hanse 400 sailboat

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hanse 400 Boat Review

Designed by german firm judel/vrolijk & co., this racer-cruiser offers good performance and is easy to sail..

The Hanse 400 is a cruising boat for those who love to sail, and a club racer for those who enjoy a summer cruise. Its construction quality and price point qualify it as a cost-effective alternative in the 40-footer marketplace. In comparison to mainstream production cruising boats, the Hanse 400 is an absolute performance standout, not only in its ability under sail, but in its ease of operation.  

                                                      ****

The Hanse 400 presents the image of a well-trained athlete—strong, capable, and legitimately deserving of its billing as a “crossover” sailboat. In keeping with Hanses performance-oriented design philosophy, the 400 has been exactingly engineered to deliver a blend of performance attributes and cruising comfort. The result is an easy-to-handle, spirited racer-cruiser that packs plenty of cabin space and amenities into its beamy hull.

Designer Judel/Vrolijk & Co. is a cutting-edge firm that opened its doors in 1978. With Americas Cup winner Alinghi , Admirals Cup victories, Volvo Ocean Race designs, and a pet project for the King of Spain on the roster—not to mention its mega-yacht design business—Judel/Vrolijks star has risen. Part of its success has been linked to the companys embracing modern computer-design technology, using both 2-D and 3-D CAD programs. Spending time 3-D modeling a new design keeps unwanted shop floor surprises to a minimum. Things like locker doors, engine room space, and table heights end up with the clearance that they need in order to function according to plan.

The team at Hanse conceived the interior design of the 400 and worked with Judel/Vrolijk designers to define a sailboat with comfortable accommodations and the sailing ability that Hanse production boats have become known for. At the heart of the success is a canoe body shape with a clean entry, full beam, and flat sections aft that make the boat look more like a racer than a cruiser. When the modest keel appendage is attached, the race-boat theme is greatly subdued, however, with 952 square feet of working sail area, this modern racer-cruiser plays well at both games.

The logic behind choosing an easy-to-sail performance cruiser makes perfect sense for many sailors. Considering the soaring price of diesel and the light winds that prevail along much of the U.S. coast during the summer sailing season, there is a distinct advantage to having a boat that can turn 6 to 8 knots of true wind speed into a fun sail.

The Hanse 400s wide beam, carried well aft, delivers plenty of initial stability, allowing the vessel to stand up to the heeling moment induced by its sizable sail plan. The ballast—iron keel and lead bulb—is listed as weighing 6,426 pounds. The low placement of lead also lowers the boats center of gravity (CG), increasing its secondary righting moment. Those looking to maximize stability can shave 1,000 pounds by ordering the epoxy-resin laminated hull along with the deep-draft (6 feet, 5 inches) configuration. This combination provides a positive-stability limit of over 120 degrees. The boat is certified to ISO Category A “Offshore” standard and built to Germanischer Lloyd GL Yacht Plus standards, giving the buyer confidence in the quality of construction and design.

A major factor in designing wide-transom boats is to keep the stern from submerging, which causes drag to increase. Many sailboats achieve this at anchor but once sailing to weather, the infamous transom gurgle reveals that the hull has dug a hole in the water and drag has dampened performance. The Hanse 400 leaves a nimble wake, and the slightly elevated transom stays clear of the surface even as the breeze increases. Its long waterline and flat run aft generate a minimal amount of wave making, another sure sign of an efficient hull shape.

One of the most noticeable deck features on the Hanse 400 is the sculpted deck plates that cover halyards, self-tacking jib sheet, topping lift, and other lines led aft. This arrangement keeps the coach roof clear and unencumbered. The self-tacking, 90-percent blade jib is easy to handle, and its single sheet means that theres no sheet swapping during a tack. The ability to set 952 square feet of working sail area and not have to deal with an overlapping genoa is a big plus for those who sail shorthanded. The 562-square-foot mainsail may seem daunting, but with lazy jacks or a Dutchman sail-flaking system, and appropriately run reefing lines, the mainsail handling routine becomes very user-friendly.

The deck, cockpit, and cabin house work together to provide an ergonomic sailing platform. Absent is the feeling that the deck configuration is a result of excess emphasis on accommodations crammed belowdecks. The Hanse we sailed had attractive teak side decks, but a nonskid gelcoat finish is also available. The nonskid option—which PS highly recommends—saves the buyer about $8,000, lessens maintenance, and has about twice the longevity of teak.

