Thinking about a Hanse...

[EdEssery]

I'm seriously considering the purchase of a Hanse 342.

Has anybody got experience (good or bad) about the quality of the build and the service from Hanse UK.

I realise and accept that I would be purchasing a production line boat that is built to a bill of materials rather than a hand crafted and finished boat that is built as a one-off or part of a low volume series. In the grand scheme of things, how do they stack up against the other volume producers such as BenJenBav.

I also understand that they are rigged with small self-tacking jibs and a large main - this is actually why they are top of my list. My current boat, an MG C27, is a similar rig and I want to retain it whilst getting something with bit more privacy below (the MG C27 is open plan) and in which we could go a bit further afield in the future.

Thoughts welcome.

Ed

 

[PhilipH]

You know what you are doing - you do tend to get what you pay for. Some of the Hanses are very elegant-looking but nit sure about their robustness and longevity.

 

[i_sail]

My mate had a Hanse 41 in Brighton. Really lovely boat. Sailed very well. excellent to handle with the self tacker. i think the boats are excellent. Really interested also in the new composite gel coat they are using. Would you consider the composite gel?

 

[TonyS]

I think I am right in saying that one sank last year when the lower rudder bearing housing failed. I have not seen the detailed explanation.

 

[Sans Bateau]

The Hanse 371, Megawatt, sank last year after the rudder stock broke which had been incorrectly drilled by the company who had fitted the autohelm. The rudder stock is made by the same people who make rudder stocks for the majority of boats you are likely to come across at SIBS.

Prior to the sinking Megawatt had completed several trans Atlantic crossings and competed in many off shore races.

I sail from time to time on a Hanse 371, including a trip from Gosport direct to Cork. Hanse are good boats. Not the highest build quality and the high gloss interior takes some getting used to. The new 370 is targeted much more at the marina/charter type market.

I have not sailed the 342, but one of the crew who sails with us on the 371 has. He has commented before that it rounded up very quickly in the gusts.

I think that Hanse are a good solid viable alternative to the BenJanBav.

 

[cookjwm]

Friend of ours has taken delivery of a 371 with the new hull. Looks good seems quick but agree about the high gloss..Interestingly the only problem he has had so far is that the autohelm box -fitted in UK ,was not bolted down properly into the steel plate bonded in.Well set up for short handed and I agree appears very comparable to Jen/Bav/Ben. -and I've got one of aforesaid!

 

[Sans Bateau]

What is neat on the later one is that all the steering gear is easily accessible under a hatch behind the wheel. This in itself creates another problem though.

The whole design of the boat has been pushed back to give greater cabin space, great fore cabin now. This though has been at the expense of what was huge cockpit lockers, there used to be a massive lazerette that has now disappeared.

 

[tom52]

Hi
If small self tacking jib and large main are a big consideration have you considered (british) Hunter ?

 

[EdEssery]

Would I consider the epoxy gel coat option? Yes but unfortunately it is not an option on the 315 & 342.

It's an option on the 370 and 400 at a cost of about £5 to £6K and, I believe, standard on the larger boats....

Ed

 

[jonjo]

[ QUOTE ]
Would you consider the composite gel?

[/ QUOTE ]
Ho humm a new term that I obviously need to Google in order to keep up.

Last week it was Yummy Mummys but I doubt composite gel coats will be so interesting.

 

[Twister_Ken]

I believe young people wear it in their hair.

 

[jonic]

Have you considered Dufour? In my opinion one of the best if going for modern production build. I will be on the Dufour stand at SIBS if you want to have a chat. SIBS details here We are long distance cruisers and sail a Moody 38, see website below, but seriously considered a Dufour.