630 - 630e problems?

630e problems?

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 630
Forum Description: 630 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15047
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:29
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Topic: 630e problems?

Posted By: Okavango
Subject: 630e problems?
Date Posted: 05 April 2025 at 22:20

Dear all, I'm looking at two 630e's, one 2007 and one 2008.

I would be very grateful for any owner's comments on problems - and good points - of these boats please.

-are they wet in the cockpit above 18/20 kts true?

-how do they cope with 2m+ swell and bigger seas?

-what are they like to cross the Atlantic in?

-the anchor system and furler seem weak

-one other person dislikes the Sparcraft aluminium rig

Basically - what goes wrong please?

Thank you in advance.

Replies:

Posted By: Wayne's World
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 07:19

Okavango,

Buy a 575 or 588.

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Wayne W
Cruising, currently in the Pacific until the end of 2026.

Posted By: Okavango
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 11:38

Wayne, thank you for taking the time to reply.

Can you be more specific please?

630e is half the price of a 588.

Why are the others so much better?

What problems do 630s have?

Posted By: samuel
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 15:02

There was a member called Panos who had an early 63. If any existing forumites can put you in touch with him you would get first hand experience from an acomplished sailor.

You may get some of his posts from a search on this forum.

I got the impression (rightly or wrongly) that he was not overly happy. I think that windows were a particular issue. But do not quote me. Just do a search.

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Daydream Believer- Hanse 311- No GBR9917T- Bradwell Essex

Posted By: Okavango
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 15:06

Thank you - I'm still locating the 630 posts on this forum as the search isn't great. Yes, Panos didn't seem amazed by his. He has a short Youtube video showing a window failing.

On top of the furler problems, poor electrics and lack of heavy weather reports, I'm sensing they are maybe not good oceangoing boats.

Posted By: samuel
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 15:24

Re heavy weather. Panos complained that the 63E would not heave too so had to be sailed in heavy weather. When conditions dictated that the vessel should be stopped for safety reasons.

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Daydream Believer- Hanse 311- No GBR9917T- Bradwell Essex

Posted By: Okavango
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 15:33

Thank you, I hadn't seen that.

I had indeed wondered about the lack of ability to reef the foresail, and how to use a smaller jib or storm jib as there appears to be no inner forestay.

The more I hear..the less I like the 630 I'm afraid.

Seems like a pleasant coastal Med boat but really not a serious mid-long distance seaboat.

Tanks are small too, and bilge pumps insufficient..

Posted By: kipwrite
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 21:51

Okavango,

I'd suggest you read all the threads on the 630 series. There are hundreds of posts with all kinds of issues raised, both good and bad. You'll probably find comments on the vessel you're considering if you know something of its history. And yes plenty of insights from member PANOS.

Navigate above to FORUM HOME and then scroll down to HINTS and TIPS and then click on 630.

Good luck.

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Kipwrite

Posted By: Okavango
Date Posted: 06 April 2025 at 22:00

I've been through them all now. The problems are:

-furler

-windows

-mast

-a little on rough weather

But would still like to hear from current owners as the comments are 15 years old now, including from the boat I'm looking at.

Nothing on hull performance in heavier weather and overall solidity.

Posted By: Giraffe23
Date Posted: 27 May 2025 at 17:26

Okavango

I have just bought a 2010 630 and I have to say it is a beautiful boat. Our first trip was in force 7 gusting 8 in 2.5 - 3.5m waves. It was a beam reach and with 2 reefs in the main and jib she sailed fantastically. We did not get wet once and averaged 9.8knots over the 6 hour crossing. There are a lot of things that can be wrong and a thorough survey is worth its weight in gold. I had a mechanical, electrical and rigging survey done. I would not disagree with the comment of buy a 575 or 588 and we looked at these but wanted the extra space and are very happy with what we bought. Good luck. I am happy to share my experience in the choice and purchase process if it helps.