Hanse 505 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hanse 505 began production in 2012, succeeding the Hanse 495 and building upon Hanse's evolving design philosophy. The design of the 505 was entrusted to Judel/Vrolijk & Co., a firm known for its expertise in creating yachts that balance cutting-edge design with excellent nautical characteristics. Hanse Yachts, founded by Michael Schmidt in 1993, has always emphasized creating yachts that offer strong sailing performance while being easy to handle, often with a small crew or even single-handedly. This ethos is clearly reflected in the 505.

During the era of the Hanse 505's production, Hanse Yachts, headquartered in Greifswald, Germany, maintained its reputation for innovative design and combining performance with comfort. A signature feature across many Hanse models, including the 505, is the self-tacking jib, which simplifies tacking and makes for effortless short-handed sailing. Hanse yachts are also recognized for their clean decks, spacious cockpits, and modern, often customizable, interiors. While there isn't evidence of significant MkI/MkII variations, the Hanse 505 was offered with options such as a shallow draft keel alongside its standard deep bulb keel, providing flexibility for different cruising grounds. Note from: "Shallow draft: 6.6'/1.98m Displacement with shallow keel: 14900kg / 32,849lbs.".

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hanse 505 is designed as a fast cruiser, relying on its powerful rig, long waterline, and hydrodynamic hull lines for efficient passage times. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 19.48, the Hanse 505 exhibits good light-air performance, indicating it can move well in lighter breezes. Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.278 suggests a stable, though not exceptionally stiff, platform, which contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 165 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented design for its size, contributing to its "fast cruising" capabilities. The yacht boasts a theoretical hull speed of 8.9 knots.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Hanse 505 for its ease of handling, even with a limited crew, attributing this to its intelligent deck design and performance-centered sail plan. It is noted for its stability and safety, with a comfortable and smooth motion through swell and wind. The yacht's balance is generally well-regarded, allowing for an exciting yet manageable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hanse 505 offers a thoroughly modern look and emphasizes flexibility and customization, a hallmark of Hanse's engineering philosophy. Hanse's "individual cabin concept" allows owners to configure the interior in distinct sections, providing various layout options to suit individual needs. Typically, the forward area offers a choice between a spacious owner's suite with an island queen berth or two double cabins. The salon is often designed around a central table, sometimes featuring a TV console, creating a classic navigation area.

Below decks, the Hanse 505 provides more flexibility than its predecessor, the 495, though the flat cockpit floor eliminates the aft owner's cabin option found on some previous models. The port side space, for instance, can be configured as a twin bunk cabin, a third en-suite head, or a dedicated storage area. Reviewers note the comfortable and elegant combination of function and style in the interior, with a focus on quality materials, ample storage, and good ventilation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hanse 505 generally appreciate its ease of handling, especially for short-handed sailing, and its attractive design, often describing it as "uniquely beautiful" among production 50-foot yachts. The comfortable cruising experience and modern amenities are frequently highlighted as strengths.

However, some owners have reported recurring issues. Common concerns mentioned in owner forums include problems with the original Jeffa DD1 autopilot being undersized and issues with engine fuel overheating. There have also been mentions of water leakage from the bow thruster and the original brass ball valves requiring replacement with proper seacocks. While overall satisfaction seems positive, prospective owners should be aware of these reported areas that may require attention or upgrades.