Hanse 495 Information, Review, Specs

The Hanse 495 emerged from Hanse Yachts, a company founded in 1993 by Michael Schmidt in Greifswald, Germany. Hanse's vision from its inception was to create yachts that offered strong sailing performance while being easy to handle, even single-handedly, a philosophy evident in the 495. The collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co. was a pivotal aspect of Hanse's design approach, beginning in 1999 with the Hanse 371 and continuing through models like the 495. The design brief for the Hanse 495 emphasized combining elegance, speed, and superb sailing characteristics, without being excessively complex. Hanse yachts of this era, including the 495, typically feature signature elements like the self-tacking jib, which simplifies tacking for short-handed sailing, and clean decks. The 495 incorporated features like four hull windows, a characteristic Hanse waterline design, and a powerful rig, reflecting Hanse's commitment to innovation and thoughtful design. There is no information found about significant variations like MkI/MkII during its production run from 2011 to 2012.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hanse 495 is designed to offer a balance of performance and ease of handling, aligning with Hanse's "fast cruising" philosophy. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.84, the Hanse 495 suggests good performance in lighter winds, indicating it should be responsive and capable of moving well even when the breeze is light. Her displacement to length (D/L) ratio of about 157.57 places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement boat. This contributes to her ability to achieve good speeds for a cruising yacht of her size. The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of approximately 0.285 is relatively low, which might suggest a less stiff boat when pressed hard in heavy air compared to yachts with higher B/D ratios. However, reviews often highlight that the Hanse 495 offers a light and well-balanced helm, with owners appreciating the tactile feel of the steering. The boat is noted for cutting a clean wake through the water, indicative of an efficient hull form. It is considered fun and easy to sail, capable of turning heads in and out of the harbor. The self-tacking jib, a standard feature, further contributes to its easy handling, making it well-suited for short-handed sailing. All lines are also led aft to the cockpit, often to electric winches, simplifying sail management.

Accommodations and Layout

The Hanse 495 offers an impressively customizable accommodations plan, a notable feature for a production boat of its size. Typical layouts include a master cabin forward and two guest cabins aft. Another option allows for twin staterooms in the bow and a single owner's cabin aft. A four-cabin quartet layout is also available, providing flexibility for owners. The interior designs are characterized by modern aesthetics, aiming to provide ultimate comfort, ample storage, and a home-like experience. While specific headroom figures are not available, the layouts generally maximize usable practical space. The interiors often feature quality finishes and thoughtful design solutions. Owners can often customize elements such as teak decks or composite wheels, further personalizing their vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hanse 495 generally praise its modern design, ease of handling, and comfortable cruising capabilities. The yacht has been noted for its ability to compete with motorcruisers in terms of ease of handling and comfort, reflecting a broader trend in yacht evolution. Many appreciate the "open" feel of Hanse yachts and their focus on delivering fast, modern production boats at a fair price and quality. While generally well-regarded for their construction, some owners have reported issues, typically related to electronics, engines (such as Volvo loose bolts and MDI unit problems), or the quality of specific installation work, rather than fundamental boat design or build quality. However, some owners have also stated that they do not experience the after-sales service problems reported in other regions. The Hanse 495 received recognition as a "Best Boat" by Sail Magazine in 2012, highlighting its appeal and design merits.