Hallberg-Rassy 352 Information, Review, Specs

The Hallberg-Rassy 352 emerged during a pivotal era for the Swedish builder, following the 1972 merger of Harry Hallberg's serial production expertise and Christoph Rassy's innovative design approach. The boat's production run from 1978 to 1991 saw it introduced in 1977, 5]. The design philosophy behind the Hallberg-Rassy 352, a collaboration between Christoph Rassy and Olle Enderlein, aimed to create a yacht capable of sailing in all waters, combining pleasant sailing qualities with a comfortable interior.

Hallberg-Rassy's manufacturing ethos during this period emphasized robust construction. The 352 features heavily built hulls of solid GRP, with the hull and deck completely joined by overlapping GRP laminate. Uniquely for its time, the deck incorporated a polyvinyl core material instead of balsa, contributing to its strength and preventing rot. The design includes an encapsulated ballast and a full keel, offering a deep bilge and enhanced structural integrity. While the standard rig was a single-spreader masthead sloop, a taller, double-spreader "tall rig" was also available, particularly popular in Scandinavian markets.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hallberg-Rassy 352's design reflects its purpose as a capable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.88, the vessel is not intended as a light-air speedster but rather exhibits solid and dependable performance, particularly suited for sustained passage making. Its high Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 0.448 (44.8%) is indicative of excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to strong winds and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. A Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 283.0 further confirms its heavy displacement, which contributes to its renowned comfort and ability to handle various sea states effectively.

Anecdotal descriptions consistently praise the Hallberg-Rassy 352 for its "sea kindly" nature and reassuring feel at sea. It features a traditional, stout masthead rig with oversized standing rigging, emphasizing durability and safety for offshore cruising. The yacht is generally regarded as having pleasant sailing qualities and nice lines, making it a comfortable and reliable choice for cruisers. The choice of a shaft drive for propulsion is noted for its long-term reliability and reduced maintenance compared to other drive types.

Accommodations and Layout

The Hallberg-Rassy 352 is celebrated for its highly functional and comfortable interior, characterized by the brand's signature exquisite Swedish craftsmanship. The boat pioneered the center cockpit concept for its size, offering one of the first designs to combine a well-protected center cockpit with an accessible aft cabin via a walk-through corridor under the deck. This layout provides excellent separation between living areas and enhances privacy, especially on longer voyages.

Inside, the interior typically features six berths, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated chart table. The joinery is predominantly high-quality mahogany, which, combined with a teak and holly sole, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere., 16, 22] While the aft cabin is spacious, it is generally noted for lacking full standing headroom, a common trade-off for the walk-through access in a boat of this size. The boat is equipped with permanent windscreens around the cockpit, offering superior protection from the elements. The general finish quality and use of durable materials throughout the interior underscore Hallberg-Rassy's commitment to creating comfortable and practical living spaces for serious cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hallberg-Rassy 352 consistently commend its solid construction and the overall feeling of safety and confidence it inspires, especially when offshore. Many appreciate its comfortable motion in a seaway and its suitability for liveaboard cruising, highlighting the quality of the interior finish and the practical layout. The yacht is often seen as a high-quality, capable cruiser available at a more affordable price point compared to newer models, contributing to a strong and active owner community that shares experiences and advice.

However, common recurring issues and considerations for prospective owners have been noted. The aft cabin, despite its spaciousness, is a common point of discussion due to its lack of full standing headroom. Some owners have reported challenges with leakage into the stern cabin, which often requires attention. A more significant concern that has arisen for some is the potential for leaks in the encapsulated main stainless steel fuel tank, a repair that can be complex due to its inaccessible location. While Hallberg-Rassys are known for their robust build, like many older vessels, individual examples may experience miscellaneous leaks from original thru-hull fittings and vents over time, and potential issues with teak decks requiring maintenance.