Design and Construction
The 455 measures 45 feet 7 inches overall, with a 4.38-metre beam. It displaces roughly 11,600 kg and carries 3,500 kg of iron ballast in a standard T-bulb keel drawing 2.25 metres.
The GRP hull has minimal overhangs, modest topside flare, and a snub-nosed bow, with volume carried aft. This shape trades traditional overhangs for more interior room and waterline length. Below the waterline, a large spade rudder extends nearly as deep as the cast iron keel, whose T-bulb is standard.
The hull is foam-cored, with isophthalic gelcoat and vinylester laminate. Carbon reinforcement forms part of the newly designed Judel/Vrolijk hull structure, while carbon-composite panels strengthen the bulkheads inside.
A ballast-to-displacement ratio of 30.2 percent and sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 20.4 place the 455 in average company for its type rather than at either extreme.
Rig and Handling
The deck layout echoes that of the larger Hanse 575. Its ergonomics allow the steerer to operate the twin electric Lewmar 50 Evo winches from the twin helms. All sail-control lines lead directly from the mast to jammers beside the pedestals, allowing two sailors to handle hoisting and trimming without leaving the cockpit.
There is no mainsheet track for graduated boom control. Instead, two blocks ahead of the optional sprayhood handle the mainsheet. Hanse offers a straightforward sail plan with either a self-tacking roller-furling headsail or a more powerful 105 percent genoa. The Elvstrom mainsail, set on a Selden mast, is available with in-mast or slab reefing. In testing, the solid Selden boom vang controlled the tri-radial mainsail well.
The sailing layout works for both shorthanded and crewed use. A bowthruster is fitted, and the builder also offers a joystick system that coordinates fore and aft drop-down thrusters for close-quarters control of these large, high-sided yachts.
Performance Under Sail and Power
On a beam reach in 8 knots of true wind, the 455 logged 6.9 knots with the self-tacking jib—a respectable speed for the conditions.
Under power, the Volvo Penta D2-55 diesel saildrive pushed the hull to 9.1 knots at 3,000 rpm. The stainless steel wheel transmitted no turbulence or vibration. An optional Flexofold propeller folds when the engine is out of gear.
The 53 hp Volvo Penta has three-sided access, making servicing straightforward, although the elevated position of the struts drew a minor complaint in the review.
Accommodations
The 455 is available with three standard cabins or four cabins. Forward, the owner’s cabin makes good use of the tall topsides and broad beam, with a substantial island bed, two sets of tall wardrobes, and deep drawers.
The saloon is large and airy, with a chart table, rounded ends on the Italian oak furniture, and handrails at the main hatch. A practical sliding washboard closes the companionway. The review boat, hull number 30, had a U-shaped dinette to starboard and a bench seat opposite. Its dinette table was among the best seen, with a large folding leaf, a cupboard, and drinkholders.
The L-shaped galley has twin sinks and five overhead cupboards, including one intended for a microwave. A three-burner Emo stove-oven sits amid work surfaces with deep fiddles.
Two large opening skylights and smaller portlights help ventilation in warm climates. Headroom appears to exceed two metres at the doorway. The heads compartment includes a large separate shower cubicle with a useful fibreglass bench. The manual toilet alongside had been upgraded to an electric model on the review boat.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The cockpit has a sturdy folding teak table with stainless steel rails. However, the cockpit’s shallow depth limits protection unless the optional sprayhood is fitted.
A sink and optional hotplate are concealed beneath the transom seats behind the helms. The teak swim platform lowers to create a barbecue area and carries the liferaft for easy deployment.
At the bow, a single roller holds the 20 kg Delta anchor. The smallish Quick vertical windlass sits at deck level; it is adequate, but modest for a yacht of this size. Folding cleats all around, including amidships, complete the functional deck layout.
Known Issues
The shallow cockpit is a weak point for offshore use, offering limited protection and security in heavy weather.
The Verdict
The Hanse 455 is a thoughtfully developed successor to the 445, with a carbon-reinforced Judel/Vrolijk hull and a deck arranged for shorthanded control. Its accommodations are bright and well organized, the galley and dinette are practical, and the helm ergonomics are well resolved.
The shallow cockpit remains the principal compromise for blue-water ambitions, while the standard windlass is small for the boat’s displacement.
Pros
- Carbon-reinforced hull, strengthened bulkheads, and vinylester laminate
- All lines led aft to pedestal-side jammers for easier shorthanded sailing
- Three- or four-cabin layouts, with an airy saloon and an island owner’s berth
- Strong speed under power and a vibration-free wheel
- Good three-sided access to the 53 hp Volvo Penta
Cons
- Shallow cockpit limits offshore protection
- Smallish standard windlass for an 11,600 kg yacht
- Modest 30.2 percent ballast ratio
