Which to buy, a Legend 310 or a Hanse 311?

[gerrykennedy]

I am changing up from an Irish made yacht called a Club Shamrock which is a great racer cruiser. I have been recommended the Legend or Hanse. What's the opinions about these?

Gerry

 

[AndrewB]

Chartered a Hunter/Legend 310 a couple of years ago. Definitely not a cruiser-racer, if that is what you are looking for. In my view best suited as a fair-weather sort of yacht, went very nicely in light airs on flat water but was a pig in F5+. Might be good if most of your sailing is cruising in the Solent, for example. Excellent accomodation, if that's a factor.

Don't know the Hanse 311.

 

[david_e]

For a cruiser racer there is only one choice, the Hanse 310. They sail really well and have a good handicap.

If you want space and a weekend tub then look at the Legend.

I would buy neither, quality on both can be suspect - would invest in a used french boat.

 

[AlexL]

I've just bought a Hanse (not a 311 - a bigger one) But I have certainly not seen any quality issues, nor heard any from any of the owners. My boat has arrived and although It isn't fully commissioned yet I have given it a thorough going over and cannot find a single snag. Also most of the british, european and U.S magazine write ups I have read on various hanses have made very POSITIVE comments on the quality and durability.

 

[dralex]

If I had to choose, it would be the Hanse as they can sail pretty well. I have heard that the layup of Hanses has been a bit thin in the past- this is heresay, but from a fairly experienced source who has eperience of GRP boat building. They are however good value. I've never sailed a Legend, but on flotillas have noticed they are always behind when sailing, but motor well. The interior on the Legends is very American.
I do feel though that the Hanse 311 is a serious contender in that price range and boat size.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Or of course a used Belgian boat, you know the one!

 

[david_e]

I only speak from personal experience which involved seriously trying to buy a Hanse a few years ago and a local boat near to me. The boats I tried to buy had i) 2" of water in the bilges (brand new uncommissioned boat), dealer unable to explain why ii) being put off the gloss interior finish because it runs when the temperature gets hot, iii) another boat with 'soft' deck iv) a boat with water coming in around the saildrive seal.

Four out of four led me to the conclusion that there are quality issues, that's not knocking them all, just my experience.

Hope yours is OK though.