Accommodations

Hanse believes that one interior design doesn’t fit all, and consequently provides different cabin configurations. The 400 is divided into three cabin segments—fore cabin, saloon, and aft cabin—and there are mix-and-match alternatives for each area. For example, in the forward owners cabin, you can swap extra locker space for a second head and move the centerline double berth more to port. The main saloon can be set up with a dinette to starboard and a settee/sea berth to port, or an owner can eliminate the sea berth and opt for two built-in arm chairs and a small side table in the same location. The aft configuration allows for either small side-by-side cabins or a single cabin and a storage area.

The Hanse 400 is not a long-term liveaboard sailboat, but it is fine for summer cruises or participating in yacht club point-to-point races or cruises. The tight turn of the bilge and open layout leave less room for storage. The two-burner stove and modest tankage volume are in keeping with the theme of a racer-cruiser that wont be bogged down by too much gear and equipment. This doesn’t mean that a run to Bermuda or a fast trip to Hawaii are out of the question; in fact, this is a boat that would take such summer passagemaking in stride and get the crew there in a hurry.

The woodwork is computer-cut, finished, and nearly completely assembled prior to placement in the boat. Flat, smooth surfaces coated with spray-applied, matte-finish urethane offset the white gelcoat and Corian countertops, adding an open and spacious feel to the cabin. The L-shaped galley has all the basics—stove/oven, sink, and refrigerator—and is nicely finished, but counter space may be a little lacking for the seagoing gourmet. Again, this is in keeping with the boats lean-and-mean mission statement.

The cabin sole is a faux teak-and-holly plastic veneer thats visually appealing and quite durable. Theres a Euro minimalist design that balances form and function and eliminates wood trim and complex, costly joinery work. The engineers and designers seem to have collaborated on how to build an aesthetic yet cost-effective interior, and its offered it in either a dark mahogany or a light birch finish, both of which are appealing.

Performance

In comparison to mainstream production cruising boats, the Hanse 400 is an absolute performance standout, not only in its ability under sail, but in its ease of operation. On the boat we sailed, setting sail was simplified by the Dutchman flaking system, a set of control lines attached to an adjustable topping lift that guides the sail efficiently from its boom-stowed position to full hoist and back down again. The 390-square-foot furling working jib rolls up and unrolls effortlessly, and its self-tending nature makes tacking a breeze.

All it takes is a simple turn of the wheel to test how ruggedly a sailboat has been built, and whether or not an effective monocoque structure has been achieved. By tacking through the eye of a 15-knot breeze, the momentary flail of the mainsail causes some boats to shake like a wet terrier, and as they settle onto a new tack, all types of squeaks and groans punctuate the silence. The Hanse 400 neither squeaked nor groaned, and while heading into the wind with the large mainsail enduring a momentary flutter, the vessel showed no sign of telltale twisting or bending.

The semi-balanced spade rudder offers finger-tip steering thanks to a large wheel and the smooth, Jefa drag-link design steering system that nests just under the cockpit sole. This design allows for watertight integrity to be maintained between the upper and lower rudder-stock bearings, preventing water from seeping into the accommodations. The downside is the exposure to seawater that the drag-link system and autopilot drive must endure. These components are either well-sealed or made of corrosion-resistant metal, mitigating the effect of occasional dousing.

One of the big plusses is its sailplan. The tall mast, with a big mainsail and a small blade jib, delivers good all-around sailing ability without the need to wrestle a massive genoa on the foredeck. When the breeze goes from 12 to 18 knots, a reef is easily tucked in the mainsail and the inefficiency of a partially rolled up, bulky genoa is eliminated. The resulting wide wind range in which one headsail can be used is a plus, but the crew needs to make sure that they are well practiced in mainsail reefing. For those craving responsiveness in light air and ease of sail handling, theres a neat retractable stem head extension that serves as a tack for a code zero or asymmetric spinnaker, which can also be roller-deployed for convenience. Add well-planned sheet leads and a cockpit set up for efficient shorthanded sailing, and it becomes clear why the boat is so enjoyable to sail.

A 40-horsepower saildrive Yanmar diesel is neatly tucked in a box beneath the

companionway steps. With the assistance of a couple of gas cylinders, the ladder, and sound-dampened engine box easily lift out of the way. This lift-the-hood look at the engine affords great access to key components, not always the case aboard sailboats in this size range. The three-cylinder diesel runs smoothly, and the saildrive eliminates all shaft rumble noise. The trade-off is the need to pay close attention to zincs, and to take care to avoid introducing stray current or galvanic corrosion when installing any electrical equipment.

