Impression 45 (Elan) Information, Review, Specs

The Elan Impression 45 emerged as part of Elan's dedicated Impression line, which focuses squarely on comfort and luxurious cruising. The design philosophy behind the Impression range, including the 45, aimed to create yachts with spacious living areas and ample amenities for extended voyages. Drawing on Elan's established reputation for blending performance with cruising comfort, the Impression 45 benefits from the shipyard's commitment to robust fiberglass construction, a hallmark of their manufacturing ethos since transitioning to reinforced polyester in 1962. Interiors typically feature elegant iroko wood veneer complemented by solid iroko wood accents, reflecting Elan's dedication to quality finishes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Elan Impression 45, with its design focused on comfortable cruising, demonstrates a commendable balance of performance characteristics. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.41 suggests that it is well-powered and capable of performing capably in lighter winds, a significant advantage for a cruising vessel. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.303 indicates a moderately stiff boat, designed to offer a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a stiff, race-oriented feel. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 203.16, the Impression 45 falls into the category of a moderately light to medium displacement yacht, hinting at a good turn of speed for its size while retaining stability.

Sailors frequently praise the Impression 45 for its great sailing performance and balanced helm, making it a joy to steer. The design emphasizes ease of handling, even for single-handed sailing, with a layout that allows for efficient management from the cockpit. Its bulb keel and spade rudder contribute to good directional stability and responsiveness, allowing the yacht to make good passages under sail. Under power, the boat handles well, though some vibration from the sail drive on the rudder is noted as normal.

Accommodations and Layout

The Elan Impression 45 is lauded for its spacious interior, a key design consideration aimed at the modern cruising family. The layout prioritizes comfort and livability, offering various configurations to suit different owner needs. Owners typically have a choice of up to four interior layouts, ranging from a two-cabin, two-bathroom setup to a four-cabin arrangement. A common configuration features a master cabin located forward with an en-suite head, complemented by two comfortable quarter cabins aft. In some two-cabin layouts, the entire aft section can be dedicated to an expansive en-suite double berth. The generous beam of 13.71 feet contributes significantly to the feeling of spaciousness below deck. The interior finish often showcases the high-quality iroko wood veneer and solid iroko wood accents characteristic of Elan yachts, contributing to a warm and inviting ambiance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Elan Impression 45 generally commend the vessel for its solid construction and comfortable motion, echoing Elan's broader reputation for quality. The yacht is often praised for its well-designed deck and interior arrangements, which are conducive to comfortable cruising and easy handling. Feedback from the owner community frequently highlights the responsive nature of Elan's customer service, providing prompt assistance and information to owners. The overall consensus points to the Impression 45 as a well-regarded cruising yacht that delivers on its promise of a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience.