Being a former and retired distributor for Elan Marine and the Group Benetau and being an owner of an Elan Impression 434, I can tell you the main differences. It´s not the Equipment, because all yards are using Selden and Harken products. The main difference lays in the bottom of the boat, something you cannot see on boatshows: at Elan the inner structure is fix laminated with the hull, giving the boat an extreme stability at sea and at groundings. In order to reduce costs (laminating is much more expensive) most yards use a glue for joining and give it a single layer in order to present a laminated look. As long as the boat is swimming in its element there is practically no difference, but when exposed to strong forces, Elan will stand through. The problem with Elan: a weak dealership. Beneteau is bigger, but that does not mean their boats are better.
When looking at the Elan yacht it is built in a country whit by european standards low wages. But unlike other places of that kind they have a long tradition of building yachts. But it is primarily built for the Adriatic , Greece and families who live within train distance and want to enjoy there vacations on the water. So it is built to be cheap and still comply with the EU certification. For those of you americans who have no idea of sailing the Adriatic a strong endgin is a vital part if the safety equipment.
No, I would not punt on one (new}. First, that cheap bow rail verges on dangerous for a 43.. It's so obvious & easy to fix it just makes me wonder. Yes, she has independent, but still twin rudders (not a fan). Last, how is "off the lot" depreciation vs the French boats? Maybe a 3yo Elan at a discount? Thanks Tim.⚓
Being a former and retired distributor for Elan Marine and the Group Benetau and being an owner of an Elan Impression 434, I can tell you the main differences. It´s not the Equipment, because all yards are using Selden and Harken products. The main difference lays in the bottom of the boat, something you cannot see on boatshows: at Elan the inner structure is fix laminated with the hull, giving the boat an extreme stability at sea and at groundings. In order to reduce costs (laminating is much more expensive) most yards use a glue for joining and give it a single layer in order to present a laminated look. As long as the boat is swimming in its element there is practically no difference, but when exposed to strong forces, Elan will stand through. The problem with Elan: a weak dealership. Beneteau is bigger, but that does not mean their boats are better.
Thanks for sharing, Tim. See you next time.😊
I liked the rustic feel inside.
Signing a contract for a Catalina while sitting on the Elan should tell you something.
What is the boat just to port of this Elan?
I'd take the Outbound sitting on the port side (or the Tartan off the starboard) 😀
When looking at the Elan yacht it is built in a country whit by european standards low wages. But unlike other places of that kind they have a long tradition of building yachts. But it is primarily built for the Adriatic , Greece and families who live within train distance and want to enjoy there vacations on the water. So it is built to be cheap and still comply with the EU certification. For those of you americans who have no idea of sailing the Adriatic a strong endgin is a vital part if the safety equipment.
No, I would not punt on one (new}. First, that cheap bow rail verges on dangerous for a 43.. It's so obvious & easy to fix it just makes me wonder. Yes, she has independent, but still twin rudders (not a fan). Last, how is "off the lot" depreciation vs the French boats? Maybe a 3yo Elan at a discount? Thanks Tim.⚓
Cruising? Nah.
As an owner of an Elan 434 I can tell you that it is a fantastic cruiser.