The Hanse 400 is a cruising boat for those who love to sail, and a club racer for those who enjoy a summer cruise. Its construction quality and price point qualify it as a cost-effective alternative in the 40-footer marketplace. The vessel has the right set of attributes for the light-air conditions of the bays and sounds of the Northeast, Southern California, and Gulf Coast, but will feel right at home on the more blustery bodies of water such as San Francisco Bay. In short, this is a capable performer that offers a lot of bang for the buck.

• Critic’s Corner: Hanse 400
• Interior Notes: Hanse 400
• Hanse 400 Construction Details
• Hanse 400 in Context

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The Hanse 400 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hanse 400, a fractional sloop, was designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co and built in Germany by Hanse Yachts.

Published Specification for the Hanse 400

Underwater Profile:  Bulb fin keel and spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP

Length Overall:  40'2" (12.2m)

Waterline Length:  35'5" (10.8m)

Beam:  13'3" (4.0m)

Draft:  6'6" (2.0m)

Rig Type:  Fractional sloop

Displacement:  18,739lb (8,500kg)

Designer:  Judel/Vrolijk

Builder:  Hanse Yachts (Germany)

Year First Built:  2000

Read more about the latest boats in the Hanse range...

Alternatives to the Standard Version

For those seeking additional features or customization options, Hanse Yachts offers various alternatives to the standard version of the Hanse 400 sailboat. These include:

• Hanse 400e : The "e" stands for "evolution," and this version incorporates several upgrades and refinements, such as an extended bathing platform and improved interior design.
• Hanse 400 Performance : Designed for competitive sailors, this version features a taller mast, larger sail area, and enhanced performance-oriented components.

Other options available to potential buyers include various layouts, with the option of either two or three cabins. This flexibility allows potential owners to customize the Hanse 400 to their specific preferences and requirements.

The Hanse 400 has been well received in the sailing press. Yachting World , for instance, praised the boat's balance of speed and comfort. The magazine mentioned its easy handling, spacious interior, and the ability to customize the boat's layout as highlights.

Performance

The Hanse 400 is known for its high performance under sail. Its design ratios, including the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio and the Ballast/Displacement Ratio, contribute to its impressive speed and stability.

The boat's wide beam, carried well aft, delivers plenty of initial stability, allowing it to stand up to the heeling moment induced by its sizable sail plan.

The Hanse 400 is quick and powerful but easy to handle, making it an absolute performance standout in comparison to mainstream production cruising boats. With dinghy-like performance, it's so easy to drive that you positively long to go out sailing alone.

Design Ratios

Much of its impressive sailing performance can be largely attributed to a set of carefully calculated design ratios that provide a comprehensive insight into the vessel's sailing capabilities.

• Starting with the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) , the Hanse 400 boasts a ratio of 23.52. This suggests the boat is designed with speed in mind, having a considerable sail area relative to its displacement. It's a ratio that indicates the Hanse 400 will perform exceptionally well in light wind conditions.
• The Ballast/Displacement Ratio is another critical factor in understanding a sailboat’s stability. The Hanse 400 exhibits a ratio of 29.6%, which suggests that it provides a good righting moment and a fairly stiff ride, even under strong winds.
• The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) of the Hanse 400 is 170.58. A lower D/L ratio signifies a lighter and potentially faster boat, while a higher ratio indicates a heavier, possibly slower vessel. Given the Hanse 400's ratio, you can expect a balance between speed and comfort.
• The Comfort Ratio for the Hanse 400 is 24.4, indicating that it offers a reasonably comfortable ride even in challenging conditions. This makes the Hanse 400 ideal for long-distance cruising and for sailing in rough waters.
• Finally, according to the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) , the Hanse 400’s value of 2.02 suggests that the boat has a good level of safety in the event of a capsize. A CSF less than 2 is considered suitable for offshore cruising, so the Hanse 400 edges just above this range.

But how representative are these design ratios, and how are they derived?

Sailing Press Reviews

The sailing press has praised the Hanse 400 for its exceptional performance and innovative design. Here are some excerpts from notable reviews:

Practical Boat Owner mentioned: "Its construction quality, ease of operation, and its image as a well-trained athlete—strong, capable, and legitimately deserving of its billing as a “crossover” sailboat."

