Design and Construction
Judel/Vrolijk & Co shaped a hull that is hand-laid fiberglass using polyester resin, with both hull and deck in solid GRP rather than a cored laminate fiberglass using polyester resin. The keel is cast iron with a bulb on the bottom, and the boat was offered with more than one keel alternative, including a torpedo form and an L-shaped bulb, both iron different keel alternatives. Outboard-mounted chainplates and through-hull windows are notable construction details. The standard draft is quoted at 5 feet 7 inches in one source, while another describes deep-keel versions drawing about 6 feet 4 inches loaded and a shallower L-keel version around 5 feet 3 inches loaded — the latter opening most marinas to the boat. Ballast is approximately 3,260 pounds (about 28 percent of displacement), and the hull carries CE Class A certification for offshore capability. Sources differ on displacement, ballast, and tankage figures across the reviewed material.
Rig and Handling
The 320 carries a tall two-spreader fractional rig with a 9/10 jib and a long boom, the mast reaching 48 feet 5 inches above the waterline — large for a 32-footer tall two-spreader rig. The traditional Hanse self-tacking jib is standard, backed by an adjustable backstay and solid boom vang, and the boat is rigged to accept a larger headsail on deck tracks. In standard form there is no mainsheet traveller; the Australian importer Windcraft "Australianised" the boat by adding a traveller just forward of the wheel, while all control lines lead aft to two largish self-tailing Lewmar cabin-top winches and big primary winches handle the headsails. With a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 16.3 on the reference sail (19.1 with a 135 percent genoa), one review notes the boat is significantly overrigged relative to peers. The deep spade rudder and big wheel give precise helm feel, and the engine option Windcraft chose — a 30 hp Yanmar 3YM30 driving through a saildrive to a three-blade folding prop — borders on overpowering for the hull.
Accommodations
Below, the 320 is a standard two-cabin layout with four berths: a comfortable forward V-berth and an aft cabin with a big double, hanging lockers, and ample storage. The single head is roomy and includes a hot and cold shower to rinse off salt. The galley is a traditional U-shape with a deep top-opening fridge, a two-burner gas stove with oven, and a double sink. In the saloon, the starboard lounge has a pull-down armrest that converts it to two chairs, while the port side is a semi-wraparound seat; the dining table folds up to seat five for dinner. The volume reads larger than the length suggests because of the beamy hull and broad transom.
Refits and Ownership
Owners shopping a 320 should note the traveller configuration: standard boats lack a mainsheet traveller, while Windcraft-supplied examples gained one forward of the wheel. The big anchor locker with substantial electric winch and offset fairlead speaks to easy ground-tackle handling. The shallow-draft L-keel option with increased ballast to about 3,750 pounds (1,700 kg) is worth seeking for coastal marina access. A 30 hp Yanmar 3YM30 saildrive is a strong, if slightly overpowered, setup; some boats may instead carry a 21 hp Yanmar 3YM20 per another source, so confirmation of the installed engine is prudent. Sources differ on engine power and tankage.
The Verdict
The Hanse 320 is a thoughtfully packaged small cruiser that trades a little ultimate draft for livability and short-handed simplicity. The Judel/Vrolijk & Co hull is beamy and stable, the rig is powerful yet manageable with a self-tacker, and the interior is genuinely usable for a couple with guests. Keel-choice and traveller-layout variances mean no two boats are spec-identical, but the core design is coherent.
Pros
- Beamy, high-freeboard hull with real two-cabin livability and a roomy head
- Tall fractional rig with self-tacking jib and all lines led aft for short-handed sailing
- CE Class A certification and iron bulb keel options including a shallow-draft version
Cons
- Standard layout lacks a mainsheet traveller (retrofit needed for precise mains control)
- Disputed engine and tankage figures across sources require physical verification
- Deep keel variant limits marina access to major facilities only
