The E4 sits between club racer and coastal cruiser. It has a fully appointed cabin, but its hull dynamics borrow from offshore racing. With a waterline of just over 33 feet and a beam of 11 feet 6 inches, this modern, volume-controlled design favors sailing engagement over interior square footage.
Design and Construction
The E4’s hull form is thoroughly contemporary. Plumb ends maximize waterline length in the interest of boatspeed, while hard chines and broad, powerful stern sections help the boat stand up to a press of sail off the wind. The hull shape was inspired by the latest generation of Volvo Ocean Race boats, a clear indication of where Humphreys looked for his lines.
A deep T-keel lowers the center of gravity and increases sail-carrying power, speed, and stability. Humphreys specified this keel to maximize righting moment.
Elan builds the E4 using its VAIL (Vacuum-Assisted Infusion Lamination) method. The builder describes VAIL as the only sure way to prevent osmosis and ensure uniform stiffness, lightness and safety. The hull layup combines polyester and vinylester resins with a closed-cell foam core, producing a strong, lightweight structure with an optimized resin-to-fabric ratio.
The 3D VAIL process uses vacuum-assisted infusion to integrate the inner yacht structure, stringers, and stringer supports into the hull itself. Composite bulkheads are made with vacuum-cured, resin-impregnated biaxial fabric, creating a compact, stiff structure. Both the hull and deck are foam-cored and resin-infused.
The higher-performance S4 variant goes further, using all-vinylester resin and lighter construction to remove more than 1,000 lb from the canoe body.
Rig and Sail Handling
The standard rig comprises a Seldén aluminum mast and boom in a double-spreader fractional configuration. Carbon spars are optional on the E4 and standard on the S4. A keel-stepped mast, adjustable split backstay, and revised mainsheet arrangement are also standard. A retractable carbon-fiber bowsprit broadens the boat’s off-wind sail plan.
The slightly overlapping 108 percent jib sets on a belowdeck Harken furler. Inboard genoa tracks have adjustable leads that can be tended from the cockpit, along with in-haulers for tighter tacking angles. A German-style mainsheet leads to a recessed track in the cockpit sole, well placed for racing trim.
Performance Under Sail
The configuration delivers on the water. Beating in 6 to 8 knots of wind, test sailors easily maintained more than 5 knots at a 45-degree true wind angle. The Jefa twin-wheel steering felt light and responsive through short tacks.
Twin rudders maintain a solid helm even when the boat is on its ear. Downwind, the E4 gybed at just under wind speed with a gennaker set from the sprit. In lighter air of 5 to 7 knots, the test boat still made about 4 knots upwind. Despite the testers’ best efforts, the chine made it impossible to bury the rail.
Accommodations
The E4 is offered with either two or three cabins, both arrangements having a single head and shower. In the two-cabin version, a forward-facing navigation station sits to starboard of the companionway, opposite an L-shaped galley. A large storage area lies aft, where the three-cabin layout puts a starboard quarterberth.
Forward of those stations, the layouts are identical. A U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard flank a central folding dining table. Both settees are long enough to make excellent sea berths, and the table can be lowered to create a double berth to port.
The forward V-berth works, but is a bit tight. The saloon has plenty of good handholds and a good deal of storage for a boat of this size. Light Oak veneer joinery gives the interior a clean, modern appearance without feeling sterile.
Cockpit and Deck
The cockpit combines racing controls with practical cruising details. Cutouts in the benches provide foot braces, while a removable aft bench also serves as a gangplank when Med-mooring. The wheel pedestals contain rotating chart-plotter pods for B&G or Raymarine electronics, and hinged platforms give the helmsman better footing.
Cockpit boxes add storage and seating and can be upgraded to hold a grill and refrigerator. A folding cockpit table stows flush in the sole.
The deck is arranged for secure movement. Its side decks have excellent molded-in nonskid, while double lifelines are much higher than those commonly found on production boats. A massive molded toe rail adds security but remains shallow and wide enough to be easy on crew legs.
A large chain locker contains a Quick windlass. The anchor roller is offset to starboard, opposite the telescopic sprit. Retractable mooring cleats are a neat detail, and the DAME-award-winning control panel simplifies systems management.
The Verdict
The Elan E4 is a thoughtfully executed performance cruiser that brings offshore-racing hull ideas into a 35-foot package suited to both club racing and family coastal sailing. Its infused construction, twin-rudder control, and well-organized cockpit make it a genuine sailor’s boat, while the choice of two interior layouts keeps it practical. Limited fuel capacity and a tight forward berth are the trade-offs for that focus.
Pros
- Hull form inspired by Volvo Ocean Race boats, with hard chines that resist burying the rail
- VAIL and 3D VAIL infused construction, with integrated structure and composite bulkheads
- Twin rudders and Jefa twin-wheel steering provide a light, solid helm when heeled
- Well-arranged cockpit with inboard genoa leads, a German-style mainsheet, and foot braces
- Choice of two- or three-cabin layouts, with sea-berth settees and good stowage
Cons
- Fuel capacity is limited to 20 gallons, requiring careful passage planning
- The forward V-berth is tight for a boat of this length
- The standard 29 hp Yanmar is modest; propulsion was noted on a Volvo saildrive leg during testing
