At the small end of the Hanse range of that era, the 301 is a light-displacement cruiser-racer. Its displacement-to-length ratio of 155 places it among what one review called “light racers.” The boat displaces 6,173 pounds, including 2,425 pounds of iron ballast, for a ballast ratio of nearly 36 percent.
Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid fiberglass with a solid laminate. The interior structure uses sandwich construction, that improves the indoor climate.
With a beam of 9 feet 1 inch and a length-to-beam ratio of 3.23, the hull is moderately narrow by modern standards. The fin-keel version draws between 5.51 and 5.81 feet, depending on load, which is shallow enough for access to most marinas. A wing-keel alternative was also offered.
Below the waterline, about 290 square feet of wetted surface meets the water. An immersion rate of 829 pounds per inch indicates how little the boat settles under cruising load. The Hanse 301 carries CE Class B certification for offshore use.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Hanse 301 has a fractional rig and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 13.56. That figure is modest by pure race-boat standards but workable on a 6,173-pound hull. Its calculated maximum speed is about 4.8 knots, well below the theoretical displacement-hull speed of 6.8 knots for a boat of this length.
The capsize screening value is 1.99, at the higher, more seaworthy end of the scale. A Motion Comfort Ratio of 18.4 suggests a firm rather than plush ride in a chop. The light displacement and fractional rig make the boat responsive without being twitchy.
Standing rigging and sheets follow sensible dimensions. Jib and genoa sheets are 29.5 feet long and 3/8 inch in diameter. The mainsheet is 73.7 feet of 3/8-inch line, while the spinnaker sheets are 64.9 feet long in the same diameter.
Accommodations
Below, the Hanse 301 is finished in warm-toned, mahogany-faced marine plywood, with mahogany cabinetry throughout. The forward V-berth has lockers beneath it, while the two saloon settees form berths approximately 6 feet 9 inches long—a usable length for most adults.
The aft-berth cushion uses 4 cm of foam, compared with 8 cm elsewhere. That’s a small but noticeable concession to the taper of the stern. Saloon storage is straightforward, with two lockers and shelves distributed around the cabin.
The galley is practical rather than generous. It includes a stainless steel sink, a two-burner gas stove with oven, a single gas bottle, a cold box, drawers, and a locker. Freshwater capacity is 26 gallons, supplied through a pressurized system. Fuel capacity is 11 gallons.
Known Issues
The Hanse 301’s service history shows no systemic defects involving the hull, deck, or rig. The builder stated that the iron ballast weighs 2,425 pounds. Any risk of corrosion is ordinary for the material rather than a recorded flaw specific to the model.
The Verdict
The Hanse 301 is a tidy, light-footed coastal cruiser-racer from the late-1990s Greifswald design office. It should suit a couple or small family looking for an easily handled 30-footer, with genuine mahogany warmth below and a CE Class B rating.
Its light displacement and fractional rig promise lively, responsive handling without making the boat twitchy. The fin keel’s moderate draft should also keep most marinas accessible. The trade-offs are modest tankage, an unexceptional sail-area-to-displacement ratio, and the normal corrosion vigilance required by an iron keel.
Pros
- Hand-laid solid-fiberglass hull and mahogany-faced interior
- Light displacement, with a displacement-to-length ratio of 155, for lively handling
- CE Class B certification and a capsize screening value of 1.99
- Practical galley and 6-foot-9-inch settee berths
Cons
- Modest sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 13.56
- Iron ballast keel requires normal corrosion vigilance
- Small 11-gallon fuel and 26-gallon freshwater capacities
