Leaks found on the 411

Franko,

It's a shame that you have had these problems.  The Hanse is a bloody good boat.  Your problems should have been dealt with by your local Hanse agent.  I think the reason you have been given advice here on fixing the problems yourself is for the simple reason that you did ask here.  If you are not looking for help and believe the problem should be addressed by Hanse then you should take the issue up with your local agent rather than write about them here.

I have had two Hanses now and have had no problems.  I am currently on the south coast of Portugal having sailed my Hanse 371 down from Southampton.  I will be heading back later this month.  During this trip we have had every possible type of sailing and weather from light downwind spinnaker sailing to 40 knots and breaking waves off Finisterre in Biscay.  In all this sailing the only trouble we have had was the pin holding the autohelm hydraulic arm coming undone.  A splash of Loktite and the problem was solved. 

By the way - your analogy with car manufacturers doesn't work when you consider how matured the car industry is compared to the boat industry.  40 years ago you would have had teathing problems with your car that you would have had to sort out yourself.  A boat is very different to a car!  Also remember that one person's idea of how a boat should be finished is different to another's, and when buying a production boat one must expect to have to make modifications to suit one's own requirements.  If you want the manufacturer to make the boat to your exact requirements go and buy a Comfortina, but wait three years, pay four times as much and don't expect it to perform as well ;-)

Hello Markust, been enjoying the footy?

In main I agree with you, and I have put right a lot of faults myself, I have been a Hanse repairer most of last winter, Including the poorly mounted cleats. (Which I made no claim to Hanse for) As I mentioned before I have a long, long list of small faults but my point here was about Hanse (Yachtzentrum, from whom I bought the boat) not responding. That I just do not understand.

I made only one claim against warranty which was for a structural fault and which Hanse had repaired. But Hanse are not responding to my claim for a potential problem which has subsequently come to light and which is also hull-related.

And as for your "....the simple reason that you did ask here." No I did not, read my first post again.

I am also enjoying my boat very much and believe Hanse are great value for money. My boat must now be the strongest H-341 in the world and will be the best kitted out when I'm finished with it. I would take it anywhere. I intend to buy a larger boat this winter, in the region of 39/40 foot, this was going to be a 411 but I am now seriously looking at other marques as a result of what I percieve to be Hanse's arrogant or ignorant disregard to after-sales service.

"Bavaria 40" for sale anyone?

Skål

I have Hanse 371-092.  When I first used it I found water (fresh) in the bilge. It turned out I used the shower withour opening the drain through hull. That caused a leak where thoe hose clamped to the seacock. That was more than a year ago and the bilge is absolutely bone dry. I use the boat a lot and have been out in 50 knots plus, although the waves were not extreme.

I think the Hanse is an excellent boat structurally, but there are a few rough edges. I have previously owned 8 boats, including a brand new (1998) Catalina 34. The Catalina had better deck hardware, but the hull was much more fragile. 2 new rudders in 2 years (the boat was in charter), one due to grounding, one due to hitting a floating log. Hit a similar log with the Hanse, no damage!

We have raced the Hanse in the spring series at False Creek Yacht Club and came second overall in divison 1. All races were in light winds, never more than 10 knots. Our PHRF rating is 131 but will soon be raised to 128 as I bought a Sobstad Endurance 149% genoa.

mqh7

Pleased to hear that you are happy with your boat. I am too, mostly. Just unhappy with the after sales service. Because of this I will probably not upgrade, as planned, to a 411 this winter.

Also very disappointed with the standard of installation of electronics by 'Yachtausrüster' at Griefswald.

Didn't make me happy either when a friend told me "Well, it's a cheap boat"  !

For the record, an acqaintance of mine took delivery of a new Hallerg Rassy this year, had a list of faults as long as an ape's arm, but H-R are fixing them without a quibble.

Anyway, happy sailing. We in North Europe are still waiting for summer to arrrive !!!!

Cheers

Hi Franko,

It's the middle of WINTER here in Australia,been sailing twice this week.Curse I had to put a kacket as the sun went down.

Sorry but we do live in GOD's country.

Rob

Hanse Off.