Elan Impression 394 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Elan built the 394 with its vacuum infusion system using epoxy and vinylester GRP, and the hull is a sandwich with closed-cell foam core above the waterline and solid glass below anchor. Decks follow the same sandwich principle with a balsa core, and the outer hull layers use vinylester resin specifically to guard against osmosis. A conventional cast-iron keel carries a deep single-spade rudder, and a stainless steel bowsleeve protects the hull forward. The builder describes a "semi-deck saloon" achieved by raising the cabin sole, and the interior carries a quality finish throughout with blonde oak veneer, rounded ends, and grabrails running through the saloon. A support post, longitudinal handrails, and a forward mast compression post complete the structure.

Rig and Handling

The rig carried over from the earlier model rather than being redesigned. A 135 per cent roller furling genoa remains standard, and the shrouds attach inboards near the deckhouse—strongly held by tie-rods to the hull grid, which keeps the foredeck clear. A split backstay avoids blocking the swim platform, and a proper mainsheet track sits on the saloon roof with a metal vang controlling the mainsail. Twin Harken 35.2 winches on the coachroof handle halyards while Harken 40.2 units beside the wheels serve the genoa, with the roller headsail cars adjustable from the cockpit. Elan offers a gennaker, spinnaker, and vertical roller furling for the main as sail options, but a self-tending jib is not available because neither the deck layout nor its structure suits one.

Under sail the 394 trucks along at 6.2 knots at 45-degree wind angles in roughly 10 knots of breeze. In a stronger 19-knot wind the Dacron mainsail pulled well enough to climb to 58 degrees apparent and 7.2 knots, and the helm felt light and balanced as she spun through tacks and accelerated cleanly. Two steering wheels are fitted with premium Lewmar steering that bites immediately, though testers noted the desired helm pressure is largely absent even when trimming the main, leaving the wheel a touch mushy. Under power the Volvo Penta D2 diesel with saildrive reached 7.5 knots at 3000 rpm with minimal noise and no vibration through the composite wheel.

Accommodations

Below, the 394 is offered in four layouts spanning two-cabin and three-cabin arrangements with single or double heads. The saloon stands 2.7 metres tall, lit by tear-drop coachroof windows, two square skylights, and a third opening forward. Light oak veneer contrasts with dark walnut fiddles and edges, and teak is an available interior alternative. A U-shaped dinette sits forward to port with a large settee opposite; the main table folds out for the crew and a variant drops to form a bunk. The L-shaped galley earns praise with a double sink and composite covers, a gimballed twin-burner cooker-oven, and an 85-litre chest fridge. Both bathrooms are fully moulded with deep sinks and opening hatches, and the nav table handles most paper charts with bulkhead space for a seven-inch plotter and VHF.

The standard fore cabin uses an asymmetrical double berth to port—an unusual choice—and it lacks a lee cloth for safety when underway. One aft cabin can be swapped for a walk-in lazarette; in that configuration the remaining aft berth grows 38 centimetres wider to near king-size and the head gains a separate shower. The deep cockpit is sheltered by teak slatted benches with guard rail seats and sizeable lockers beneath, and a fibreglass table dominates—a drop-down version is available to clear the swim platform. The folding cockpit table stows under the floor but needs two people to lift both ends at once.

Known Issues

A few items warrant attention. The boat lacks midship cleats, which matters for med-mooring and spring lines. Steps in the saloon floor are noted as a trip hazard. The fore cabin berth's missing lee cloth is a safety gap under way, and the cockpit table's two-person folding mechanism is awkward single-handed. The slit-like portlights were judged to add little.

Refits and Ownership

Elan fitted a vertical Quick windlass at the bow with foot buttons and a deep chainlocker holding a single anchor roller. The saildrive engine is reached by lifting the companionway steps, with side access for bleeding the four injectors and elevated filters at the back—practical for owner maintenance. A foldout swim platform doubles as a stern-to boarding platform, and the tall main hatch has washboards stowed in the bathroom.

The Verdict

The Impression 394 is a thoughtfully evolved cruiser that keeps a seakindly Humphreys hull while refining the deck and interior for short-handed comfort. It sails with balance and pace, finishes well below, and offers genuinely flexible layouts—though a few omissions like midship cleats and a forecabin lee cloth are real gaps.

Pros