Sailing Today said: "The Hanse 400 is a joy to sail, offering excellent speed and responsiveness. Its modern design and spacious interior make it an ideal choice for cruising enthusiasts."

Yachting Monthly said: "With its sleek lines and well-balanced rig, the Hanse 400 delivers an exhilarating sailing experience. It strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort."

While the Hanse 400 is generally well-regarded, some owners have commented on a few areas of potential improvement. These include the need for better access to the back of the electrical panel and improvements to the boat's steering system for smoother handling.

The Secondhand Market

If you're seeking a Hanse 400 for sale, the secondhand market is quite active. Prices for used Hanse 400 sailboats vary significantly based on factors such as age, condition, and the extent of equipment and upgrades.

As of writing, prices range from around $100,000 for older models to upwards of $150,000 for newer, well-maintained examples.

The Competition

When comparing the Hanse 400 to similar sailboats in its class, it holds its own impressively. The boat's performance, comfort, and customizable options make it a viable contender against other popular models like the Beneteau Oceanis 40 and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.

The Beneteau Oceanis 40, for instance, offers similar accommodation and performance but might not provide the same level of customization as the Hanse 400. The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40, on the other hand, offers a slightly higher Comfort Ratio but may not match the Hanse 400's sailing performance.

Overall, the Hanse 400 sailboat is an appealing package for anyone seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and the freedom to customize their boat to their liking. The boat ticks essential boxes for both cruising comfort and racing performance, making it a versatile choice.

And Finally...

The Hanse 400's build quality is impressive, thanks to the application of modern boatbuilding techniques and high-quality materials. The structure of the boat is solid, with a robust hull and a well-built interior that stands the test of time.

The Hanse 400 also offers an impressive living space, with a well-thought-out layout that maximizes the available room without compromising performance. The interior design strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, offering a comfortable and inviting environment for living aboard.

The Hanse 400's user-friendly sail handling system, featuring a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, is particularly noteworthy. This system makes the boat easy to handle, even when sailing single-handedly or in challenging conditions.

Maintenance of the Hanse 400 is made easier thanks to the boat's design and construction. Most equipment is easy to access and service, and the boat's build quality means that it should stand up to regular use without requiring excessive upkeep.

As with any boat, owning a Hanse 400 does require a commitment of time and money. However, given the boat's performance and comfort, many owners find this a worthy investment for the joy and freedom that comes with owning such an impressive sailboat.

I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com

Other sailboats in the Hanse range include:

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• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: February 17, 2009

It was a puffy afternoon off Annapolis on the day we took the new Hanse 400e for a test drive, with a teasing northerly breeze of just 6 or 8 knots pulsing down the confines of the Severn River before building to a more respectable 10 to 12 knots a bit southward in the open Chesapeake Bay. In other words, it was just about ideal for gauging a boat’s potential in somewhat light to pleasantly moderate conditions, the sort of weather in which most people actually sail. I’d been hoping for at least a bit of wind because, even dockside, the Hanse is a boat that looks fairly quick and able, and I was eager to see if the long, low profile, combined with its generous double-spreader rig, translated to noteworthy performance under sail.

The 400 is available with many options. There are several cabin layouts, with single or twin double cabins aft, and you can choose from an island-style berth or a beam-width conventional double in the owner’s stateroom forward; regular nonskid or teak decks (though the teak cockpit and seats are standard); twin wheels or a single helm; a deep or a shallow-draft keel, each with a torpedo-shaped bulb; and, in the vessel’s construction, either a traditional fiberglass/foam core layup or a tough, lighter, vacuum-bagged composite/epoxy sandwich (hence the “e” in the name) that saves 900 pounds of displacement.

Our test boat was optimized for the Chesapeake with the shallower keel, the dual helm stations, and the epoxy hull. While I’m sure there are benefits to the other configurations, it was difficult to quibble with the combination at hand. The view forward from either of the wheels is expansive and uncluttered, thanks largely to the streamlined coachroof, the recessed headsail furling drum, and the absence of visible running rigging, which is stashed neatly beneath easily removed deck plates and led aft to twin banks of Spinlock clutches and a pair of Lewmar self-tailing winches to either side of the companionway. (The starboard halyard winch on the test boat was electric.) The Simrad chart plotter is mounted just aft of the centralized cockpit table and, in keeping with the overall theme, is clearly visible.

