yacht test hanse 315

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Hanse 315 boat test – packing a lot into a small space

• Toby Hodges
• February 10, 2016

As other builders go up in size, Hanse looks to the smaller end of its fleet to bring in the customers. And the Hanse 315 packs a lot in a small space, says Toby Hodges

All photos Paul Wyeth Credit: Paul Wyeth

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Winner of the Family Cruiser category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards 2015. Read more here

What do Tesco Metro, iPad Mini and a Hanse 315 all have in common? They are the result of big firms concentrating the best of their products into a more compact, feature-rich, yet user-friendly version.

Take Tesco, UK’s biggest superstore chain. Its success, from the 1980s to today, is linked with its ability to adapt quickly to consumer trends using the size, range and variety of its stores. Its smaller, compact Metro branches, which first appeared in 1994, are a clever example of the company’s versatility.

Hanse Yachts was founded at around the same time (early 1990s) and soon developed a wide range of modern production cruising yachts with broad appeal. But recently you could be forgiven for thinking that its success with large yachts would tempt the Greifswald yard to focus on the top end of the scale. Hanse has sold over 175 of the 575 in three years, and has taken six orders for the yet-to-launch 675.

However, Hanse’s 315 shows that keeping equal focus on the smaller sizes is smart. It attracts people into a brand where, as with supermarkets, retaining loyalty becomes key.

The same applies to other large yacht builders, so why should you be interested in this particular 30-footer? In my opinion, the Hanse 315 is the best recent example of a compact big yacht. It takes many intelligent ideas seen on larger modern designs and includes them in a size that is both practical and fun to sail.

The 315 has more volume than the 325 it is replacing, a larger sailplan and deeper L-keel (providing CE category A). As Tesco’s Metro branches have done to larger stores, Hanse’s 315 could render many larger yachts obsolete.

The shape of things to come

Many of the best features of the 315 stem directly from her hull shape. Judel Vrolijk has given her a modern performance profile that closely resembles that of her sister brand Dehler. Benefits from this shape are felt in the cockpit space and generous volume aft. Broad aft beam creates the option of twin wheels – she’s the smallest production yacht to have this.

But the prime advantage of her hull design, the calling card of the 315, is her superb sailing ability. It is the reason why I wanted a second sail after a brief autumn outing during the European Yacht of the Year trials.

Her flared quarters look aggressive and, together with a near plumb stem and stern, help maximise waterline length when heeled. The result is that she is simply a delight to sail, aided by steering that is superlight and responsive.

The 315 is a surprisingly addictive boat to helm. Most yachts take some getting used to, as you try to get the balance right, tweaking the control lines. The Hanse is instantly playful, encouraging you to throw her through tacks and maximise your time on the water.

UK agent Phil Dollin thought a reef or two might be prudent with the wind gusting over 20-25 knots as we left the Hamble River. But with flat water and an interest in seeing how she responds when pushed, he agreed to keep full sail. It helped to demonstrate how manageable this 30-footer is.

Advantages of a self-tacking jib

The 315 brings sailing back to basics, thanks in part to her single-point mainsheet and a self-tacking jib. Admittedly, there were times when Dollin needed to play the main as we headed into chop and Force 6 gusts around Calshot, or when I would feather the main if I were sailing her solo. But she only rounded up once, ever so politely, when over-pressed.

The vang and backstay are sufficiently adjustable to flatten the large main to keep it driving rather than overpowering the boat.

The self-tacking jib helps make sailing smooth and easy. It also aids confidence, especially with the breeze up. Instead of gybing, for example, you can just throw in a handbrake turn – a 270° tack – which only requires the helmsman to spin the wheel.

One problem we found when doing this with the single-point mainsheet was that it can get caught on the (optional) primary winches when it goes slack.

I was surprised to hear that few Hanse owners in the UK opt for a downwind sail. A furling asymmetric at least would top my extras list to help compensate for the small headsail area and its poor sheeting angle when sailing deep – the narrow width of the track is dictated by the coachroof to which it is mounted.

I would also welcome the ability to trim the jib from the wheel, by creating a lead from the coachroof to a primary. For couples, or those intending to sail solo, the standard tiller steering might be a more practical option for adjusting main and jib trim.

The Hanse 315 is sprightly and spirited to sail, particularly upwind and close reaching. We averaged around 7 knots close-hauled, where 32° to the apparent wind (45° true) was the sweet spot. Pinch more and the mainsail loses power and speed drops off quickly.

