415 /418 watch outs
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 415/418
Forum Description: 415/418 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12463
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:29
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 415 /418 watch outs
Posted By: Pennine star
Subject: 415 /418 watch outs
Date Posted: 12 January 2021 at 15:28
|
good afternoon I am new to the forum as recently sold my beloved Moody 31 and looking to move up to a 415/418 Has anyone any advice on known faults problems with either model such as: Sea cocks - not sure which type are standard and thus expected life Electronic installation - Props - views on folding / fixed Engine - is the upgrade a must or just nice to have Hardware? Any other extras you found are absolute gems thus recommend I am looking at the 3 cabin 2 heads thus any feedback on that model will also be great Apologies for the non specific message Appreciate all feedback Many thanks Adam
|
Replies:
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 09:49
|
Hi Adam - Welcome to the forum. I made a similar transition from my beloved (built from a kit) Hunter Channel 31 to a 418 two seasons ago. I honestly thought the Channel 31 was the best boat in the world ….but I'm seriously impressed with how things have moved on since the early 2000's. I'm very happy with my 418, which is much less "physical" to sail than the 31' despite being much bigger. Hanse and J&V have really nailed some easy handling and nice performance aspects to this design. Have you seen the YM review this month? Having done a bit of amateur boat building (x2 kit Hunters) I can say I'm actually pretty impressed with the standard of Hanse's. There are a fair number of bulkheads laminated to the hull and it's all very well executed. I have a lot of confidence in the boat offshore. I've not really found anything to fault yet. I think my only negative concern would be around the electrics - and it's not a fault or anything that has gone wrong - more a comment that the modern reliance on PCB's would render it very hard to diagnose and fix issues at sea. There's a whole new world of complexity to these boats than a few simple 12v circuits my last boat had! But I'm sure that comment would apply to any current boat manufacturer, in fact I think Bavaria's are even more complex! If I were doing an extended passage (& I plan to in the future) I would really get to know the electrics well and potentially build in some redundancy or "get me out of jail" hacks. Good luck with your purchase, you won't regret it ;-) ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 09:55
|
Sorry, in response to your specific questions, I should have added; There are a few threads on here about seacocks. For now I've adopted the view that the manufacturer must know what they were doing with the plastic through hulls married to a bronze / DZR? valve. I may come back to this when the boat is 5 yrs old I have the std engine and upgraded from a fixed two blade to a three blade flex o fold after the first season, which as you would expect has been transformative under sail but significantly better under power too. I think I posted the speed data on an earlier 418 thread. I would personally class this upgrade as "essential". It's doing the boat no justice to fit a small 2 blade prop
------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Pennine star
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 13:49
|
Thank you Matt Appreciate your advice. Electronics are certainly going the same as cars just as I was learning my way round a Multimeter! I have the January YM although not read it yet, is that the issue you refer to as cannot seen anything for the Hanse 418 specifically? I do not appear to have February yet thus perhaps that's the edition with the 418 Which layout do you have out of interest? regards and thanks again Adam
|
Posted By: Ratbasher
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 14:12
|
I think that Matt's being nicely modest in his reference to February's edition of the UK's 'Yachting Monthly' magazine. Unless I'm very much mistaken its his boat that's featured and what a lovely vessel she is - I'm particularly impressed with the wine stowage! The article contrasts and compares the 418 with the 348 and makes interesting reading for anyone interested in the marque. ------------- H400 (2008) 'Wight Leopard' Gosport, UK |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 14:28
|
Welcome to the forum and the world of Hanse. Matt's 418 is featured in the Feb edition of YM which came out a week or so back. I have no specific experience of the 418 but owned a 385 from new for 6 years and I'm now waiting for a new 458. I also moved up from an older boat, although in my case I knew that the old boat was less than perfect, but even so I was blown away by the sheer ability of the Hanse. I feel it is a fast but safe boat - light steering an excellent grip - never rounded up on me despite the occasional provocation in stronger winds! I usually sail with inexperienced crew and often solo. I had a 2 cabin layout and loved having the massive aft storage and larger galley - something that will not be as good on the 3m longer 458. The deck hardware is great and the Elvstrom FCL sails worked well. New boats have Quantum sails and I don't know much about them yet. Not sure if you are buying new or secondhand, but if the latter, look for a boat with a Selden rig. Again, from my 385 experience there were at least 2 other spar manufacturers used prior to about 2015. The B&G kit offers lots of features however this was where I had the majority of warranty claims. I had the mast sensor replaced twice, depth sensor, MFD and GoFree all replaced once. There were known issues with the mast sensor design which have now been resolved. Engine wise, I had the standard engine and never had a need for more. This was coupled with a Gori 2 blade folding prop. I would echo Matt in suggesting a folding prop is worthwhile for keen sailing. On a less positive note, it is apparent that the method of construction makes it rather difficult to access or replace some systems as they are built in before the cabinet work or before the hull and deck are joined. As Matt suggests, most of the other volume manufacturers at this price point are the same. All the same it would be nice to have better conduits in place for additional wiring or pipes. There are some, but not enough. Other extras that I would go for: * gates in the side decks * bowthruster (marginal on 418 but I'm getting one for the 458) * upgrade to anchor roller If you are buying new, talk to your dealer (Phil at IM if you are in the UK) about things that may be better to fit on commissioning (canvas, additional flexiteek, additional sails etc). And be aware that there are usually excellent deals during July and August if you are looking for 2022 delivery. ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 15:55
Aww..Thanks and I'm very happy with your comment as I pretty much leant on Mr Snook to include the wine rack picture....not least because I had 4 bottles of rather fine "Helmsman's" Shiraz from Bob Oatley's vineyard.
