{"id":45360,"date":"2019-10-02T17:23:34","date_gmt":"2019-10-02T21:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=45360"},"modified":"2023-05-06T17:57:51","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T21:57:51","slug":"boat-review-hanse-548","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/boat-review-hanse-548\/","title":{"rendered":"Boat Review: Hanse 548"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Hanse <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n One of the latest models from a builder that\u2019s become a colossus, the Hanse 548 is a large, rangy boat that hasn\u2019t forgotten why we all go sailing.<\/span>\n Jon Whittle<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

A funny thing has happened in the world of production boatbuilding since the German company Hanse Yachts launched its first model, the relatively modest Hanse 291, in 1993. To put it mildly, Hanse has exploded and is now a certifiable behemoth, trailing only Group Beneteau in the ranks of the world\u2019s largest sailboat builders (the firm\u2019s holdings include the Moody and Dehler brands, and Privil\u00e8ge Catamarans as well). Pay a visit to the Hanse stands this fall at the big U.S. boat shows in Newport, Rhode Island, and Annapolis, Maryland, and see for yourself. The Hanse exhibit is a veritable boat show within the boat show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

This past fall, the builder unveiled three new models, the largest of which was the Hanse 548 (all three boats were part of the company\u2019s 8-Series, an ongoing upgrade of almost the entire line). It\u2019s a voluminous yacht that sails well, boasts \u00adgargantuan accommodations, and has a list of available options\u2014with regard to interior layouts, keels, hull and furniture colors, fabrics, electronics, and on and on\u2014that\u2019s longer than a giraffe\u2019s neck. You can trick out this boat to your very own liking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

That said, no matter what the degree of customization, the basic platform remains the same. And it\u2019s quite the platform: With its maxed-out waterline, low-rider coach roof, extremely tall topsides and double headsails (the inner is a self-tacking number), and a half-dozen hull windows to each side, the 548 cuts a thoroughly contemporary figure. This is the basic template, more or less, that defines the modern sailboat aesthetic as interpreted by a whole host of European naval architects, including Judel\/Vrolijk & Company, who were responsible for this design. Admittedly, not everyone is wild about straight-razor \u00adprofiles that don\u2019t exhibit a little rake or angle in the bow and transom. But I think they\u2019re pretty cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

The other visual (and practical) accoutrement in the yacht is the carbon-fiber T-top that extends over the cockpit\u2014a solid Bimini with a canvas enclosure within it that can slide forward from its spot above the twin wheels for some sunshine and a good look at the main. It\u2019s quite functional and extremely well-executed. (An additional hard dodger is also available.) So too is the \u201cdinghy garage,\u201d or tender bay, beneath the cockpit for stashing the inflatable; the associated, hydraulically controlled drop-down transom with a retractable ladder that raises to the deck is also useful for boarding the boat\u2014not an easy task otherwise given its outsize dimensions (there\u2019s another useful ladder in the lifeline gates for side boarding).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Hanse <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The main saloon offers abundant living space.<\/span>\n Jon Whittle<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing particularly fancy about the sandwich construction\u2014it\u2019s a \u201cwet\u201d layup of glass, vinylester and gelcoat surrounding an end-grain balsa core above the waterline, with carbon reinforcement in the chain-plate areas. A grid of solid fiberglass anchors the keel-stepped mast and the keel itself, of which there are three options: a deep T-shaped foil that draws better than 9 feet, and a pair of slightly shallower L-shaped foils in the 7- and 8-foot range, respectively. Soundown insulation in the flooring and cabins makes for a surprisingly quiet boat. There\u2019s a substantial, sturdy composite bulwark that rims the deck, and a single rudder. The engine is a Yanmar 110 hp with a straight shaft (not a sail drive). C-Zone digital switching controls and monitors the electrical systems. Retractable thrusters fore and aft are helpful in gliding this handful of a boat in and out of tight places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