Reaching speeds touched 8 knots, well heeled – nothing to get worried about, just enough to give a safe thrill. The twin wheels help maintain the sporty feel with direct feedback via Jefa linkage.

The down sides of entry-level

Building a compact cruising yacht with a wealth of positive features for an entry-level price invariably involves drawbacks.

The pushpit is the first downside I took issue with. Hanse offers a beamy swim platform, above which is just a single guardwire to protect the cockpit. We were quick to point out this safety deficiency during our trials of an early 315 model in La Rochelle.

During those same trials, the fitting supporting the optional genoa sheet arrangement became detached – it turns out there was no backing plate below the deck. Hanse has since addressed both problems on later models.

The starboard steering column on the Hanse test boat in the Hamble also had play in it and it felt as if the mounting needed better reinforcement. Hanse commendably builds ten prototypes at this size, but these are issues that should be seen and resolved before production begins in earnest.

The test boat had a lot of optional extras, including an upgraded engine, twin wheels, laminate sails, sprayhood, heating, etc. It served as a good example of how the finish price of a production yacht bears little resemblance to its base price. With everything included, the test boat cost double the £50,000 standard price.

Looking through the spec sheet, I’d still want an offwind sail as well – and, having seen one hull in metallic blue, perhaps even a vinyl wrap.

Standing room

Pause at the foot of the companionway and you’ll notice something rather unusual for a yacht of this size – you can stand. By lowering the sole to the minimum height above the bilge, Hanse has created 6ft 3in headroom here.

This has a greater impact than you might imagine; it really gives the impression of a much larger yacht below. You can stand to work at the galley or chart table. The only problem is that you soon forget you are on a 31ft yacht, and promptly bump your head when going forward.

The layout is beautifully in proportion. The design team has been particularly clever with the cabins. Rather than just have a vee berth and open bulkhead forward, they have created an option for a cabin with a door. To achieve this, the length of the berth is reduced and insert boards used each side aft. This creates three different options: a child’s berth, a single berth with changing seat, or a full double vee berth.

However, it is the aft cabin that will be used by owners – if they can get into it. The entrance is short and narrow, but once there, you are rewarded with a giant athwartships double berth that extends under the cockpit.

It is wide enough, in fact, to be used as a longitudinal single berth should you want to. An angled backrest against the hull encourages you to recline comfortably in the area with most seated headroom.

The port saloon sofa is long enough to sleep on and the saloon is generous in size. Although the heads is also large, it feels rather bleak. It’s simply a wet room, a glassfibre pod that brings home the mass-production nature of the build. But there is plenty of light and 6ft headroom and it puts practicality first, including space to hang wet weather gear over the shower tray.

Hanse owners can escape the ‘cloned’ feel to some extent thanks to the numerous options on offer. There is a multitude of colour options inside and out, including gelcoat tints or vinyl wraps, upholstery and veneer finish. I was impressed to see big boat features as standard too, such as LED lights that can be dimmed or controlled from a smart touch panel.

As Tesco’s slogan says: ‘Every little helps.’

Specifications

LOA 9.62m/31ft 7in

LWL 8.70m/28ft 7in

Beam (max) 3.35m/10ft 11in

Draught 1.85m/6ft 1in

Disp (lightship) 4,700kg/10,362lb

Ballast 1,500kg/3,307lb

Sail area (100% foretriangle) 49.8m 2 /563ft 2

Engine 11.8hp Volvo Penta saildrive

Water 230lt/51gal

Fuel 160lt/35gal

Sail area:disp 19.0

Disp:LWL 199

Price ex VAT: £54,092

Price as tested: £99,195 inc VAT

Design: Judel/Vrolijk & Co

www.hanseyachts.com

Be realistic, how many large cruising yachts would you really want to take out for a quick spin, two-up? I don’t know of many that I could or would want to do what we did during our test sail: hop aboard for a photoshoot, throw her around and sail her solo at times while over-canvassed. Yet the Hanse 315 was a joy, despite the dull winter conditions.

The price might not be quite as attractive as it might seem at first glance – not exactly ‘entry level’ by the time you’ve ticked enough boxes to make the boat comfortable – but the 315 still represents good value.

There were a few concerns with build quality on deck, signs that Hanse is perhaps cutting corners to keep cost down, but this is related to the larger issue of trying to create a truly affordable new yacht.