------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Ratbasher wrote:Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 16:17
The car analogy with electronics is a good one. I would be clueless trying to repair a car now! I have the twin aft cabin, one head version. It was IMG's demo boat so not spec'd by me. I would have gone for the single aft cabin but in hindsight the extra cabin has been useful so I'm glad they spec'd it! As IMG said to me at the time; you can use the cabin for stowage if you want, but that doesn't work the other way round eg using the locker as a cabin! My partner and I particularly wanted a boat with an Island berth so we didn't disturb each other getting up at night, like we did on the 31. Interestingly the YM review was very positive about the owners cabin on the 418 in their review (I don't think the 415 has the same arrangement?). My personal view is you would lose a lot with the second head on this size of boat but of course everyone's needs are different and I say that having never seen the 2nd head version! Big +1 to everything Stuart said above - He put the outstanding sailing characteristics better than I did and if you look on the thread about Solar panels and me fitting a USB socket you will see the fun we all have running cables (but I'm sure all modern boats are the same) ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 17:22
|
Adam - If you want to see some video of the 418 in action I put all my short clips into a little (non edited) youtube clip. Last season being the pandemic, and my GF shielding, all of these clips were whilst singlehanded (filming gave me something to do!). I won't win an Oscar but it gives you and idea ;-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QRMrf1-dBo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QRMrf1-dBo In the first clip of the sailing note how little the helm is moving on autopilot. This was deceptively gusty conditions, albeit in flat water, and it illustrates how balanced she is ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Pennine star
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 18:20
|
Hi and thank you for this I will certainly watch out for a selden rig, we are looking post 2015 so should be achievable
I do have the bow thruster as a must mainly because I think I was spoilt with the maneuverability of my 31 thus probably not as good in a marina as I think I am. The side gate is also something I had not considered but would certainly be helpful as I would berth side to New is probably beyond the budget unless of course the discounts are massive thanks again Adam |
Posted By: Pennine star
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 18:26
|
Thanks Matt Enjoyed the video, and insight into her handling, She is certainly quick and stable, I definitely do not want something twitchy nor wish to work the mainsheet on every gust Now just need the lockdown to end, vaccines to be rolled out and find a nice example of a 418 thanks again Adam |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 13 January 2021 at 20:13
|
you’re welcome. I’ve sent you a PM ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Tranquillity
Date Posted: 14 January 2021 at 16:13
|
Matt, Nice pics and article in Febs YM, Ember looking very smart! Like your choice of wines :-) Adam, We have been exceptionally pleased with our 418, sails brilliantly, the recommendations by Stuart /Matt are spot on and lots of other great advice in the forum. Get yourself a good dealer is essential for a smooth experience, I would endorse Phil from IMG in UK as extremely helpful. Good luck !
|
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 14 January 2021 at 17:04
|
Thanks John. HNY - Obviously highly likely to change, but I'm booked to be lifted at Hamble Point from 23rd March - 8th April so may see you around depending on when Tranquility is ashore? Matt ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Tranquillity
Date Posted: 14 January 2021 at 20:25
|
Matt, Just sent you a PM. Tranquillity is on the hard, looking forward when allowed to travel again to do the winter maintenance!
