Which boat dilemma.

[Sneaky Pete]

Hi, I looking for some opinions regarding two boats that are on my short list to buy. I previously owned a Hanse 371 of 2004 vintage which I sailed for almost 3 years. I’ve been boatless for a couple of years but now thinking of buying either a Hanse 370e or a Beneteau Oceanis 37, two cab layouts. My first boat was a Oceanis 323, a fairly lively boat, and believe the 37 is just a bigger version of it. Does anyone have an opinion as to the general sailing abilities that the 37 would have over the 370e. I sail single handed mostly in and around west of Scotland. Looking to use as a live aboard for some of the year.

 

[Tranona]

harbouryachts.co.uk/Boat-Details/SEKP%201702/Hanse%20370/
Can't help with the Bene, but if you do go the Hanse route this is worth looking at. One owner and immaculate. 3 cabin though, but suspect you will find 2 cabin are rare. Similar era Bavaria 37 more plentiful.

 

[Birdseye]

is there any solid timber in the interior fit out of a boat like this or is it all veneered mdf?

 

[Tranona]

It is a myth that MDF is widely used. None on my 2 Bavarias, although the doors were cored. All the furniture was CNC cut ply and bonded into the hull. From what I have seen of Hanses, including the one I linked to which belongs to a friend they are made in much the same way. The only negative on newer boats is the reconstructed Alpi veneers that are used on main panels. Look good but are very thin. Good that modern boats don't in general leak as suspect the veneers will not stand up well to damp interiors such as you get with many older boats.

 

[dunedin]

For “sailing mostly single handed” a boat with a below decks ram autopilot should be a must have, no wheel or tiller pilots.
And at 37+ foot ideally a bow thruster and a powered main halyard winch, IMHO.

 

[ashtead]

Although a past Bav owner I am partial to a Hanse given the self tacking headsail. Our pontoon neighbours have a 47e version and the only aspect you might look at is stern cockpit seating arrangements -might be different on the 37 type though . They have the longer mast as an e version -I guess there is a Hanse owners club which might tell you more on model though but also look on the sailboat site where you can compare stats of each type.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

For “sailing mostly single handed” a boat with a below decks ram autopilot should be a must have, no wheel or tiller pilots.
And at 37+ foot ideally a bow thruster and a powered main halyard winch, IMHO.

So right, my Hanse 371 had a ram autopilot used constantly and never let me down, a bow thruster is desirable.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Although a past Bav owner I am partial to a Hanse given the self tacking headsail. Our pontoon neighbours have a 47e version and the only aspect you might look at is stern cockpit seating arrangements -might be different on the 37 type though . They have the longer mast as an e version -I guess there is a Hanse owners club which might tell you more on model though but also look on the sailboat site where you can compare stats of each type.

Yes sailboatdata.com has the Hanse as the better boat, just, but looking more from anyone who has owned or sailed a Oceanis 37 and a Hanse 370 with their thoughts on both.