That aside, if you want a small family cruiser or a sporty, compact yacht, look no further. The Hanse 315 has the space and pace of a 35-footer with the price and practicality of a 30-footer. She puts the basics back into enjoyable sailing. Light and manageable, easy and fun, she has a shape that ensures an entertaining ride.

When done well, it is the convenience of a compact model, whether that be electronics, supermarkets or cruising yachts, that attracts the customers to come back.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Hanse 315 review

• Philippa Park
• November 11, 2015

Hanse’s new smallest addition was designed to be affordable. Graham Snook tested her to see if she’s worth it

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

This test has unsettled me.

For the last few years, the Winner 9 has been the leader in her class.

No other yacht around her size could offer her excellent combination of performance, price, build quality and customisation.

Now Hanse has launched its 315, I’m not certain which boat is best.

The hull of the 315 is reminiscent of Hanse’s sportier brand, Dehler, and she sails very well.

But is she now top of the class?

I’m not sure I know myself.

Performance

A force 4-5 easterly whistled through Hamble Point Marina as we set off with full mainsail and self-tacking jib.

She handled the conditions well, her grip in the water was excellent.

Only when the mainsail was left sheeted as a gust hit would the toerail submerge and she’d gripe, but she has to be hard pressed even for that to happen.

At the helm

There’s a short stub of a transom behind the wheel, which gives some feeling of security.

Our test boat was yet to have the fold-down transom and aft guardrails fitted, which I expect would remove the worry of dogs, children or helmsmen disappearing off the back without notice.

With the aft cabin beneath it, the cockpit is slightly higher than normal, but unless you’re standing at the wheel it’s barely noticeable.

Sitting to leeward, the pushpit makes a very comfortable backrest.

On the windward side I was reliant on the grip from my bum on the coaming as the foot blocks were yet to be installed.

(These will be fitted where the owner wants them, once she is sold).

The feeling on the Jefa steering was delightful: light, with no slack or echo of movement from the opposite wheel.

The danger with a steering system this good is that you find yourself waggling the wheels around to enjoy her responsiveness, which does little for her speed or your course, but it is fun.

Design & construction

Her hull is designed by Judel/Vrolijk with an almost plumb bow and stern making full use of her 9.1m (28ft 8in) hull length.

She only loses 40cm at her waterline.

From aft it’s clear to see there’s less internal volume beneath the cockpit, making her waterline narrower.

She has a foam-cored hull above the waterline, solid laminate below, and her deck is balsa- cored.

The inner tray moulding makes up the seat bases in the saloon and provides recesses for the bulkheads.

Nine bolts hold the deep, L-shaped keel in place.

Her self-tacking jib makes the crew redundant during tacks.

She had the optional Elvstrom FCL laminate jib and fully-battened mainsail with single-line slab reefing.

The mainsail was on Seldén’s excellent MDS cars, the jib benefiting from vertical battens near the head, which stop the top of the leech falling away and flapping with a frequency from Harley Davidson to Vespa, depending on course and wind speed.

Deck layout

Halyards and jib sheet are controlled by the two Lewmar 40ST winches either side of the companionway.

There are two others further aft, which can be used for a German mainsheet system or for offwind sails.

The cockpit locker to port is a good size, it’s hull depth, but where the moulding from the aft cabin beneath impinges on the locker it actually makes a good shelf.

There’s washboard stowage at the front that looked vulnerable to attack from dinghies or fenders.

The cockpit coaming isn’t the most supportive, but it’s nice and wide to sit on or comfortable to rest against.

The pick of the seats is a lovely rounded and reclined seatback at the aft end of the coachroof.

Even without the luxury of a cockpit cushion it was still snug and comfortable.

Stepping over the wide coaming onto the deck, there are short handrails to help you to the swept- back spreaders (with chainplates taken to the toerail) but nothing further forward.

It’s still a short distance to the mast, so longer handrails would have been nice.

Living aboard

There are two interior layout options and having been on board both, it is a tough decision; both have advantages.

Without the forecabin door, but with a large aperture in the forward bulkhead instead, you have a vast saloon area giving space and light.

With the full bulkhead and door you have privacy and cupboard stowage.

Your choice will depend on your circumstances; either way there is still a large, athwartships berth (with a minimum size of 1.93m x 1.65m) in the fair-sized aft cabin.

