Hanse 355 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hanse 355 is designed for sailors who prioritize effortless handling without sacrificing speed. Its performance is rooted in a generous sail plan and a relatively high ballast ratio, which provides the stiffness necessary to carry sail into higher wind ranges. The Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio sits in the "light-moderate" category, allowing the boat to accelerate quickly in light puffs, a trait often noted in editorial assessments from the era.

Under sail, the boat is defined by its self-tacking jib. While this reduces the total headsail area compared to a traditional overlapping genoa, the Judel/Vrolijk & Co design compensates with a tall, powerful fractional rig and a large mainsail. This setup means that tacking involves simply turning the wheel; the jib travels across its curved track automatically, making the boat exceptionally easy to manage for solo sailors or couples. However, owner anecdotes and technical reviews often suggest that in light air (under 8 knots), the smaller jib can lead to a slight performance deficit, often mitigated by flying a code zero or asymmetric spinnaker from the optional bowsprit. The steering is generally light and responsive, though the single large wheel requires a sensitive touch to avoid over-steering in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The transition from the 350 to the 355 was most visible within the living spaces. Hanse moved away from the more utilitarian finishes of its earlier models toward a "loft-style" interior that emphasized natural light and ventilation. The 355 introduced more opening ports and flush hatches, significantly improving the airflow which had been a point of critique in its predecessor.

The model was offered in two primary configurations. The two-cabin version features a massive "walk-in" locker to port, accessible through the head or a cockpit hatch, which is ideal for long-distance cruisers needing storage for sails, fenders, and a dinghy. The three-cabin version replaces this locker with a symmetrical aft cabin, accommodating larger families but sacrificing the expansive storage and a slightly larger head compartment. The interior woodwork typically features Ohio Cherry or Mahogany finishes, paired with a classic Hanse "New England" style of white bulkheads and dark floors. Headroom is generous for a 35-foot boat, maintaining nearly 6'3" (1.92m) in the main saloon, which contributes to the open, airy feel of the cabin.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the 355 has not been the subject of a singular famous circumnavigation book, it remains a staple in European charter fleets and regional "Boat of the Year" discussions. It is frequently cited in European yachting media, such as Germany’s Yacht magazine, as a benchmark for the "performance cruiser" category of the early 2010s. Its sibling, the 350, gained notoriety for its sheer volume of sales, and the 355 is often mentioned in "Best Used Boat" guides by Yachting Monthly as a modern classic for those transitioning from racing to family cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Potential buyers of a Hanse 355 should focus their inspections on several areas common to the construction techniques of this era:

• Rudder Bearings: Hanse models from this period often used Jefa steering systems. While high quality, the self-aligning bearings can develop play over time. Check for "knocking" or vibration in the wheel while underway.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: Most 355s are powered by a Yanmar or Volvo Penta engine with a saildrive. Manufacturers recommend replacing the rubber seal every 7–10 years; many boats of this vintage are now due for this critical maintenance.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: The 355 features a clean deck with many recessed lines. Check for signs of moisture around the self-tacking jib track and the mainsheet blocks, as heavy loads can occasionally stress the bedding compounds.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Inspect the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel. While the 355 has a robust subframe, hard groundings can cause stress cracks in the gelcoat around the aft end of the keel stub.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Hanse 355 benefit from one of the most active brand communities in the sailing world. The myHanse - Hanse Owners Association serves as the primary technical repository for the model. This independent forum contains extensive archives on everything from rig tuning specifically for the 355’s self-tacker to interior modifications and spare parts sourcing from the Greifswald factory.

The Verdict

The Hanse 355 remains a highly sought-after used cruiser for those who want modern aesthetics and effortless handling in a package that can still hold its own in a club race.

Pros

• Ease of Handling: The self-tacking jib and cockpit layout make it arguably the easiest 35-foot monohull to sail shorthanded.
• Interior Volume: Feels significantly larger than 35 feet due to the Judel/Vrolijk beam-carried-aft design and high headroom.
• Build Quality: A noticeable step up in interior fit and finish compared to the earlier Hanse 350.

Cons

• Light Air Performance: The small standard jib can feel underpowered in light winds without an auxiliary reaching sail.
• Single Wheel Obstruction: The large single wheel provides great feel but can make moving through the cockpit to the transom a bit tight.
• Limited Engine Access: While standard for the size, accessing the sides of the engine for secondary maintenance tasks can be cramped.