2018 Hanse 548 vs 2014 Amel 55 — Comparison

2018 Hanse 548 2018 Hanse 548
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2014 Amel 55 2014 Amel 55

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 2018 Hanse 548 2014 Amel 55
General
Manufacturer Hanse Amel
Year 2018 2014–2021
Type Sloop Sloop
Country Germany France
Designer Judel/Vrolijk Olivier Racoupeau
Dimensions
LOA 16.35 m (53.6 ft) 16.80 m (55.1 ft)
LWL 14.80 m (48.6 ft) 14.20 m (46.6 ft)
Beam 4.80 m (15.7 ft) 4.75 m (15.6 ft)
Draft 2.40 m (7.9 ft) 2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement 16,000 kg (35,274 lbs) 19,500 kg (42,990 lbs)
Ballast 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 122.0 m² (1,313 ft²) 120.0 m² (1,292 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 80 HP 110 HP
Fuel Capacity 270 L (71.3 gal) 580 L (153.2 gal)
Water Capacity 460 L (121.5 gal) 780 L (206.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 10 7
Cabins 4 3

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2018 Hanse 548
19.52
2014 Amel 55
16.82
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2018 Hanse 548
29.38
2014 Amel 55
34.87
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2018 Hanse 548
0.76
2014 Amel 55
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2018 Hanse 548
13.05
2014 Amel 55
16.75

Detailed Comparison

The 2018 Hanse 548 and 2014 Amel 55 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Hanse 548 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the 2014 Amel 55 is a modern offering from Amel from France. The 2018 Hanse 548 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2014 Amel 55 was designed by Olivier Racoupeau.

In terms of size, the 2018 Hanse 548 measures 16.35m (53.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.80m, compared to the 2014 Amel 55 at 16.80m (55.1ft) with a 4.75m beam. The 2014 Amel 55 is 0.45m longer than the 2018 Hanse 548. The 2014 Amel 55 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2018 Hanse 548 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.52 and 122.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Amel 55, with an SA/D of 16.82 and 120.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2018 Hanse 548 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2018 Hanse 548 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2014 Amel 55 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 29.4% for the 2018 Hanse 548 and 34.9% for the 2014 Amel 55, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2018 Hanse 548 provides 10 berths in 4 cabins with 460L of water capacity and 270L of fuel. The 2014 Amel 55 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 780L water and 580L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Amel 55 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 2018 Hanse 548 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2018 Hanse 548 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

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