|
Posted By: Andrew6586
Date Posted: 24 January 2021 at 15:25
|
Hi, We sold our Westerly 33 for a Hanse 415. We bought 'Raggy Doll' new in July 2016 from IM. She is 2 cabin and 2 heads. We have had very few issues with her other than what I would described as general maintenance, we have sailed to Portugal and to the Canaries and recently she has come back to the UK. We were looking at a trip to the Caribbean prior to Covid, Brexit and other personal changes in our lives. We have fitted a number of additional items to suit our needs, making us more flexible and viable for longer trips and sea crossings and being on anchor. Such as, 3rd reef in the main, Furlstrom and Blue Water Runner sails, Fisher Panda Genset and upgraded Mastervolt inverter and battery charger, Sea fari water maker, (55litres p/hr), 2 solar panel 100w and 150w, Rutland 1200 wind gen. We have sailed in up to F7/8 and she is incredibly stable for a production boat and fast. In stronger winds I tend to come off the wind a little more than I used to in my Westerly just to ease the effect of the occasional slam from a larger wave. I changed the fixed prop for a 2 blade flexofold, purely as the slight uplift in speed can make a difference on a crossing of several days (I wouldn't bother really for coastal only sailing). We have the standard 40hp which has always had sufficient power and is reasonably fuel efficient. We converted the life raft cubby into the locker for the genset, the life raft is now on the pushpin with a hydrostatic release fitted (an option I prefer for ocean sailing). We also fitted a mast head tri-colour for offshore night sailing. We enjoy the larger galley with the 2 head version and the store is full with sails, spares and additional fuel for longer crossings as well as a SUP dinghy,BBQ, Torqueedo, fishing equipment, tools etc. We tend to only use the saloon heads at sea as there is less movement but 2 are useful when not at sea. At 4 1/2 yrs old the sea coks are ok - we replaced the engine cooling valve last Sept as it had started to seize and one of the sea cocks in 2018 as a result of work fitting the water maker. We also had fitted additional USB chargers in the cabins and saloon as well as a direct to battery socket point for a search light in the rope locker near the helm and a charging point in one of the saloon lockers for a hand held Dyson! I'm sure there's more (extra anchor chain, cruising pack, FCL sails, storm sail etc) but I believe I've included the main things. Regards Andrew ------------- Andrew |
Posted By: Pennine star
Date Posted: 25 January 2021 at 15:36
|
Many thanks Andrew Really helpful. I can see you are well kitted for bluewater although my immediate future will be coastal but certainly much longer passages within 3 years and thus the same ultimate desires of the extras you have fitted I am particularly pleased with your experiences in a force 7/8 which is on my mind going from a heavy Moody, albeit a lot smaller Thanks again, much appreciated Just waiting for Covid to pi55 off now so we can hunt some down and go to see them Adam |
Posted By: Hexagon
Date Posted: 19 February 2021 at 22:19
|
Hi to all you Hanse sailors. I am new to this forum and, like Adam, am
considering a 418 and am keen to hear of your experiences and opinions on a few
things, including as Adam said, what options and upgrades are recommended. Thanks Matt for the video –
went through it all and enjoyed seeing the boat actually sailing through a few
manouvres without the model and the cool dude looking gorgeous as in the promo
videos which I have run through a few times. I take on
board the comment about upgrading the prop and will keep that in consideration. I would
like an opinion on the suitability of the boat for blue-water sailing as I am
also planning that for some time not too far away. My dream is for a
high-performance boat which is actually built for sailing across oceans, and I
have been led to believe that the Hanse 418 is not really in this category – I was
even told that by a Hanse dealer. As an example, where would you stow the
liferaft? Some other boats have a dedicated aft locker for that purpose. I
suppose the answer is that it would go up on top of the coach roof and that is
no real problem, but neither is it optimal. S&J, what
is the issue with the anchor roller – what sort of upgrade are you referring to?