One of the reasons for my indecision is the clever use of space in the forecabin if you opt for the bulkhead and the three- in-one layout it gives.

The first layout is a standard V-berth (2.05m long x 1.55m at the head, 0.66m at the foot).

But lift the port-side cushion and a hinged board lifts and folds back, revealing a neat seat in the inner moulding, complete with cushion and backrest – and you’ve still got a full-sized single berth.

Lift the smaller starboard cushion, slide the bunk base under a locker and you now have a 1.39m long children’s double berth.

There is the question of what to do with the excess cushions: personally I’d relegate them to the oversized aft berth.

Sadly, if you opt for the open-plan interior, this innovative solution is done away with and the berth is full width and fixed.

Innovative touches

She has the touch-panel light switch found throughout the Hanse and Dehler range, so the lights can be programmed or dimmed – rare on this size of boat, as are LED lights in the recess of the overhead handrail.

The reading lights on stalks are also worth mentioning as they can be switched to red or white.

The saloon is a small (11cm) step up, the port-side seat is 1.93m long and would make a good sea berth with a leecloth added – and you will need one, because the starboard-side seat is a bit too short (1.65m).

Although it’s possible to sleep five, the saloon table again is a little frugal at 0.84m long, best suited to four diners.

The headroom is 1.74m (5ft 8in) in the saloon.

Although there are overhead handrails I felt a grab-handle aft of the chart table at a more accessible height would be an advantage, but any owner could easily add this.

Aft to port is a very large heads at the base of the companionway.

It’s a good storage place for wet oilskins, a fact not lost on the designers who have made a cut-out in the single piece GRP moulding to allow oilskins to hang and drain into the shower tray.

Further aft is the sink and inboard-facing toilet.

Chart table

The chart table has a minimum size of 0.65m x 0.51m and can be used seated, facing aft (beware of the corner by your thigh) or standing, facing outboard.

Opening the switch panel reveals a bundle of wiring all labeled with words, far better than the usual code numbers that have to be deciphered.

There are two bottom-hinged lockers outboard, and bookshelves will be added outboard of the saloon seating.

The small L-shaped galley is a good height to work and wash up at the single sink but the stove really needs a crash bar, because accessing the top-opening fridge on a port tack means leaning against the cooker.

The galley lacks workspace and stowage – the fiddled shelves outboard of the stove are OK, just.

One could say these details should be corrected, but she’s built to an attractive price.

Hanse said she’s more expensive than they had planned, but she is a better boat.

Maintenance

Access to the engine is from the front or either side.

Topping up the saildrive gearbox oil wouldn’t be the easiest of jobs, but neither is it impossible.

A single 90Ah service battery is under the starboard saloon berth (a second is optional).

The battery charger sits under the port berth.

All seacocks have neat slides on the handle to prevent them opening by accident.

OUR VERDICT ON THE BOAT

What’s she like to sail.

She’s a very easy boat to handle, thanks in part to her simple self-tacking jib arrangement.

Twin wheels on 31ft yachts seem here to stay, although she is available with a tiller, which keeps her cost down – but only one of the first 10 owners have opted for one.

The Jefa steering is as good as it is on many bigger, more expensive boats; it was light, silky smooth and responsive.

The leather-covered wheels were comfortable to use.

The cockpit sole occasionally felt a little high but this was minor and easily forgotten because the way she sails is very good indeed.

The mainsheet is ideally located between the wheels (but a German mainsheet or traveller are options).

It was easy to brace a foot on the table and heave in the sheet, or ease it out in gusts.

Not that the mainsheet needs much attention: only when water was washing down the side deck did she show any sign of disobedience – the angle of heel and increasing weight on the wheel gave fair warning well before we reached that point.

What’s she like in port and at anchor?

Her single and substantial bow roller sits well proud of her vertical bow.

The chain locker is deep, with stowage for fenders and plenty of chain for coastal cruising.

She’s manoeuvrable and will turn well in tight spaces.

There is a fair old distance between her saildrive and rudder, which causes a bit of delay between applying thrust and it being directed by the rudder, but it’s predictable.

The forward end of the cockpit was made for lounging: back to the coachroof, looking aft over the transom and anchorage – perfect, for two people at least.

Down below, the galley worktops are higher than usual, thanks partly to the sunken floor (to gain headroom) but it’s actually a comfortable height to work at.

