Hanse 455 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The GRP hull shows minimum overhangs, modest topside flare, and a snub-nosed bow with volume carried aft, a shape that trades traditional overhang for internal room and waterline length. Beneath the waterline, a large spade rudder sits nearly as deep as the cast iron keel with its T-bulb offered as standard. Hull construction is foam-cored with isophthalic gelcoat and vinylester laminate, and inside the bulkheads have been strengthened with the introduction of carbon composite panels. The newly designed Judel/Vrolijk hull includes carbon reinforcing as part of its structure. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 30.2 percent and a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 20.4, the 455 sits in average company for its type rather than at either extreme.

Rig and Handling

On deck the layout echoes the larger Hanse 575, with good ergonomics letting the steerer work the twin electric Lewmar 50 Evo winches from the twin helms. All sail lines run from the mast straight back to pedestal-side jammers, so a pair of sailors can manage the whole hoist and trim without leaving the cockpit. There is no main track for graduated boom control; instead a pair of blocks ahead of the optional sprayhood handle the mainsheet. Hanse offers a simple sailplan of a self-tacking roller-furling headsail or a more powerful 105 percent genoa, while the Elvstrom mainsail on a Selden mast can be had with in-mast or slab reefing. The solid Selden boom vang controlled the tri-radial mainsail well in testing. The sailing layout proves functional for both shorthanded and crewed use. A bowthruster is fitted, and the builder offers a joystick system coordinating fore and aft drop-down thrusters for close-quarters control of these large, high-sided yachts.

Performance Under Sail and Power

Off the breeze on a beam reach in 8 knots of true wind the 455 logged 6.9 knots with the self-tacking jib, a respectable turn of speed for the conditions. Under power the Volvo Penta D2-55 diesel saildrive pushed the hull to 9.1 knots at 3,000 rpm, and the stainless steel wheel transmitted no turbulence or vibration. The optional Flexofold propeller folds when the engine is out of gear. With a 53 hp Volvo Penta and three-sided engine access, servicing is straightforward, though the elevated position of the struts drew a minor complaint in the review.

Accommodations

The 455 can be had with three standard cabins or four, and the owner's forward berth makes good use of the tall topsides and wide beam with a substantial island bed, two sets of tall wardrobes, and deep drawers. The saloon maximizes space to create a large, airy room with a chart table, rounded Italian oak furniture ends, and handrails on the main hatch fitted with a sensible sliding washboard door. The review boat, hull number 30, carried a U-shaped starboard dinette and opposite bench seat, while the dinette table itself was among the best seen, with a large folding leaf, cupboard, and drinkholders. An L-shaped galley provides twin sinks, five overhead cupboards including one for a microwave, and a three-burner Emo stove-oven surrounded by deep-fiddled work surfaces. Twin large-opening skylights and small portlights aid ventilation in warm climates, and headroom looks to be better than two metres at the doorway. A large separate shower cubicle includes a useful fibreglass bench, and the manual toilet beside it had been optioned to electric.

Cockpit and Deck Gear

The cockpit features a sturdy teak table with stainless rails that unfolds, though its shallowness does not offer the best protection unless the optional sprayhood is taken. Behind the helms, hidden under the transom seats, sit a sink and optional hotplate, while the teak swimplatform lowers to form a barbecue area and carries the liferaft for easy deployment. A single roller takes the 20 kg Delta anchor with a smallish Quick vertical windlass at deck level, adequate but modest for a boat this size. Folding cleats all-round, including midships, finish the functional deck.

Known Issues

The shallow cockpit is noted as a low point for offshore use, limiting protection and security in heavy weather.

The Verdict

The Hanse 455 is a thoughtfully evolved cruiser that builds on the 445 with a carbon-reinforced Judel/Vrolijk hull and a deck engineered for shorthanded control. Its accommodations are bright and well organized, the galley and dinette practical, and the helm ergonomics mature. The shallow cockpit remains its chief compromise for blue-water ambitions, and the standard windlass is small for the displacement.

Pros