Hanse 385 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hanse 385 first entered production in 2011, succeeding the company's successful 37-foot series, which had seen over a thousand units produced. Its design marked a continuation of Hanse's long-standing collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a partnership pivotal to the builder's reputation for innovative and high-performance yachts. The design philosophy behind the 385, consistent with Hanse's broader ethos, focused on creating a "fast cruising" yacht that offered excellent nautical characteristics, easy handling, and breathtaking design.

Hanse Yachts, founded in 1993, has always emphasized combining performance with comfort and innovative design, aiming to simplify sailing, even for single-handed operation. A signature feature integrated into the Hanse 385's design is the self-tacking jib, which dramatically streamlines tacking maneuvers and enhances short-handed sailing capabilities. The company's commitment to quality during this era was evident in its use of cutting-edge design and, as described in the builder's history, the emphasis on hand-laying their boats. During its production run, the Hanse 385 offered significant customization, with four distinct interior layouts available to cater to diverse owner preferences. A shallow draft option of 5.31 feet (1.62 meters) was also available, alongside the standard 6.53 feet (1.99 meters) keel [2,.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hanse 385 is engineered for a balanced and engaging sailing experience. With a total calculated sail area of 724.47 square feet and a displacement of 16,755 pounds, the boat achieves a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.73. This moderate ratio suggests a vessel capable of performing well across a range of wind conditions, praised by reviewers for its performance in both strong and light air. Its displacement-to-length ratio of around 188.02 classifies it as a moderately light displacement cruiser, indicating a lively and responsive feel at the helm.

While its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.289 is on the lower side for some traditional cruisers, modern Hanse designs, often featuring bulb keels and deep drafts like the 385's 6.53-foot maximum draft, are engineered to provide ample stability and stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to more wind. The boat is known for its excellent upwind capability and responsiveness, making it a joy to sail. Reviewers have noted its "hassle-free handling" and ability to post respectable speeds, even achieving 4.5 knots at a 45-degree wind angle. Its easy-to-handle nature, particularly with the self-tacking jib, makes sail management straightforward and allows for comfortable short-handed or even single-handed sailing. Under power, the Hanse 385, typically equipped with a 28hp Volvo engine and a two-bladed folding propeller, can achieve speeds of approximately 7.9 knots at 2500 rpm.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hanse 385 is characterized by modern design, maximizing comfort and functionality. Owners benefit from Hanse's offering of four distinct interior layouts, allowing for significant customization to suit individual needs. Common configurations typically feature two or three double cabins and a single head with a shower. For those opting for a two-cabin layout, a large aft storage area is often included.

The saloon typically includes a convertible table, providing flexible dining and lounging options. Hanse interiors from this era are known for their clean lines, quality finish, and thoughtful use of materials. Modern amenities such as LED lighting come standard, contributing to a bright and inviting atmosphere below deck. The cockpit is designed to be spacious and comfortable, with wide coamings that cleverly house running rigging, allowing for all sail handling to be managed from the helm. A notable exterior feature contributing to onboard comfort and accessibility is the fold-down transom, which transforms into a convenient swim platform.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hanse 385 frequently praise its combination of solid build quality, good finish, and impressive sailing characteristics. Many express satisfaction with their choice, noting the boat's speed and ease of handling. The responsiveness and upwind performance, even with the self-tacking jib, are consistently highlighted as strengths.

While generally well-regarded, some owners have reported minor issues, such as an anchor chain problem that appears to be common across several Hanse models. There have also been occasional mentions of minor electronics issues during commissioning and, in some instances, quality control concerns relating to glue and UV degradation of certain supplied parts. A specific area noted by some owners as a potential "weak spot" in the layout was the head/shower configuration. Despite these occasional points, the overall sentiment among the Hanse 385 owner community remains largely positive, underscoring its appeal as a versatile and enjoyable cruising yacht.