The heads is a large, all-in-one GRP compartment with a built-in shower and space for hanging oilskins; it works well.

The saloon is bright and benefits from simple, neat design.

The open-plan option, which does away with the enclosed forward bulkhead and door, increases the feeling of space – something often lacking on smaller yachts.

Would she suit you and your crew?

In the past, it’s fair to say that accommodation was a higher priority for Hanse than sailing performance.

While the 315 hasn’t crossed over to being performance-orientated, she strikes a good balance.

She might not have the interior quality of a few other boats in her class, but neither does she have their price tag.

The 315 benefits from Hanse’s bulk-buying power and technology trickling down from its other models.

She starts off at a low price (£70,000 Inc VAT), then options help you tailor her to your requirements and your finances.

She’s available with twin wheels or tiller, shallow keel or deep.

The galley and chart table are the only compromised areas and even they aren’t off-putting.

The saloon is good, as are the cabins and cockpit, but she could do with a few more grab handles and a crash bar at the galley.

She’s a versatile boat, the Hanse 315.

A good buy for anyone starting out with their first new boat, or downsizing from a larger yacht.

If coastal cruising is your main aim – unless you have a large, grown-up family or crew in tow – she’ll make a great boat to do just that.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Price £92,300 Inc VAT LOA 9.62m (31ft 6in) LWL 8.70m (29ft 8in) Beam 3.35m (11ft 0in) Draught 1.85m (6ft 1in) or 1.37m (4ft 6in) Displacement 4,700kg (10,361 lb) Ballast 1,500kg (3,306 lb) Ballast ratio 31.9(%) Sail area 47m2 (506sq ft) SA/D ratio 17 Diesel 160 litres (35 gal) Water 230 litres (50 gal) Engine 20hp Transmission Saildrive RCD category A Designer Judel/Vrolijk & Co Builder Hanse Yachts UK Agent Inspiration Marine  Tel +44 (0)2380 457008  Web Hanseyachts.co.uk

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• By Jeremy McGeary
• Updated: January 30, 2007

Hanse Yachts didn’t plan on selling the Hanse 315 in America, but U.S. customers requested its appearance, despite the freight premium on a boat this small. Described by the builder as a family performance cruiser, in its standard form the clean-cut 315 is set up for daysailing and close-to-home cruising.

No dodger base is molded in the cabin trunk, and a bimini is precluded by the mainsheet, which attaches to a single point on the cockpit sole forward of the steering pedestal. Singlehanded sailing would be easier and likely more fun with the tiller-steering option. The full-battened mainsail provides drive, and the self-tacking roller-furling jib, which employs a curved track and mast-routed sheet system, makes maneuvering a piece of cake. Installed genoa tracks allow a quick upgrade for club racing or cruising in regions known for light air.

Below, the interior is bright, simply laid out, and functional, though the Hanse modernist approach to decor threatens fiddles with extinction; galley activities are best done at anchor. Artful design allows the forward cabin to convert from a normal V-berth to a single with standing room and a seat. A second cabin is aft of the galley; the head is to port of the companionway, with access to the cockpit locker.

In barely 6 knots of wind, the Hanse 315 sailed at about 3 knots under jib and main and responded quickly to the light helm. Under power, flat out at 3,800 rpm, it made 7.7 knots; at a more leisurely 2,600 rpm, it achieved a useful 6.2 knots.

Hanse has recently released a new, updated and highly customizable edition of the 315 which was named a Cruising World Boat of the Year in 2016. The new yacht features a number of interior layout options and a variety of colors.

Hanse 315 Specs

LOA: 31′ 0″ LWL: 27′ 4″ Beam: 10′ 6″ Draft (standard): 5′ 9″ Sail Area: 495 sq. ft. Displacement: 8,589 lb. Water: 32 gal. Fuel: 13 gal. Engine: 21-hp. Yanmar Designer: Judel/Vrolijk & Co. Price: $122,000 Hanse Yachts US, (410) 626-1493, www.hanseyachts.com

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Hanse 315: Yacht Review

The hot new entry-level yacht with the lot from the big german yard.

The German manufacturer Hanse is doing an excellent job with its latest Hanse 315. This new sail-cruiser has been swamped with praise since its launch last year. That's because she is a 'proper yacht' that can sail offshore yet is reasonably priced.