I would like to modify it to have a decent step for walking off the bow – is that
what you mean? That is essential if you are mooring bow-to as in Sweden (no
tide, bow up to the rocks, pray the stern anchor is set well). In fact I have
seen this done, on Aurora in Sweden (the subject of another interesting tale). Looking
forward to hearing some words of wisdom. Hector |
Posted By: andrewlambert
Date Posted: 19 February 2021 at 23:11
|
hexagon I recommend a book called Heavy Weather Sailing by Peter Bruce Independent objective analysis ------------- Hanse 370 #237 "Ginger Bay" UK, River Hamble |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 19 February 2021 at 23:22
|
If you take a look at some of the postings on ybw.com about lighter, beamier modern boats vs heavier (often older) but slower boats you will find s distinct split of opinion about what makes a good blue water cruiser. Crossing an ocean takes you beyond reliable weather predictions so you can argue that you need to be ready for anything. However most passages have a season when favourable weather can be expected. I get the feeling that those favouring heavier boats may not appreciate the enjoyment of s higher performance boat when not on an ocean passage, which will be where the majority of days are spent. Plenty of 415/8 and 445/55/58 boats can be found on the Arc and beyond. The year I bought my 385 Interlude (first time boat owners) took their new 385 from Greifswald to Sydney. Ultimately it is a personal choice. I hope to get to the Caribbean with my 458, but we need to get clear if covid first and my plans go no further than aiming to get to the med this year. Having sailed in the Swedish archipelagos, I have to say that the vertical stem does not make stern anchoring with bow to a rock easy! Luckily I had a couple of teenage nephews who were able to long-jump ashore for me! The upgrade I referred to is to get s double anchor roller on the bow. This is now offered as an upgrade by Hanse and allows use of a second bow anchor or taking a lazy-line or mooring line over a dedicated roller. This option also provides a solid mounting point for a furling light air/ offering sail like the furlstrom. ------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: S&J
Date Posted: 19 February 2021 at 23:56
I have this book on board and read the odd chapter when I want to scare myself. But bear in mind the book is significantly older than Hanse as s company!
------------- H458 #159 Primal Mediterranean cruising |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 20 February 2021 at 06:48
|
Well I’m not sure about the “without the model and the cool dude” comment ;)) There’s another one here from the previous (1st) season https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O6J-DuUHvZA" rel="nofollow - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O6J-DuUHvZA Like (S&J) I intend to take my 418 across the pond and hopefully beyond. There is just the minor matter of needing to retire first :( I went across on a 43’ Beneteau Oceanis many years ago, encountering a 4 day gale of Finistere. The boat was fine but the 418 would have been better! In terms of the life raft I use the under cockpit seat locker as my dedicated safety locker with life raft, emergency steering and grab bags   ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Hexagon
Date Posted: 24 February 2021 at 20:25
|
Thanks for your comments regarding my enquiry about the suitability of a Hanse 418 for long-distance cruising. Perhaps I should have been a little clearer. I am well aware of the divide in opinion highlighted by S&J, and I am firmly a supporter of "light and fast" boats for cruising - I love sailing a responsive and fast boat and so feel that if I am spending my life aboard and sailing, then that is fundamental. It was more that I can't help comparing with other fast cruisers, and some of them seem to be a little more focused on bluewater and long-term capabilities, however they are probably out of my price range so there goes that! Matt, that was really helpful to me to see that the cockpit locker can serve that purpose of handling the safety gear. Maybe it's a simplistic question, but what about fenders and mooring lines - where do you fit them in? I have spent too much time dredging through the Hanse website looking for information instead of looking here (hence my comment on the models - always looking totally relaxed when I am looking for a picture of some detail like a cockpit locker). So it was great to see your video, Matt. I was clearly set back quite a bit when, as I mentioned earlier, a Hanse dealer said to me that the boat was designed to be a coastal cruiser, not for ocean-crossings. I suppose even ex-World champions can get out of touch! I think that dealership has a certain clientele which does not include the long hauls. Thanks also for the mention of someone's friend who sailed from Europe to Australia - good to hear those stories. I have regained my faith!
