Design and Construction
Elan built the 394 with its vacuum-infusion system, using epoxy and vinylester GRP. The hull is a sandwich construction, with a closed-cell foam core above the waterline and solid glass below. The decks use the same sandwich principle, but with a balsa core. The outer hull layers contain vinylester resin specifically to guard against osmosis. A conventional cast-iron keel carries a deep, single-spade rudder, while a stainless steel bowsleeve protects the hull forward.
The builder calls the layout a “semi-deck saloon,” achieved by raising the cabin sole. The interior has 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 Sail Handling
The rig carried over from the earlier model rather than being redesigned. A 135 per cent roller-furling genoa remains standard. The shrouds attach inboard near the deckhouse and are strongly secured to the hull grid by tie-rods, keeping the foredeck clear.
A split backstay avoids blocking the swim platform. The mainsheet runs on a proper track on the saloon roof, and a metal vang controls the mainsail. Twin Harken 35.2 winches on the coachroof handle the halyards, while Harken 40.2 units beside the wheels serve the genoa. The roller-headsail cars can be adjusted from the cockpit.
Elan offers a gennaker, spinnaker and vertical roller furling for the mainsail as options. A self-tending jib isn’t available because neither the deck layout nor its structure is suited to one.
Performance Under Sail and Power
In roughly 10 knots of breeze, the 394 trucks along at 6.2 knots at a 45-degree wind angle. In a stronger 19-knot wind, the Dacron mainsail pulled well enough for the boat to climb to 58 degrees apparent and 7.2 knots. The helm felt light and balanced as she spun through tacks and accelerated cleanly.
The two wheels use premium Lewmar steering that bites immediately. Testers noted, however, that the desired helm pressure was largely absent even when the mainsail was trimmed, leaving the wheel feeling a touch mushy.
Under power, the Volvo Penta D2 diesel and saildrive produced 7.5 knots at 3000 rpm, with minimal noise and no vibration through the composite wheel.
Interior and Accommodation
The 394 comes in four layouts, spanning two- and three-cabin arrangements with either one or two heads. The saloon stands 2.7 metres tall and receives light through teardrop-shaped coachroof windows, two square skylights and a third opening forward.
Light oak veneer contrasts with dark walnut fiddles and edges, while teak is available as an interior alternative. A U-shaped dinette sits forward to port, opposite a large settee. The main table folds out for the crew, and one variant lowers to form a bunk.
The L-shaped galley earns praise. It includes a double sink with 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. The navigation table accommodates most paper charts, while the bulkhead has room for a seven-inch plotter and VHF.
The standard forecabin has an unusual asymmetrical double berth to port. It lacks a lee cloth for safety when underway.
One aft cabin can be replaced by a walk-in lazarette. In that configuration, the remaining aft berth gains 38 centimetres in width, bringing it close to king-size, and the head gains a separate shower.
Cockpit and Deck
The deep cockpit has teak-slatted benches, guardrail seats and sizeable lockers beneath. A fibreglass table dominates the space; a drop-down version is available to clear the swim platform. The folding cockpit table stows under the floor, but two people must lift both ends at once.
A foldout swim platform also serves as a stern-to boarding platform. The tall main hatch uses washboards that stow in the bathroom.
At the bow, Elan fitted a vertical Quick windlass with foot buttons. The deep chainlocker contains a single anchor roller.
Engine Access and Owner Maintenance
The saildrive engine is reached by lifting the companionway steps. Side access allows the four injectors to be bled, while the filters are mounted high at the back. It’s a practical arrangement for owner maintenance.
Known Issues
A few shortcomings warrant attention. The boat lacks midship cleats, which matters when med-mooring and when rigging spring lines. Steps in the saloon floor have been noted as a trip hazard.
The forecabin berth’s missing lee cloth is a safety gap underway, while the cockpit table’s two-person folding mechanism is awkward for a singlehander. The slit-like portlights were also judged to add little.
The Verdict
The Impression 394 is a thoughtfully evolved cruiser. It retains a seakindly Humphreys hull while refining the deck and interior for short-handed comfort. It sails with balance and pace, is well finished below and offers genuinely flexible layouts. Still, omissions such as midship cleats and a forecabin lee cloth are real gaps.
Pros
- Lengthened hull retains the same beam, improving motion without crowding the deck
- Vacuum-infused epoxy-and-vinylester hull, with foam core above the waterline
- Light, balanced helm and strong performance in light to moderate air
- Four accommodation layouts, including a walk-in lazarette option
- Practical saildrive access for owner servicing
Cons
- No factory-fitted midship cleats
- Forecabin berth lacks a lee cloth
- Mushy helm feel, with little feedback from trim changes
- Saloon-floor steps are a noted trip hazard
- Cockpit table requires two people to fold