The era when small production yachts like Hood 23s and Endeavour 26s got a generation of Aussies into yacht cruising has long gone. Today's entry-level yacht is 30 foot or bigger, as boat buyers expect more room and comfort, which also means less buyers as the starting price is higher.

This situation is quite a dilemma for the yachting industry, which naturally wants coming generations of sailors to jump aboard. But there are some manufacturers who are trying to make the entry point more affordable.

The German manufacturer Hanse is doing an excellent job with its latest Hanse 315, a 'proper yacht' that can sail offshore yet is reasonably priced.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT - Locally, this well-equipped yacht retails from a base-price of just $175,000. With a few important extras like a sun-bimini and wind instruments, the Hanse 315 retails around the $200,000 mark. This is still very good value today for a yacht around the 31-foot mark.

Hanse has been one of the most successful international yacht builders for the past decade and is undoubtedly trying to put the wind back into the sails and sales of entry-level market with this new yacht package.

The local dealer Windcraft had a clever and transparent Hanse 315 'New Sailor' package that included servicing, berthing, insurance, lessons, options and the works for $230k sail away.

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION - A surprisingly roomy twin-cabin yacht The cockpit is mounted high but provides comfortable seating thanks to the raised coamings and a sloped cabin bulkhead. There's a big stowage locker under the portside seat with a proper floor and all items including swim ladder and fenders all neatly stowed.

Going below is made easy by a wide hatchway and steps that aren't too steep. Below, there's a surprisingly roomy saloon with full headroom (though not in the forward cabin) and a nice blend of timber and moulded GRP surfaces.

There is a choice of timber veneers but I like the standard mahogany (pictured), with optional ash inlaid flooring.

There is a large head/bathroom off to the portside with a shower, washbasin and WC. This can also double as a wet weather locker too. Meanwhile, to starboard is a reasonable-sized galley incorporating a gas-compliant two-burner stove/oven. The L-shaped galley provides a deep sink/water tap and top-opening fridge with good headroom thanks to the recessed floor.

The main saloon is a step up from the galley and provides two settee lounge berths and a fixed centre table with folding leafs. The table flaps snap into place with a clever folding mechanism. There's also stowage shelves outboard of the backrests and a wine bottle stowage locker within the table support.

Up for'ard you have a choice of either an open double berth, or in the case of our test boat an enclosed cabin with door and a neat three-quarter size double berth. The latter can expand into a full double berth when the door is closed. There is a seat on portside that folds into part of the berth, while another panel slides out from starboard to complete the in-fill.

Another double berth cabin is located aft of the galley. It provides a fixed athwartships berth and has a quite sizeable hanging locker. With a cockpit opening port it seems like the natural choice for the skipper, though I wonder if it's as cool in hot weather as the for'ard cabin.

DESIGN, HULL AND ENGINEERING - A new-breed Hanse yacht on a smaller scale With a plumb bow and wide, flat stern under a tall rig, the Hanse 315 is very much one of the new breed cruiser/racers just smaller!

She comes from the same famous German design team of Judel/Vrolijk who do the bigger Hanse models and are also designers of top offshore race boats like TP52s, etc.

This pedigree is evident in the Hanse 315s good sailing qualities. So yes, doing the local twilight yacht races are definitely on the agenda!

The Hanse 315 is no lightweight at 4700kg displacement yet her race-bred lines ensure she has a good turn of speed. This is partly due to the long waterline and powerful wide beam (3.35m) carried right to the transom.

She also has the latest L-shaped keel and deep, spade rudder for low water drag. However, the real secret to her speed is the noticeable Vee in the rear sections of the hull. This tapering of the waterline helps to reduce hydrodynamic drag over a wide range of speeds and helps her go faster.

Hull construction features foam-cored fibreglass above the waterline and solid lamination below. Decks are balsa-cored and feature a moulded anchor locker for'ard designed to take an optional electric anchor winch. ON THE WATER - The Hanse 315 is no sail-caravan and gets along She has the contemporary styling of the latest cruiser-racers and looks nice from all angles. There's a low trunk cabin over wide decks and a broad, open transom that allows easy access aboard via a folding stern landing platform.

A big surprise is the twin steering wheels in the cockpit. Normally you wouldn't see this in a smaller yacht but Hanse has made this work so you get good steering control plus easy access through from the open transom. The tiller is standard, however, I believe the twin, leather-bound wheels are the way to go.

