2005 Hanse 312 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2005 Hanse 312
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2005 Hanse 3122014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerHanseElan
Year2005–20082014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerJudel/VrolijkRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA9.55 m (31.3 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL8.50 m (27.9 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,300 kg (9,480 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.0 m² (506 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity55 L (14.5 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2005 Hanse 312
18.06
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2005 Hanse 312
32.56
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2005 Hanse 312
0.80
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2005 Hanse 312
17.69
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2005 Hanse 312 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Hanse 312 is a 2000s design by Hanse from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2005 Hanse 312 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2005 Hanse 312 measures 9.55m (31.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 2.52m longer than the 2005 Hanse 312. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 91% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2005 Hanse 312 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.06 and 47.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2005 Hanse 312 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.6% for the 2005 Hanse 312 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2005 Hanse 312 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Hanse 312 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2014 Elan 400 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2014 Elan 400 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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