature (subjective view). What I would like is some access from the cockpit to the area behind the stern cabins but Elan had a different opinion on this. The gas locker has space for only one cylinder. I keep the second in one of the lazarettes. Not ideal but at least they do have a drain hose that can act as ventilation too. Due to the stern seats it’s impossible to have a liferaft stored at the back of the boat, neither to install a passerelle. There are a few charter Impressions 45 in Greece on the internet with a passerelle but I don’t like the solution to climb over the stern seats.

Chart table is relatively large, it’s an extra seat in the already very big saloon and there’s enough space for instruments too.

My boat has the standard front opening fridge and the optional freezer. The freezer is a real bonus.

You mentioned separate shower compartment. On any version of the Impression 45 the saloon head will satisfy what you describe as “part of a combined shower/heads”.

No main sheet in the cockpit (I HATE this), not massive wheels but neither small. They feel the right size.

Indeed typical AWB handling characteristics, turn on a sixpence even without the bow thruster and, go as well in reverse as it does forwards. Simple sail handling unless you are a self tacking guy (not an option on this model). I do sail singlehanded occasionally with no problems.

In relation to speed under sail or motor, I believe the boat is relatively fast for a pure cruiser. Motoring with the 75hp engine, the standard 3-blade fixed prop, no current or wind and clean hull will happily cruise at around 7,7-8 knots at 2100-2200 rpm. Sailing at 60 degrees and apparent wind speed of 12-13 knots (yes, the ideal conditions) you will see speeds of around 7+ knots and on stronger winds the boat will happily sail in speeds close to 8 knots. But please keep in mind that my in mast furling with vertical battens and roach (!) has exactly the same size as the classic main sail. So expect some loss of speed with a standard in mast sail.

The boat carries as standard 516lt of water which is good. I have chosen the option to have 788lt which is even better. 2015-2018 models carry 270lt of diesel. From 2019 this was changed to 215lt. Still enough though I would prefer the 270lt with my upgraded engine.

The boat is a deck saloon (in fact a raised saloon) and there are many floor levels in the interior. Floor levels are typical in deck saloon boats and for some people can be annoying. You get used to them on the second day of ownership.

The U-shape cockpit has a deck step (or bridge step? Don’t know what is called) to get into the boat. Now I am getting subjective…didn’t think of it much when ordering the boat but I don’t like it. You need to “climb” on it every time to get into the boat which I find annoying. My wife on the other hand likes it as it is an extra seat in the cockpit. So it’s up to personal taste.

The boat is and feels strong and seaworthy. It’s a boat with STIX 50. Sailing down the Northern Adriatic on first delivery in average winds of 25 knots and 2+ meters of waves she would simply cut through waves like a train with no slamming. You need to press the boat hard and in the wrong conditions to make the bow slam. As with many AWB you need to be careful with canvas and start reefing once wind speeds get to around 15-16 knots (depending on wind angle). Would I feel comfortable to ever cross an ocean with this boat? I think yes, but then again people cross oceans in much smaller boats….

Other minor things that can be described as subjective views:
Shower outlets on the hull, unlike other boats, are high almost at deck level. So imagine using the shower while berthed along the dock. Stupid design. Easy solution to remember having a fender in front of them!
Diesel filler cap on the deck is not at the cockpit. Not a clever idea transferring diesel from jerry cans during sailing in rough waters.

Anyway, no need to bother you with design issues that are subjective. With all boats there are compromises anyway.

 

[valio.stoychev]

Hi @cmedsailor , how many batteries you have installed and do you have a solar system in place? I hear the fridge + freezer are taking a lot of energy. What is your experience showing. Thanks!

 

[cmedsailor]

Hi @cmedsailor , how many batteries you have installed and do you have a solar system in place? I hear the fridge + freezer are taking a lot of energy. What is your experience showing. Thanks!

3 batteries for services (AGM 92amp each)
1 battery for engine
2 batteries for bow thruster
All 3 banks are independent from each other.

I have a 160W solar panel installed with a 15amp Victron regulator that under the hot Mediterranean may produce even 9 amps. If at anchor, during the night which my solar is of course not doing anything (!), I usually keep the fridge and freezer on lower numbers, say fridge at mid-point and freezer at around -5 degrees. With almost everything else off the two will consume around 45-50amps which I believe it’s OK.