Hallberg-Rassy 400 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Beneath the waterline the hull is solid laminate, while above it the hand-laid laminate uses a Divinycell PVC foam core for insulation and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Structural bulkheads are laminated on both sides within a load-distributing grid that extends to deck level fore and aft, and an internal keel stiffener runs longitudinally and is laminated to the hull, negating the need for a central interior bulkhead and opening the saloon. The hull-to-deck joint is an overlapping laminate with no fasteners, and the structure reads as a strong, robust, monolithic whole capped by a formidable bulwark. A steel support under the deck-stepped, triple-spreader Seldén mast is molded into the fiberglass, and every boat ships with its own wiring diagram. Yacht magazine summed her up as stiff, well-built, and very commodious, with fine carpentry and perfect varnishing in a contemporary design language, and Segeln noted well-made carpentry with continuous grain in structural bulkheads and cabinets.

Rig and Handling

The 400 carries an easy-to-handle fractional sloop rig with an integrated bowsprit and a standard slightly overlapping headsail of about 110 percent that provides plenty of power yet tacks easily; a self-tacking jib is also offered. Sheet leads run between the inboard and outboard shrouds for tight closehauled angles, and the mainsheet traveler sits forward of the traditional Hallberg-Rassy windshield, with a pair of solar panels stationed just ahead as well. Control lines are led concealed to the coamings, allowing electric winches without stealing interior room, and telltales are plainly visible from the helm. Under sail the boat has impressed period testers: Yacht found her sailing like on rails with only small corrections needed and very stiff, while Segeln described an immediate, non-nervous response with an apparent desire for performance. On the test day in Annapolis, she ticked between 7 and 8.5 knots on all points in 10 to 18 knots of wind, and at 40 degrees apparent in 11 knots true made 8.1 with a finger's touch on the helm. Under the 60-hp Volvo Penta D2-60 turning a three-blade Gori on saildrive she made 7.1 knots at 2,300 rpm and turned in a boatlength; decibels below measured a quiet 71 dBA.

Accommodations

The interior is offered with one or two aft cabins, a choice of one or two heads, and a forward cabin in three layouts — including, for the first time on an aft-cockpit Hallberg-Rassy, an owner's cabin in the bow with a centerline bed and en-suite head. A single aft cabin yields an extra-long starboard settee and a large head with separate shower, while twin aft cabins still share an aft head. The saloon comes with an L-sofa and either settees or armchairs, finished in light khaya mahogany or optional European oak, with fiddles doubling as handholds and settees converting to secure sea berths. A pop-up foot brace aids the heeled helmsman, and the entrance washboard is available with gas springs. Segeln praised a generously sized forward layout with a centre berth exceptional at this size, and noted every corner turned to storage; Cruising World's Boat of the Year director called the versatile layout unusual in a 40-footer.

Equipment and Ownership

Standard and optional equipment underscores the cruising intent: a fixed high-gloss teak cockpit table or drop-leaf centerline version, bins for excess ropes, a fold-out swim platform reached past a split backstay, and a bowsprit serving as tack point for a gennaker, mount for a bow ladder, and stowage for an Ultra anchor. Comfort options run to washing machine, dishwasher, extra fridge or freezer, air conditioner, and watermaker. The Volvo is accessed via companionway steps and panels in each aft cabin, with room for the optional genset, and all tankage — two fuel, three water — is low and centered. Each boat is delivered with an individual wiring diagram.

The Verdict

The Hallberg-Rassy 400 distills the marque's traditional craft and ocean-capable CE Category A rating into a Frers hull that sails with unexpected verve. She earned Import Boat of the Year in 2023 and shared Cruising World's Overall Winner, a rare double that matches the period press's view of her as an evolutionary cruiser with matchless versatility.

Pros

Beam carried aft with twin rudders gives precise control when heeled and a roomy interior
Versatile layout options including a forward owner's cabin unique to aft-cockpit HR
Quiet, accessible Volvo Penta D2-60 with space for genset
Fast, easily handled rig with concealed controls and visible telltales

Cons