Design and Construction
The 388 sits on the same balsa-cored hull as the 385, a shape left untouched because the hull worked so well, with an inner subframe moulding and a massive bulkhead set in with angle laminate. The hull-deck joint is partially laminated, and the underwater hull is full laminate finished with isophthalic acid gelcoat over a first laminate layer of vinyl ester resin. Above the waterline the GRP sandwich with balsa core carries six large hull windows and six superstructure windows, and the deck gained more glazing than the 385 along with a completely unusual companionway treatment: dark tinted glass panes cover the partially cut-out roof and companionway bulkhead in addition to the sliding hatch. The standard keel is a deep L-keel a few centimetres lower than the 385's, with a free-standing rudder fin and a single deep blade carried on a chain-wire connection to the quadrant.
Rig and Handling
Sailing ease defines the 388. The self-tacking jib, typical of the yard since the early 1990s, works with a mainsheet anchored to strong-points on the coachroof and guided in front of the companionway, so the helmsman always has the sheet on both sides within reach from either wheel. All halyards, sheets, and outhauls run through the deck and cockpit coamings via Spinlock clamps to two Lewmar winches mounted aft within the helmsman's radius, and the lines disappear into storage boxes. There is no mainsheet traveller, which limits fine tweaking, and the rig carries two pairs of long spreaders with a furling option available. Writing in Yacht, test sailors found the boat steers quite directly with just one turn from stop to stop, achieving up to 7 knots on a reach at a 90-degree tacking angle in 11 to 12 knots of wind, while Yachting Monthly clocked 6.3 to 6.6 knots to windward and tacked through 80 degrees in flat water, the log climbing past 7 knots when cracked off. The small self-tacking jib contributes to a tight sail-load factor of 4.2, and it instantly twists out too far off the wind; Hanse offered a genoa option with longitudinal rails and now favors a code-zero crossover for lighter or fuller conditions.
Accommodations
Below, the 388 was completely redesigned in appearance, with a variable interior layout. Two cabins and a walk-in locker to starboard are standard, and the customer can order a second aft cabin instead of the large forecabin; a three-cabin version with a second double stern cabin to starboard is available, and a second head can be fitted forward. The standard galley is gigantic in its long version, shrinking to normal dimensions in the short layout, with an L-shaped configuration and a big fridge offering front and top access. The navigation table can be lowered and cushioned to extend the berth. Natural light is generous through the hull and deck windows plus two foredeck hatches and added glazing on two of three deck hatches, though testers noted weak cross-ventilation in the saloon. The port aft cabin is trimmed for comfort and volume with opening and fixed windows, but its open storage is too small and shallow for sea use, and cabin shelves throughout drew the same criticism.
Known Issues and Ownership Notes
The standard 40 mm winches drew a tester's note that they work at the lower limit, with 45 mm preferred. The 388 came with a Yanmar SD25 saildrive, the smallest in that range, which requires service every 100 hours against 200 for larger units, and its sail-drive seal should be replaced every seven years. Owners and surveyors noted accessible seacocks passing through solid laminate where the balsa core ramps to single skin, but also interior woodwork left with raw end grain and fully veneered surfaces lacking solid edging, and a chart table without fiddles.
The Verdict
The Hanse 388 is a thoughtfully updated cruiser that keeps a proven hull while modernizing the deck and living spaces around easy short-handed sailing. Its self-tacking setup, twin helms, and glassy companionway make it a pleasant coastal and offshore companion, though storage and ventilation details show the limits of the design's priorities.
Pros
- Proven, unchanged balsa-cored hull from the 385 with modern beam and deep keel
- Self-tacking jib and mainsheet-at-coachroof layout keep sailing manageable short-handed
- Bright, reworked interior with variable cabin arrangements and a large galley
- Direct steering and strong light-air reaching performance
Cons
- Standard winches at the lower limit of adequacy
- Weak saloon cross-ventilation and shallow, small cabin storage
- Yanmar SD25 saildrive demands 100-hour service and seven-year seal replacement
- Veneer-only joinery with un-sealed end-grain
