Design and Construction
The 295 carries a deep-fin or fin-with-bulb keel over a solid fibreglass hull, with a light displacement of 6,834 pounds and a beam of 9 feet 9 inches on a 26-foot-7-inch waterline. Her fine entry, U-shape bow sections and narrow waterline beam let her slice to windward smoothly, and Humphreys added an inch or two to the coachroof to give 6 feet 1 inch of headroom at the after end of the saloon. The interior is finished in mahogany and, though less roomy below than many rivals, compensates by being light, airy and generally neatly finished. Stowage is limited by the shallow bilge, and an 18-gallon stainless water tank sits under each saloon berth.
Rig and Handling
Humphreys gave her a tall, well-raked fractional rig, and the well-specified deck hardware from Lewmar and Spinlock includes jamming headsail foot blocks and cockpit-controlled genoa cars. On the water she proved remarkable for her lack of pitching and good directional stability. Testers shot off on a beam reach at 6 knots in only 12 knots of true wind, maintained 5.5 knots hard on the wind in 15 knots of breeze, and freed off to a broad reach at 6.7 knots, tacking through 60 to 70 degrees by the compass. With the wind dying to 8 knots she still reached at an easy 5 knots.
Power and Performance Under Engine
The test boat carried the optional Yanmar 2GM, driving a two-bladed fixed prop to an impressive 7.4 knots at 4,000 rpm and a comfortable 6.6 knots at 3,000 rpm, with full marks for manoeuvrability under power — though she earned slightly fewer marks for sound insulation. The theoretical hull speed is 6.9 knots and the calculated max under power about 5.6 knots; her D/L ratio of 180 places her among light racers.
Accommodations
Below, the 295 offers four to six berths in a saloon that trades volume for finish and brightness. The shallow bilge restricts stowage, but the paired 18-gallon tanks under the settees are a practical touch. Headroom reaches 6 feet 1 inch aft, and the general neatness of the mahogany interior lifts the otherwise compact plan.
Known Issues
The mainsheet purchase lacked power and the traveller cleats were awkwardly mounted for controlling from the windward side, while the headsail tracks were too far aft for easy trim. Stowage suffers from the shallow bilge, and the engine sound insulation was noted as sub-par in the test report.
The Verdict
The Elan 295 is a thoughtfully balanced small racer-cruiser: quick, steady and easy to drive, with a clean Humphreys hull and a bright interior that punches above its modest volume. The deck-trim shortcomings are real but addressable, and the limited stowage is the price of her shallow bilge and sporting hull.
Pros
- Smooth windward manner from fine entry and narrow waterline beam
- Remarkable lack of pitching with good directional stability
- Strong light-air and powered performance for a 30-footer
- Light, airy mahogany interior with useful under-berth water tanks
Cons
- Mainsheet purchase weak; traveller and headsail-track placement awkward
- Limited stowage from shallow bilge
- Less roomy below than many competitors
- Sub-par engine sound insulation