|
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 25 February 2021 at 09:20
|
Thanks for the comments about the video. I'd like to hope, being a recent convert to the Hanse brand, that I'm still pretty objective and balanced but in reality I could write page after page about how impressed I am with my 418, and could say how the crew of an XC45 I was alongside (a boat I previously lusted after!) told me it was twitchy as hell, a real handful and that I was better off with the Hanse (which he had also sailed). It's the handling under sail that impresses me and certainly a boat I will be very confident taking offshore or ocean sailing. You will also note they are about a ton heavier than the equivalent Beneteau / Jeanneau. That weight mainly being in the keel and hull I suspect. The 418 is also rated A10 whereas the Jeanneau / Beneteau was an A8 if my memory serves me correctly. No big difference but probably points to increased stability. The GZ curve is ok I do know what you mean about the brokers though. I was talking with Bavaria before choosing the Hanse and in answer to "how does the boat sail?" he replied "it's a Bavaria, if you want to tweak lines its not for you"!! I think where Hanse are orientated around easy sailing it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking they are aimed at the less experienced owner but there's no doubt they are capable of significant passages. Below is my favourite Hanse video because it shows the reality of a young / small family taking a 458(5?) on a passage in the Atlantic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOtfFC8RNzw" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOtfFC8RNzw If you search on Youtube for "Halcyon yacht deliveries" they upload quite a few videos of delivery trips in Hanses; including a 325 from UK to Canaries and several ocean passages. I carry 10 fenders. 2 go in the anchor locker (for convenience), the other 8 go in the port lazarette (with a bit of organising). Under the starboard lazarette I keep a hose, bucket, brush, inflatable dinghy, oars, lines and genneker sheets etc etc ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Gelato418
Date Posted: 09 March 2021 at 13:59
|
Adam hello, I'm new in the Forum. Last year we bought a brand new Hanse 418 with the layout you're going to have. Although we are quite happy with the boat, we faced a number of defects, some of which could lead to major problems. 1. One of the service battery clamps was not fixed properly that lead to cable overheating which in its turn could result in fire. So I had to cut the bolt off and replace it. 2. The Microwave was not fixed. They just forgot to fix it with the screws. So during the transportation it fell out. Thank God nothing was broken. 3. The lid of the additional water tank was leaking. We had to use Sikaflex to seal it. 4. The water pump of the AC drain container was not powered. They just forgot to connect it. So it lead to leaking water under the flooring. So pull the cabler and connect it. It was really hard. 5. One of the water level sensors in water tank was not connected to the electrical panel. We could not find the way to connect it properly, so now the water tank is indicated on the screen as the additional fuel tank which I don't have at all. 6. A hose in the bow head going under the floor has smaller diameter than the hole in the floor. When taking a shower a great deal of water went under the flooring. We had to seal it with Sikaflex. 7. The door of the main head has a metal bar keeping the drop from going outside. It was missing in the bow head. So the water went to the master cabin when taking shower. 8. B&G chartplotter was not fixed properly. The internal bolts were loose. Could lead to structural failure. 9. The air outlet hose of the main water tank in master cabin was drilled through by the screw and under pressure the water was flowing under the floor. Replaced the hose. 10. The water tank switcher got broken right after the very first switching because the wall mounting is very weak. 11. The pressure valve of the water heater was leaking. So we had to mount the drain pipe and lead it to the AC drain container. 12. The wrong AC grills in the master cabin resulted in drain water on the wall. So we had to insulate some part of AC with the insulation material. 13. An openable side hatch is leaking. We are going to replace it with the thicker one. It was not very difficult to fix all the problems described, but it was extremely difficult to find all those defects especially those causing leakage. During 3 months we were constantly having water under the flooring and I had to spend hour to pump it out. The boat inside was fully taken apart at least twice to write off the causes of leakage. Anyway I have lots of information, videos and pictures and if required send it. My e-mail is nickgavrish@gmail.com or in WhatsApp (007 903 969 64 06) We also made great deal of interesting customisation in situ. The works were done by two service companies in Greifswald: Wendel&Rados and Yachtwerft. They did a flawless job. |
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 09 March 2021 at 19:58
|
Sorry to hear that Gelato. Sounds like you have been very unlucky. My 418 had less than a handful of issues, all minor and all sorted by the dealer. ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Gelato418
Date Posted: 10 March 2021 at 05:24
|
Matt hello, It’s ok. Everything past. It was a good family project to accomplish. Now we are quite happy. The boat is huge for it’s size and is amazing at sailing. I would recommend Adam to choose classic main sail full battened and a folding propeller.
|
Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 10 March 2021 at 08:31
|
Pleased you got it sorted and a big +1 for the folding prop and conventional mainsail ;-) Can't wait to get back out on my 418...4 weeks to relaunch :-) ------------- Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK |
Posted By: Pennine star
Date Posted: 10 March 2021 at 10:08
|
Hi Nick Nice to meet you and very kind of you to pass on your experience for others to benefit from We are quite a way away from placing an order , my friend still needs to sell his current boat, but should we go down this route , which I hope we do, then I will certainly drop you a note to help advise me if that’s ok Thanks again Adam |