Sail power comes from a tall, fractional rig that stands 47-feet above the waterline and is supported by twin swept-back spreaders with chainplates mounted right on the gunwale. The racing pedigree is very evident in details like this.

Headsails are all non-overlapping and as standard you get a Elvstrom self-tacking jib which is trimmed via one of the two cabin Lewmar 40ST winch.

The sail comes with a Selden jib furler and vertical battens so it’s really easy to handle.

The big 29sq m mainsail is an Elvstrom fully-battened type which is easy to raise and lower thanks to an optional lazy-bag/lazy jack stowage system.

As we motored out onto a sun-baked Pittwater. I was glad of the optional bimini awning over the helm position. This sits behind the backstay with provision for an extension awning for'ard so the whole cockpit can be covered when not using the mainsail.

With furling gear it took us less than a minute to be sailing along in a fresh north east breeze. With two of us aboard I didn't have to do much other than steer as Ric Hawkins did all the trimming.

As the photos show the test boat has optional teak seat decking around the cockpit which looks great. However, I would like some cockpit cushions for a longer day on the water. Maybe you could add this later yourself.

With the breeze about 8-14 knots we were averaging 6 knots, or better upwind, which really is impressive for a 31-footer. Helping us squeeze the best speed out of the boat was a B&G Triton wind instrument display within the companionway hatch console. There is also repeater displays at both helm stations so the skipper is spoilt for choice. Or put it another way, less excuse not to win!

The self-tacker impressed me especially as the breeze freshened. It cuts out the hassle of winching when you tack. That said, in light wind races, or passages the optional full-size headsail will be worthwhile having even if it means manual sheeting on each tack.

Easing into a beam reach we were doing 7 knots plus at times. The self-tacker headsail doesn't like square running so we tacked downwind doing around 5.5-6 knots. This worked out pretty well and we got down the bay pretty quickly by working the wind shifts to our advantage.

The standard Hanse deck package is generous and includes two extra Lewmar 40STs aft for the mainsail, or operating sail controls from the helm when solo sailing. You also get an adjustable backstay, mainsail traveller with control lines, Selden vang, barber haulers and Selden mast/boom. We also had the optional Dyneema jib and mainsail halyards than ensure less stretch.

We had the upgrade 18hp diesel which zipped us along at 7 knots so I would expect the standard 12hp diesel would a bit slower but acceptable for most inshore boating. However, whatever engine package you chose please get the optional folding propeller, otherwise sailing performance will be compromised.

VERDICT - A great downsizing option as well as first serious yacht It's a pleasure to find a yacht this size so nicely designed and having virtually all the key cruising features. I'm not surprised the first wave of local buyers has been yachties down-sizing from bigger yachts. No doubt they're seeking a yacht that's easy to handle with less crew and cheaper to marina berth.

Hopefully there's going to be the younger generation buying into the Hanse 315 as well, because she's a great starting point for yacht ownership and easy on family budgets.

LIKE - Good all round sailing performance - Practical interior for overnight cruising - Twin wheel steering and easy transom access

NOT SO MUCH - Headroom a bit cramped in for'ard cabin - Folding propeller being an extra - Stove needs a protective crash bar

Specifications: Hanse 315 Price From: $175,000 Price as Rested  $238,435 LOA: 9.62m LWL: 8.70m Beam: 3.35m Displacement: 4.7 tonnes Ballast: 1.5 tonnes Mainsail Area: 29.5sq m Self-tack Jib: 17.5sq m Auxiliary: 12hp diesel Fuel Tankage: 100lt Water Tankage: 230lt

Supplied by: Team Windcraft Bayview Anchorage Bayview NSW Phone (02) 9979 1709 See Windcraft

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Small she may be, but Hanse’s all new entry-level cruiser offers plenty of thrills for sailing novices and experts alike

Performance: 4.5/5 Accommodation: 3.5/5 Looks: 4/5

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Judel/Vrolijk design

The yacht is the successor to the old Hanse 325. Despite her size, the little 315 manages to look positively aggressive. Her plumb bow, vertical transom and total absence of sheer mean that there is nothing cute about this mini cruiser. One clever touch that has further improved her looks is the introduction of a sharp-angled ‘knuckle’ just below the toe rail which serves to create the illusion of a lower freeboard.

