Design and Construction
The Judel/Vrolijk hull gives the 345 a lively performance character, and the builder claimed she is perfectly balanced with a high degree of stability, safe in all weathers, and genuinely quick. The hull form itself is a solid fiberglass monohull with a bulb keel and spade rudder, the deck likewise solid glass. Hanse secures its hull-deck joints with Plexus structural adhesive along an inward-turning flange, a method shared across the range by this era. Testers noted the absence of footblocks and praised the Jefa steering system as a delight, while the folding transom opens the cockpit yet retains the security of a closed transom at sea.
Rig and Handling
A self-tacking blade jib is standard, and all control and reefing lines are led aft to the helm in covered deck channels, placing every line at the helmsman's hand. With just two winches there is limited redundancy, but the self-tacker and winches-at-the-wheel layout make her very easy for one person to handle. The double-ended mainsheet can be reached from either side of the wide transom, and two helm stations give excellent all-around visibility. Writing in Cruising World, one associate editor found her enormously comfortable to helm and acquitted herself very well in conditions most cruisers would avoid anchor. The 18-horsepower Volvo Penta saildrive is standard, with a 27-horsepower option for extended cruising.
Accommodations
Below, the standard layout places the owner's cabin forward, then a saloon with an L-shaped settee to starboard and a bench settee to port; the starboard settee converts to a double bunk and the centerline table seats six with fold-up leaves. The galley to starboard holds a sink, two-burner gas range, and a fridge with top and front access. Two aft configurations exist: one with a single cabin to starboard of the companionway and a head with separate shower to port plus large storage under the cockpit seat, or alternatively two aft cabins that drop the separate shower and storage. Headroom is over six feet throughout, ventilation is excellent with five overhead hatches and opening ports, and recessed deckhead lights lend a premium feel — though testers observed the joinery and finishing is not a match for premium brands.
Known Issues
The port halyard bin also houses the gas bottle, a proximity that drew concern. Hanse explained that the problem was already addressed by mounting halyard bags on the coaming, moving lines away from the regulator.
Refits and Ownership
Standard equipment includes a B&G chart plotter and wind instruments, with autopilot, Fusion stereo, and Wi-Fi as options. The light control panel offers preset configurations at a button touch. The cockpit table doubles as a mount for the centralized display and compass and provides sturdy handholds, while covered storage bins flank the sliding hatch.
The Verdict
The Hanse 345 distills a larger cruiser's volume and cockpit discipline into a manageable 34-footer, with a lively Judel/Vrolijk hull and a genuinely singlehanded-friendly deck. She is not a finely finished premium-brand interior, but the layout flexibility and all-weather composure make her a sensible small bluewater-capable cruiser.
Pros
- Self-tacking jib and all lines led aft for easy short-handed handling
- Folding transom with secure closed configuration at sea
- Flexible aft-cabin or shower-storage layout choices
- Excellent ventilation and standing headroom throughout
Cons
- Only two winches limits redundancy at the helm
- Joinery and finish below premium-brand standard
- Original port halyard bin shared space with gas bottle (later addressed)
