Hanse 371 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Hanse laid the hulls in a female mold using isophthalic polyester resins throughout the laminate, and notably the builder did not use vinylester resin anchor. The topsides are cored with 22-mm balsa, while the keel and through-hull zones get 25–35 mm of solid glass. Inside, a solid fiberglass fishbone structure is bonded to the hull, and every bulkhead is bonded to hull on both sides and deck on one, which the builder described as producing an extreme structure. The hull-deck joint is an inward flange with Sikaflex bonding, and an aluminum toerail set about an inch inboard spreads the load through stainless bolts and backing plates. The keel itself pairs an iron casting above with a lead bulb below, located with 11 bolts into the hull and three more binding the bulb to the shaft; the design permits up to 1.5 centimeters of aft movement in a grounding to spare the hull. Boats were built to CE Standard A for the high seas.

Rig and Handling

The 371 wears a 9/10 fractional rig with two sets of swept spreaders, wire standing rigging, and shrouds based at the cabin side. Z-Spar supplied the sticks until 2001, after which Isomat took over. A full-battened main and a self-tending furling jib were standard, the latter reflecting the design intent to sail without overlaps; an inboard track allows a larger genoa if wanted. The mid-boom mainsheet travels on a 42-inch coachroof track forward of the companionway—an arrangement the builder called an accommodation for cruisers rather than peak performance anchor—with sheets led aft to stoppers. A split backstay stays clear of the stern entry, though no adjuster regulates headstay tension. Test sailors found her light on the helm and buoyant, tacking easily with the self-tending jib; she sailed fastest at 12–15 degrees of heel and turned in a boatlength with the Saildrive and high-aspect rudder. In 8–10 knots she made 5–7 upwind, and in 25-plus bore away to 9 knots, spinning 360 degrees within little more than her own length.

Accommodations

Below, mahogany veneer over plywood and foam-cored panels dress a saloon 11 feet on the centerline and 8 feet wide, with a teak-and-holly sole and cane-faced locker doors for ventilation. Headroom exceeds 6 feet everywhere. The galley sits to starboard at the companionway foot with a two-burner gimbaled stove, 16-by-20-inch counter, and double sink; a switch at the top of the stairs lights it. A C-shaped settee converts to an 8-by-4-foot bunk, while a freestanding 28-inch table serves as chart, cocktail, and dining surface. The head is a 3-by-4-foot compartment accessed only from the saloon. Forward, the skipper's berth runs 6 feet minimum and spans two in comfort; aft, an oversized 6-foot-6-by-6-foot double waits. Standard configuration resisted a third stateroom, but options added a separate shower, a second aft cabin, or a workshop locker. Yachting World noted the red-stained high-gloss mahogany and white bulkheads, with interior mouldings only in the ends and heads and joinery bonded to a framed hull.

Known Issues

Yachting World's inspectors found rough edges and dry mat in hidden corners, with a ripply outer hull finish in spots anchor. The emergency tiller is a mere 21 inches facing aft, of little leverage without a block-and-line rig. Testers also flagged a shortage of handholds between the compression post and galley. The forward port cockpit locker has no drain and only a lid opening, and the standard engine compartment is lined with sound deadener that let the crew speak normally under power.

Refits and Ownership

The standard Volvo 2030 Saildrive was giving way to the Yanmar 3GM30 on later boats, and access to systems, tanks, and engine was reported as generally good—better than the smaller 315. Removable door hinges ease winter storage. The coachroof traveler can be moved to the cockpit if a later owner prizes performance over clear seats. The 30-horsepower diesel pushed her just short of 7 knots wide open.

The Verdict

The Hanse 371 is a thoughtfully modern cruiser that trades a little finish polish for volume, easy shorthanded handling, and a stiff, quick hull. She suits a couple or singlehander who wants to move without a crowd on the rail.

Pros