There are multiple interior plans from which to choose\u2014including a pair of four-cabin versions with a set of double cabins and heads forward\u2014but the standard, most popular layout, which was on our test boat, is a three-cabin model with a roomy owner\u2019s suite in the bow (with a nice head and shower) and two ample double cabins aft (there\u2019s also a small workroom to port that could also be specified as another head or a dedicated stateroom with bunkbeds). The main saloon is spacious and airy, and includes a straight-line galley aft to starboard, a navigation station to port, and lengthy settees, including an L-shaped one also to starboard that wraps around the dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Hanse <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The cockpit features two dining tables split to each side.<\/span>\n Jon Whittle<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n

We test-sailed the boat on a day of rather fitful breezes that never reached even 10 knots, but it was plenty to get the 548 moving well. The two helms are independently connected to the rudder post, and feature big pedestals with two sets of controls for the engine, lights, thrusters, B&G instruments, autopilot, and so on (you hit a \u201cselect\u201d button at whichever postion you\u2019re driving from to take command). The cockpit is big, continuing the overall theme, with two dining tables split to each side, leaving a nice walk-through space in between. There\u2019s a windscreen forward of the companionway, which has integral slats that disappear into a recess when not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

The triple-spreader rig is tamed with a Seld\u00e9n in-mast furler with an Elvstrom performance mainsail with vertical battens that was pretty and effective. The mainsheet is a German double-ended affair that leads aft to the helms. The smaller of the two headsails, as previously mentioned, is a self-tacking jib on its own track that makes tacking as simple as turning the wheel. The larger genoa, on the forward stay, is available for off-wind work. The versatile solent arrangement is really a sound solution for a cruising boat with a primary attribute of making miles in whatever the conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

And from what we saw, even in the light stuff, racking up miles won\u2019t be an issue for the 548. In just about 7 knots of true wind hard on the breeze, the speedo touched 7 as well. It\u2019s an easy boat to steer, with a balanced helm, and tracks beautifully. That low coach roof provides wonderful visibility forward. I jotted down a couple of notes as I jogged back and forth between wheels after tacks, one of which was in all caps: \u201cFUN!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s precisely what sailboats are supposed to be, right? With the 548, and other recent launches, Hanse seems to have sorted that out. I guess it\u2019s no wonder they\u2019ve become a colossus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Hanse 548 Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
LENGTH OVERALL<\/td>\n53’3″ (16.22 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WATERLINE LENGTH<\/td>\n48’11” (14.90 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BEAM<\/td>\n16’7″ (5.05 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DRAFT<\/td>\n9’2″\/7’3″ (2.8\/2.2 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SAIL AREA (100%)<\/td>\n1,485 sq. ft. (138 sq. m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BALLAST<\/td>\n14,555 lb. (6,602 kg)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DISPLACEMENT<\/td>\n43,652 lb. (19,800 kg)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BALLAST\/DISPLACEMENT<\/td>\n0.33<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DISPLACEMENT\/LENGTH<\/td>\n166<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SAIL AREA\/DISPLACEMENT<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WATER<\/td>\n203 gal. (770 L)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FUEL<\/td>\n137 gal. (520 L)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MAST HEIGHT<\/td>\n81’0″ (24.6 m)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS<\/td>\nVolvo 110 hp<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DESIGNER<\/td>\nJudel\/Vrolijk & Co.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PRICE<\/td>\n$800,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

Hanse Yachts\n978-239-6568\nhanseyachts.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Sea Trial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n

WIND SPEED<\/strong>\n7 to 9 knots\nSEA STATE<\/strong>\nSlight chop\nSAILING<\/strong>\nClosehauled 7.0 knots\nReaching 6.8 knots\nMOTORING<\/strong>\nCruise (1,800 rpm) 6.9 knots\nFast (2,300 rpm) 8.3 knots<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Hanse 548 is a large, rangy boat that hasn’t forgotten why we all go sailing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20129,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Herb McCormick","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"20191002","hydra_display_updated":false,"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"167","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"A boat review of the Hanse 548.","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Boat Review: Hanse 548 %%sep%% %%sitename%%","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","arc_story_id":"RNUE6NZMZFDJJNHHSJNEEM6324","arc_website_url":"boat-review-hanse-548\/","custom_permalink":"boat-review-hanse-548\/","arc_subtype":"right-sidebar","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"sponsored_image":0,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\"","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[167],"tags":[256,655,227,195],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45360"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45360"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45360\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}