32 or 35?
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Topic: 32 or 35?
Posted By: Arrow
Subject: 32 or 35?
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 06:05
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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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Replies:
Posted By: The Duke
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 10:11
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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 |
Posted By: Doug
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 12:49
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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 |
Posted By: Johan Hackman
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 12:57
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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 - http://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2624
Johan -------------  http://www.johanhackman.se" rel="nofollow - http://www.johanhackman.se |
Posted By: MarcoC
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 13:36
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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 http://www.wesailhanse.se" rel="nofollow - www.wesailhanse.se big wheel, deep draught iron keel, 3 cabins,Yanmar 3JH4E, Sparcraft rig. |
Posted By: The Duke
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 14:39
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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 |
Posted By: Arrow
Date 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!
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Posted By: kirkelund
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 17:06
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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 |
Posted By: trist33
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 17:08
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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!
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Posted By: Rubato
Date 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. |
Posted By: Johan Hackman
Date Posted: 01 February 2011 at 23:07
You make me sound so wise, probably because you slightly changed the wording . But the essence is the same.
Johan ------------- http://www.johanhackman.se" rel="nofollow - http://www.johanhackman.se |
kirkelund wrote:Posted By: Chris G
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 05:56
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And too much is usually just enough.....
The only proviso on all of the most excellent advice above is that you have to maintain the boat you buy - generally everything over about 42' gets exponentially more expensive and complex to maintain because the size (and cost) of everything just gets bigger. Draft is also a consideration - more than 2m means it gets difficult to get into many good harbours or anchorages, and length over 12m makes marinas more expensive. That said, if you're a family cruiser, the living space becomes pretty critical as well, especially if you or your spouse are into cooking etc. Hope it goes well for you, Chris ------------- H411 "Equinox" |
Posted By: kirkelund
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 06:48
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Hi Johan Thanks. I am glad I caught the essence  Came to think of it - following your advise you would probably end up with the exact same boat Marco was referring to anyway. The largest boat you can afford!  Ole. |
Posted By: Gran Onada
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 10:40
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We do own a 350 and I am more than satisfied with it. I don't know about the 320, but in my Marina there is a 315, and the 315 is slow as hell. In a 6 mile race we can take advantage of more than 1.5 miles (off course we usually win almost all local races ).------------- Gran Onada IV - Hanse 350 #130 |
Posted By: kirkelund
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 17:37
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Hi Gran Onada Are you sure it's not the CREW of that 315?? I would tend to disagree with you about the Hanse 315. I am convinced that the 315 is probably the fastest Hanse of its size (31-32 feet) ever!! If I am not mistaken this is backed by its Leading Yard Stick (LYS) measure here in Denmark (and in Scandinavia), which indicates that it is even significantly faster than the new 320! Considering the 320 is almost a ton heavier than the 315 with only slightly more sail it is no wonder! So - I am affraid your local competition in the Hanse 315 will have to practice a little more - and if they do - be aware Ole, |
Posted By: kirkelund
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 17:43
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Oh, Gran Onada I forgot to say that there might, of course, be another explanation. You (and your crew) are brilliant sailors! Ole, |
Posted By: shaukaas
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 21:11
I can assure you that the 320 isn't that slow; we were able to overtake an Elan 340 last summer. He raced with a full carbon North sails wardrobe and two "grey-hair'ed $ bling-blingers, 68'ers" behind the wheel... All I could see was the sun reflecting in his 10000$ Rolex...  I know by stating this, I might step on someones toes...  We had about 10m/s of wind, 0,1-0,3m waves - more or less perfect conditions for both boats I would say. I've got a shipyard-delivered mainsail, and a Elvström Epex 105% jib - so just comparing sails and boats, he should have been miles away from me... That can of course have something to do with the crew, either mine or his...  ------------- S/Y Nadun - Hanse 320#171 LG3600 - NOR13510 |
Posted By: Arrow
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 21:57
Again, thank you so much for all of the nice comments! 
I think a 32' would fit my needs and the needs of my other half, but I know I'll want to have the ability to take two more couples. This makes the 35' a good choice with the extra berth. Gotta keep my friends happy, too! Now, do I order a new one or look for a used one on the market? Also, it would be good to have an electric winch to hoist the main (my bad back needs help).
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Posted By: trist33
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 21:58
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kirkelund , I think they race out there under engine only, that would explain the slow as hell comment!
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Posted By: Arrow
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 22:01
| Doug- Thanks so much for the kind offer! I live in Washington, DC. Did you get your boat from Rich Kahn? |
Posted By: shaukaas
Date Posted: 02 February 2011 at 23:38
At least I was lucky enough to find a http://www.sailyard.com/find-us - Hanse-dealership during a quick visit to Annapoils, MD - just beside the restaurant "Chart House." ------------- S/Y Nadun - Hanse 320#171 LG3600 - NOR13510 |
Posted By: Doug
Date Posted: 03 February 2011 at 01:26
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Yes, I bought my Hanse 370 at Annapolis Sailyard, and Rich Kahn was my broker. Scott Heckard handled the commissioning and follow-up service. This is a great group of people, and I'm the self-appointed President of their Fan Club. Whether you want to buy a new or a used Hanse, I encourage you to contact them. I get no commissions or kick-backs from this endorsement. And, I want to add, I am completely happy with my boat.
------------- "Red Sky" 2008 Hanse 370, #465, Doug Anderson, Deltaville, VA, USA |
Posted By: bjoris
Date Posted: 05 February 2011 at 16:26
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We have the 350 and I managed to convince my wife in 2008 that the 320 would be to small for us with our two kids. We have two aftcabins. This is perfect for us and absolutly the right decision...
But rember the 350 is still a small boat for 3 couples... I think if that is the main reasson you want the 350 go for det 320 (325) and save the money... 6 adults in this boat over time is to much... for one night it is okey. ------------- H350#118 www.bjoris.blogspot.com |
Posted By: lukemi
Date Posted: 06 February 2011 at 16:03
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Just wanted to second Doug's comments about Sail Yard. I purchased my 370 from them in 2007. It's been a great boat for the Cheasapeake. Scott has been a great source of support for the last several years. We may have to start a Hanse Boat Club soon with the additions to the area. Best of luck with your selections.
Mike
Stella Maris 370e#166
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