32 or 35?

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   Hi All!

I'm looking into getting either a 32' or a 35' and could sure use some advice. A little background...I grew up taking sailing vacations with my Dad, but never really "captained" my own boat. I've taken several sailing lessons recently and have acquired a terrible case of sailboat fever! To start, I plan on doing most of my sailing in the Chesapeake. Question is..which boat is a better fit? Since my experience is limited, is it better to start with a 32'? Or is it better to get a 35' that I can grow into? Does 3' make that much of a difference? All replies are welome! 

Thanks!
A Hanse Owner Wannabe

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Arrow Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 01 February 2011 Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arrow Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 32 or 35? Posted: 01 February 2011 at 06:05
	Hi All! I'm looking into getting either a 32' or a 35' and could sure use some advice. A little background...I grew up taking sailing vacations with my Dad, but never really "captained" my own boat. I've taken several sailing lessons recently and have acquired a terrible case of sailboat fever! To start, I plan on doing most of my sailing in the Chesapeake. Question is..which boat is a better fit? Since my experience is limited, is it better to start with a 32'? Or is it better to get a 35' that I can grow into? Does 3' make that much of a difference? All replies are welome! Thanks! A Hanse Owner Wannabe

The Duke Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 October 2010 Status: Offline Points: 158	Post Options Post Reply Quote The Duke Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 10:11
	Hi Arrow I started from motor boating and then got the sailing fever and jumped straight to a Jeanneau 36' sailing boat. However my other half did not like the healing over. (it was quite a performer) so after a while we down sized to a 32' which happens to be a hanse 312. You don't really miss the extra size, Hanse have done amazing things with the storage / living area. And the plus side is that it is much easier to single hand with. The self tacker just makes life easy and because it is smaller, some how it feels more sturdy and stiff than the Jeanneau 36' The only downside I have found so far is the smaller engine, but I am learning to live with this and it is only a small critisicm really. Hope this is helpful and have fun choosing. As they say 'buying a boat is the happiest time of your life and the second happiest time is when you sell it'! I love mine.
	The Duke Hanse 312, White hull, standard rig, Wheel steering, 135% genoa

Doug Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 March 2008 Location: U.S.A. Status: Offline Points: 170	Post Options Post Reply Quote Doug Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 12:49
	First, where are you located? I'm in Deltaville, VA and you are welcome to go sailing on my Hanse 370. Second, the 32' or 35' will handle about the same; one will not be more difficult to handle than the other. IMHO, the boat's interior space, your wants & needs, and your budget are the real issues when evaluating a boat in the 32'-35' range. Last, if you haven't been in touch with the Hanse dealer in Annapolis (Annapolis Sailyard) I encourage you to do so. Ask for Rich Kahn.
	"Red Sky" 2008 Hanse 370, #465, Doug Anderson, Deltaville, VA, USA

Johan Hackman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral of the Fleet Joined: 24 August 2005 Location: Sweden Status: Offline Points: 4361	Post Options Post Reply Quote Johan Hackman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 12:57
	I started a thread about boat size a few years ago. You might want to look at it to see what others think of the choice they've made: http://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2624 Johan
	http://www.johanhackman.se

MarcoC Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 23 April 2009 Location: Sweden, Stockh. Status: Offline Points: 1617	Post Options Post Reply Quote MarcoC Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 13:36
	I would go for the biggest one that you can afford. You will in the end find out that you always want a bigger one. I know couple of people who started with a smaller and a year later landed on a bigger one. Personally I also would go bigger but unfortunately my wallet is not of same opinion, neither is my wife and those two are serious pals!! To be serious, look how you family situation is, will it grow, will you have friends with you, do you want to have lot of extra stuff with you. There are many factors that you need to consider as you can see. Good luck with your new boat!
	"Älva" Hanse 370#671 Stockholm, Sweden www.wesailhanse.se big wheel, deep draught iron keel, 3 cabins,Yanmar 3JH4E, Sparcraft rig.

The Duke Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 19 October 2010 Status: Offline Points: 158	Post Options Post Reply Quote The Duke Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 14:39
	Hi Arrow Theres another old saying 'youve got to have owned a boat before you know what you want in a boat'. This has worked out to be true for us as we are now on our third!
	The Duke Hanse 312, White hull, standard rig, Wheel steering, 135% genoa

Arrow Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Sub Lieutenant Joined: 01 February 2011 Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote Arrow Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 15:12
	Thank you so much for the great replies! I feel like I have fallen in love and I know that falling in love can greatly cloud one's judgement, so it is great to hear from others! Luckily, I have sailed before so I am not completely blind! I know there are bruised knees, stubbed toes, the occasional rope burn, and the scratching the head over the latest thing that has broken. A little like relationships! Ha! Still, there is nothing like a sunny day, wind in the sails..oh yeah. I went to the Annapolis boat show last fall and had the opportunity to see a few different makes. The Hanse was my favorite, but the Tartan 34 was nice and I know this is a small point, but it had a deeper cockpit and I struggle with a pinched nerve in my back, so comfort is important! I also looked at the Jeanneau 409, sweet with a self-tacking jib, but it seemed like way too much boat for my first. At the show, they displayed the Hanse 35' and the 37'. The 37' has the open transom, so where to rest my achey back? The 35' seemed like a good choice all around, light and airy, self tacking jib, and everyone says it is a fast, easy sailer which is important because I need a boat that is going to be forgiving of my newbie bumbling. Here is another point, I also have a nice group of friends that will want to join and I am sure this circle will grow once I have a boat, ha! On the other end of the scale, it would be nice to take the boat out by myself. Oh decisions, decisions. Not complaining!

kirkelund Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vice Admiral Joined: 29 June 2009 Status: Offline Points: 949	Post Options Post Reply Quote kirkelund Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 17:06
	Hi Arrow - and Marco I think I remember a remark by Johan in the thread he mentioned above (didn't go back to check it out though). He wrote: "The optimal size of the boat of the boat is not the largest one you can afford, but the smallest one that will serve your needs". (I hope the quote is correct). I couldn't agree more Still, think of your needs and go for the right one straight away. It is almost always too much trouble and too expensive to change your mind after a few years And one more argument for choosing a Hanse is ......THIS FORUM Ole Kirkelund "Amani" Ishøj, Denmark

trist33 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 19 September 2009 Status: Offline Points: 131	Post Options Post Reply Quote trist33 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 17:08
	Hi Arrow I learnt to sail (ish) on a 27ft moody, it seemed huge at first but after the first season we realised that 32ft would give us so much more comfort, a more comfortable ride, more space in the cockpit and more luxury in the cabin, the 320 ticked all the boxes, and continues to do so. I can't comment on the 35 but one would imagine a similar experience, with the 35 you can opt for 2 quarter berths more comfort for friends and family. One thing I will say though, the 320 and 325 come with a standard 21-22 hp engine, we went for the 30hp upgrade, it's one upgrade we always smile about, she almost planes on full throttle!

Rubato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admiral Joined: 12 July 2006 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1806	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rubato Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 February 2011 at 19:45
	I will echo Marco's comments. For most of us cost is an issue and so going for the largest you can afford will likely save you money in the end (depreciation and brokerage fees for multiple boats). In the size range you are talking about there is very little difference in handling - sailing, motoring or docking.



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