Hanse 470 Information, Review, Specs

The Hanse 470 entered production in 2005, a period when Hanse Yachts, under the leadership of Michael Schmidt, was firmly cementing its reputation for "fast cruising" yachts. The collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a hallmark of Hanse's design approach, ensured that the 470 was engineered to deliver a precise blend of performance attributes and cruising comfort. Hanse's manufacturing ethos emphasized making sailing simple and enjoyable, a vision clearly reflected in the 470's design. A signature design feature, the self-tacking jib, simplifies tacking and facilitates effortless short-handed sailing, aligning perfectly with Hanse's goal of easy handling.

The 470 was conceived to offer a modern, sleek aesthetic, characterized by clean decks and a spacious cockpit, consistent with Hanse's overall design language. While the core design remained consistent, the Hanse 470 offered significant variations, particularly in its keel options. Buyers could choose between a deep keel, drawing 7.71 feet (2.60m), and a shoal keel, drawing 6.4 feet (1.95m), providing flexibility for different cruising grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hanse 470 lives up to its designation as a performance cruiser, earning praise for its "simply great" sailing performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.0, she exhibits strong light-air performance, often noted for a speed potential far above average in lighter conditions. This ratio indicates a relatively powerful sail plan for her displacement.

Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 170 suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for her size, contributing to her agility and speed. The ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.29, is on the lower side for a performance cruiser, indicating that the boat likely relies more on its hull form for initial stability rather than a very high ballast percentage. Despite this, owners generally find her easy to handle and responsive. While excelling in many conditions, some owners have reported that the Hanse 470 can be prone to losing rudder grip or rounding up when sailing downwind in larger waves, suggesting a need for attentive steering in challenging sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hanse 470 was considered a trendsetter at its time, known for its modern and customizable design. Hanse offered an "Individual Cabin Concept," allowing for multiple interior arrangements to suit owner preferences. Typically, the 470 featured a spacious owner's version with a three-cabin, two-head layout, though other configurations were available.

The interior boasts generous cabin space and amenities, taking advantage of its beamy hull. Reviews often highlight well-appointed galleys, sometimes including features like a freezer, refrigerator, and even a Nespresso coffee machine. The finish quality typically incorporates modern materials and a clean aesthetic, consistent with Hanse's design philosophy. Owners' perspectives confirm a contemporary fit-out below decks.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hanse 470 generally laud its inherent performance design and its ease of sailing, particularly for those who prefer to sail short-handed. The contemporary interior fit-out is also frequently appreciated. Hanse's decision to host an active owner's forum has allowed for transparent discussion and sharing of experiences.

However, some common issues have been noted by the owner community. Recurring problems include water leaks, particularly from the mast foot area and around portholes or hull windows, with some owners opting to re-bed or even glass in their hull windows to mitigate this. Leaks from the stainless steel water tanks due to welding issues have also been reported by some owners. Additionally, some owners have mentioned needing to address maintenance items such as gelcoat cracks on deck and eventual teak deck replacement. The previously mentioned steering challenges downwind in waves are also a point of discussion among some owners.