301 Viewing in Brighton Marina...

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   So, it didn't happen 😞
I'm looking to step up to my next boat and have real interest in a Hanse 301. I was working in Brighton and prearranged a visit to the Marina with Boatshed to view a 301.

Sadly, upon arrival, the rep from the broker literally ran past me mouthing that he'd had a shout and was off on the RNLI boat. All pretty fair and understanding, there are certainly more important things in life.

So I could only gaze from afar at the beauty that was. She looked lovely and I'm not going to lie, I was really disappointed, especially considering the painful journey back home to Somerset which took nearly 5 hours.

The reason for the viewing was to get a feel for size, particularly headroom. So, my question here is whether I'd be ok, as I'm a smidge over 6ft 2.

Other guidance needed is re the sail drive seal. This one had last been replaced in 2016, which seems well out of date to me and presumably would need replacing immediately. I would think at a cost of circa £1k if done professionally?

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Conks01 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 11 June 2025 Location: Somerset Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Conks01 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 301 Viewing in Brighton Marina... Posted: 11 June 2025 at 21:18
	So, it didn't happen 😞 I'm looking to step up to my next boat and have real interest in a Hanse 301. I was working in Brighton and prearranged a visit to the Marina with Boatshed to view a 301. Sadly, upon arrival, the rep from the broker literally ran past me mouthing that he'd had a shout and was off on the RNLI boat. All pretty fair and understanding, there are certainly more important things in life. So I could only gaze from afar at the beauty that was. She looked lovely and I'm not going to lie, I was really disappointed, especially considering the painful journey back home to Somerset which took nearly 5 hours. The reason for the viewing was to get a feel for size, particularly headroom. So, my question here is whether I'd be ok, as I'm a smidge over 6ft 2. Other guidance needed is re the sail drive seal. This one had last been replaced in 2016, which seems well out of date to me and presumably would need replacing immediately. I would think at a cost of circa £1k if done professionally?

Taylor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 02 December 2013 Location: North Wales Status: Offline Points: 180	Post Options Post Reply Quote Taylor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 12 June 2025 at 17:36
	I am an ex owner of a 301 but keep looking in on here ocasionally. I will be brutally honest. I think at 6 foot 2 you will find only the Vee berth in the bow will be suitable for a comfortable lie down. Access to the aft berth is very cramped. You won't fit the singles in the salon. I was fine at 5' 8! I think we nicknamed ours the Hobbit boat. Sadly I think you will be banging your head all too often but this boat is for sailing and you won't be disappointed with the performance. Saildrive gasket replacement is a wonderful way to negotiate a lower price. I did that and replaced it myself after purchase for a lot less than your estimate. It was totally un necessary. The gasket was original and still as flexible as the new one that replaced it absolutely no sign of rubber perishing. The only problem for these gaskets is UV degradation or diesel or oil contamination damage. I would be more worried about the engine if there is that much leaking out. Corrosion of the clamping ring is a more serious problem. This also indicates salt water at a high level in the engine compartment. Most likely from poor maintenance of the water pump seals or a leaking engine cooling sea water cock. Generally the bilges of a 301 remain empty and dry if the keel and bolts are well sealed. Surprised you travelled from Brighton to view when Wild Cherry is available at much the same price, probably in better condition and only a short distance from you.
	Hanse 301 Bluenote 11

Mergus Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 02 May 2024 Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mergus Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 June 2025 at 19:41
	I would very much agree with the previous comments. I am myself 176cm and can stand up around the stove only. Have slept only in the fore cabin though (as it is clearly the owners cabin), but none of my guests sleeping in aft have complained either. On the other hand I love the boat, great performance in any condition (when sailing), and the cockpit layout makes handling easy even if single-handed. The only downside is that the largest outdoor compartment is under the tiller so not easy to access during the passage. Regarding S-Drive seal, I would not worry about that. My parents have a Volvo engine (D2-40) from 2006 and the seal has been never replaced, and no signs of need for it either. I would be much more worried about the condition of the rudder blade, as I needed at least to change it, and according to the forum comments I was not the only one Edited by Mergus - 23 June 2025 at 19:44



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