Dual wheels

In the cockpit the first thing you notice is the twin wheels. These are an optional extra, with a tiller coming as standard, and make the 315 the smallest production yacht with twin wheels. The weird thing is that they don’t look at all out of place.

The cockpit is sensibly laid out, with the mainsheet clipped to a padeye just abaft the cockpit table and well-sited for the helmsman. The stern was rather open on the yacht I tested, but there is a more family-friendly option of a bathing platform which flips up to enclose you.

Step below decks and you find yourself in a bright saloon with impressive headroom for such a small yacht. Unlike some other competitors who have produced a stripped-out base model with the addition of many ‘bolt-on’ extras, the 315 fit out is less Spartan, despite her über-modern design.

Stiff and responsive

The boat is a good half tonne lighter than the 325, and boasts a more powerful sail area. She is also surprisingly stiff with the deeper 1.85m keel. Sail handling was also an absolute doddle, with the self-tacking jib meaning that you could tack or gybe with the minimum amount of fuss or stress.

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Used boat test : Hanse 315: good enough even when used

Alexander Worms

 ·  26.10.2020

As a car, it would be a Golf. You don't smile with joy every time you see it, you don't get out with sweaty hands because the ride was so wild, but you don't always have to go on holiday to a hotel because there's simply no more room for towels in the boot. In short, the Hanse gets a lot of things right. She sails agilely, but not bitchily. The space on board is excellent. And the workmanship is sufficiently good, with a few hick-ups here and there.

Used, she belongs in the illustrious club of 40,000-euro boats. For that, you get a solid boat for weekends and holidays with family or friends.

If you want to know what the market currently looks like, what to look out for when buying and what the Hanse can do in detail, you should get yourself a copy of YACHT 21/2020. You can order the magazine here. Or you can download the test directly via the link below.

Hanse 315 (pdf)

Most read in category Yachts

2020 Hanse 315

• GÖTEBORG/MALMÖ: Tel: +46 31 210 200 // STOCKHOLM/SKELLEFTEÅ +46 8 311 120

A Hanse 315 is a new yacht for all people who love sailing and boating. A 31-foot yacht that is manageable, maneuverable, lovely sailing qualities, huge cockpit with double knoers, largest ownerscabin in its size class, toilet module with separate shower and composed with large stuvspace. A yacht for all people who love sailing and boating from Hanse Yachts.

She is the yacht for day sailings, weekends and weekly sailings and suits you who are young in mind, younger families but also active sailors who are looking for a smaller sailboat and who want a new sailboat that is shorthanded and in just enough manageable size for one to two people.

Spacious and practical comfort Onboard there are 2 cabins with full-length beds for 4 people + 1 bed in the saloon.

In The Forepiken there is classic Hanse 3 in 1 solution that suits everyone’s needs and can be used for: 1. Children’s space 2. Complete Single Meadow cabin 3. Full size double bed 4. Spacious cabin for relaxation and self-time.

Design Judel and Vroljik who have chosen a “classic” design, characterized by clean modern lines and a well-balanced size and with a big boat feeling with teak in the cockpit and folding bathing platform where maneuvers are performed splendidly, Pigy and distinctive, like a larger dinghy . The big shoe (with German forwarder), as a self-striking fock and the top is that everything is within reach of the Helman in the version with double knoers and alternatively in the standard execution with tiller.

Ocean Class with maritime safety With 1.85 m ́s L keel allowed safe operation: For this, Hanse 315 has a CE mark with ocean category B. If you want a shallower boat, you can choose to mount flat keel with immersion depth 1.37 m.

Hanse 315 is a very popular boat for several stages of life.

848 500 SEK (Excl VAT)

* For selected equipment packages and during the period 1 Nov-30 Dec. Order and deposit no later than 30 Dec.

1 127 000 SEK (Excl VAT)

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The Hanse 315 is the smallest yacht from Hanse. This sailing yacht can boast with a lot of style and elegance. Its appeal does not lie only in its beauty, but also in its practical deck and cosy interior, which is full of light and fresh air. The yacht's sporty performance is excellent for both performance sailing as well as for a relaxed family cruise and will, along with the standard tiller and optional double steering wheel, meet the needs of a wide range of customers.

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The Hanse 315 will take you wherever you want. Safety and seaworthiness are built into the design. Friends and family will love their time on board – on or off the wind, above or below decks. Cruising with a Hanse is a luxurious event at sea. Isn’t this what you promised yourself for a long time?

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