Under way, the plotter provided a steady record of our speed, and the numbers were impressive. With a full-hoist main and the standard 95-percent self-tacking jib, we scooted along at 5.6 to 6.3 knots in less than 8 knots of true wind while close- and beam-reaching in the confines of the river. Once outside, in 10 to 12 knots true, we managed a solid 6.5 to 6.7 knots while hard on the breeze and watched the figures slide up to the 7-knot range when just slightly cracked off. With the breeze up to 12, we fell off to a beam reach and soared along at about half a knot faster. The helm, throughout the exercise, was light and extremely responsive. Once the sails were stashed-the boat is equipped with an excellent lazy-jack system for corralling the main-we conducted trials under power and saw speeds of 7.5 knots at 2,500 rpm and about 8 knots when ramped up to 3,000 rpm. The boat backed down with authority and without vibration.

Were there things I’d like to change? Well, sure-it’s a boat! I’m not a fan of coachroof-mounted mainsheets-the driver should be able to dump the main if things get squirrelly, but Hanse is hardly the lone offender in this. Our test boat didn’t have a traveler, which seems like an oversight on a performance cruiser (though you can order one as part of a performance package, and an overlapping genoa, too), and the running-rigging arrangement for the self-tacking jib, which is initially led skyward well up the spar before winding its way aft to a cockpit winch, seemed odd to me. Finally, the split, offset backstay, controlled by a nifty block-and-tackle setup, terminates outboard to port and starboard of the open transom, which is uncomfortable for the helmsman when sitting on the coaming aft of the respective wheels. Hanse does offer optional helmsman seats for the standard crossbar at the stern, which would likely address the matter. But these are nitpicks on a boat that sails very, very well.

Moreover, I had few if any reservations about the clever and handsome mahogany interior layout (cherry is also available), and in fact I was bowled over by the lockers and storage throughout the boat. Yes, the styling is ultra-contemporary and may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the execution throughout is very well done, and the optimization of space is impressive. Our test boat had the twin doubles aft, with the port cabin lacking a bit of headroom to accommodate a topside cockpit locker. A spacious head with a big shower stall lies to port; the roomy L-shaped galley is to starboard. The better-than-average engine access is via the hinged companionway steps and side panels in the aft cabins.

The saloon is portioned off with a large U-shaped settee to starboard, a central dining table, and on our test boat, a nav desk/end table to port flanked by two comfy armchairs, which makes for a dual-purpose work/social area and maximizes the spot’s usefulness both under way and at anchor. (You can also have a straight settee and aft-facing nav table.) The owner’s cabin is forward, with oodles of hanging-locker stowage, drawers, and lockers situated all over the place. A handy vanity with a stowaway seat is a cute little touch. A second head forward is an option.

Overall, the Hanse 400e shares a lot in common with several 2009 Volks-wagens, another product of German engineering. In other words, it’s cool, quick, and modern, all delivered at a very respectable price.

Herb McCormick is a CW editor at large.

LOA 39′ 7″ (12.07 m.) LWL 35′ 5″ (10.80 m.) Beam 13′ 3″ (4.04 m.) Draft (deep) 6′ 8″ (2.03 m.) (shallow) 5′ 5″ (1.65 m.) Sail Area 1,137 sq. ft. (106 sq. m.) Ballast 5,907 lb. (2,685 kg.) Displacement (standard) 18,519 lb. (8,400 kg.) (epoxy) 17,417 lb. (7,900 kg.) Ballast/D (standard/epoxy) .32/.34 D/L (standard/epoxy) 186/175 SA/D (standard/epoxy) 26/27 Water 88 gal. (333 l.) Fuel 40 gal. (151 l.) Mast Height 64′ 0″ (19.53 m.) Engine 40-hp. diesel Designer Judel/Vrolijk & Co. Price $275,000 Hanse Yachts (410) 626-1493 www.hanseyachts.com

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Technical specifications - Hanse 400

Photos of the boat, technical features.

• Length HT : 40ft (12.10m)
• Max. width : 13ft (4.04m)
• Weight : 2.7 tons
• Draft : 5ft (1.65m) to 7ft (2.05m)
• Max. sleeping capacity : 6
• Number of cabins : 2 to 3
• Bathrooms : 1 to 2
• Water capacity : 325L

Standard motorisation

• Engine Power : 40hp
• Fuel capacity : 140L

Standard canopy

• Total sail area : 348sqft (106m2)
• Mainsail area : 171sqft (52.20m2)
• Genoa/jib area : 175sqft (53.40m2)

Ideal destinations for renting a Hanse 400