HR is indeed an admirable boat builder with outstanding solid designs, especially the more recent Frers. Was searching for years to purchase a HR 42-44CC but couldn’t find anyone at my budget. Finally found the HR (and Najad, Malo etc) same breed with Contest (Dutch made with an impressive pedigree), that shares almost an identical design and built quality, the same hard dodger, Selden rigging, engines and more. And indeed, she proved to save me from quite few mistakes (I wouldn’t call these ‘bad luck’...) over my blue water cruising in the Atlantic. Contest is not known to many in the US, but in Europe, it is among the leading serious blue water cruisers.
I owned a HR Rasmus 35 for a while. Even though it's a fairly shallow draft, we sailed in horrible conditions in perfect comfort and safety. Highly recommended!
Hi, thanks a lot for your integrity. Great videos! Just a minor note: the photo of Christoph Rassy is his son Magnus, who is running the company since 2003.
Your introductions crack me up because as you ask questions leading to your topic, I usually say to myself, "no, I don't know, BUT I know you're about to tell me". Lol keep up the good work.
Sailboats built in Europe must be classified A, B, C, D. "A Class A yacht ( boat ) is a vessel that is built to navigate the open ocean and surpass a force 8 on the Beaufort scale and surpass waves higher that 4 meters. These yachts are constructed to be self sufficient in hostile seas." All HR's are class A.
Only force 8 then! Any offshore sailing yacht should be be fine in a force 8 gale . It is very high seas and severe gale 9 and storm 10 that is more testing.
There are a few more brands in the same class and funnily enough they are built on the same small island! It is Malmö, Vindö and Najad plus a few more. It's amazing what tradition can do, plus these different yards are competing for the same craftsmen who come from the same boat building university. 💕😃😄
There are lots of blue water boats built with the same integrity as Halberg-Rassy, but Halberg-Rassy has the most well known brand name in this market. Well, maybe Amel and Oyster as well. I think most experienced cruisers know about Najad and Island Packet and Tartan and the others, but people who are new will have heard about Halberg-Rassy long before they hear about the others.
HR, Najad and Malo are all built to sail Scandinavia in safety and comfort, so whole of Norway and Baltic is cold conditions, they have to reach a certain quality, and they do. And I would prefer the layout Malo and Najad uses ahead of Hallberg-Rassy, but that is subjective. HR has gained good a reputation for good reason, but they are not alone.
I love the centre cockpit of my Hughes 40, it has deep comfortable sides and is very secure. However there is only one boat that makes me drool, only one boat I truly dream of sailing and only one boat that I find truly breathtaking..the indomitable, the legendary..Flicka 20
@12:00 "Who measures the companionway to get the diesel out"? Not Amel, just open up a hatch in the OUTSIDE cockpit and viola! All those 'keep it simple... go now sentiments' never lets you save for and trust the disc brakes. Both these boat brands have a focus on the 'performance of safety'. Amel more so I would argue. H.R. have that beautiful Nordic design sense, but Amel doesn't have an engine compartment in your living room. Diesel smell migrate in boats....so I'm told. Just loving this channel Lady K.
I love a teak deck. If it has been adhered, not screwed. 25,000 screwholes will leak. Either applying a solid teak fake over it, over pulling 25,000 screws, flling the holes, and scraping it down to glass, then applying decking, is going to be a memorable month in your life.
I remember when I first started watching sailing channels and those who were fixing up found boats. One I started watching was some young guy tearing apart the interior and engine and tossing the parts out of the boat. Not knowing names of the manufacturers except C&C which is from Niagara on the Lake near my home town, and a few other racing rigs. This guy was gutting a Hallberg-Rassy. I remember a comment where the writer ripped into this newby owner for totally destroying the vessel due to his ignorance and lack of sailing knowledge. I knew then not to watch this channel for being a jerk trying to be cool and not knowing how to sail before attempting a refit. I've never forgotten this and still shake my head. Thanks for this excellent series on the different manufacturers. Cheers
Very nice boats. Possibly the only negative is that the vast majority of them (almost all) were built with teak decks. Eventually they have to be removed or re-done.
That is 100% true, but if you buy a HR Rasmus 35 with a bad teakdeck you could have it redone (20k - 35k) and i suspect that you would not loose more than the rest of us, maybe less, if you decide to sell after 10-15 yrs.
You are very right but for the price of HR 40C you can buy a JEANNEAU YACHTS 54 and wich on do you chose? A washer dryer for the HR40C cost about if i remember 2500 or 3500 €, on the market that same washer dryer cost no more than 600€. You got my point, it is over priced.
Staying in Sweden and even the same area where HRs are made... Malo, Najad, Maxi and Sweden Yachts. All great bluewater boats from a country of dedicated craftsmen.
True. Hard dodger and center cockpit on the west coast of Sweden. Performance on the east, Linjett, Arcona, CR. Same superior quality, different type of boats.
It is rare in life to hear so much bullshit at once. I am a Swedish person with more than 60 years behind me with cruising and racing. I think Hallberg Rassy are really good boats and maybe Najad is even better, no problem with that. But "blue water", what do you need? People have been sailing across the oceans for hundreds of years without most of the things that are babbled about in the video. The subject of the video is really the level of security and comfort that modern city dwellers feel comfortable with. Even with freeze-dried food, you do not need 1 gallon of water a day to cope well. There are countless examples of people sailing very small boats around the world with little resources. It is likely that all the people who are not in the vicinity of the financial means required to buy a Hallberg Rassy or any other "perfect" blue Waters cruiser will enjoy their adventures more. Hell, I sailed 30 years without an engine, electricity or gps, something amazing that of course lies behind us .... but it is wise to remember when defining your needs. And yes, the center cockpit is nice on open water but most sailors spend 80% or more of their time at anchor, that is also important.
I grew up cruising the Stockholm archipelago every summer on a Harry Hallberg Mistress, a beautiful 32ft racer/cruiser, before my parents eventually sized up to a 39ft Scanner (after owning the Mistress for almost 30 years!). I’ve been in the US for almost 20 years now, and am looking to get my own used Hallberg Rassy to cruise the Northeast US. If you haven’t sailed in the Stockholm archipelago (or the Swedish west coast), I can’t recommend it enough. My heart will always be there.
I love the design of the new HR boats but I feel going to a twin rudder system compromises their blue water credentials. If I’m choosing a boat for blue water sailing, I want to know I’ll survive a collision with a whale or a cargo container in the middle of an ocean. This is pointing me towards a protected, skeg hung rudder and an encapsulated keel as being an absolute must have for this category of boat - unfortunately there’s not too many manufacturers currently building for this market...
I had an Albert design 22.5 ft Pearson Electra sloop in the 1970’s. It had a solid fiberglass hull with a full keel with the weight enclosed in the hull. I sailed it every weekend in the CA Channel Islands in usually fair conditions. It was a wonderful sailboat, built like a brick with heavy rigging. I sailed to Anacapa Island in a strong windstorm one time with winds over 60 kts. The seas were huge, but the boat could take it just fine. I was sailing with the port rail in the water with a heavily reefed main and a storm jib. Anchored on the backside/lee of the Island and went scuba diving all day. The wind never subsided and actually got worse. No problem we sailed back to Channel Islands Harbor with the starboard rail now in the water. I recall the time of the crossing was exceptionally short for the 11 miles in very heavy seas. The seas that day were not as bad as the three days in the Gulf of Tonkin in a Typhoon in 1968 aboard the USS Joseph Strauss, DDG16. There the seas were 30-50 ft. All we could do was to run slowly into the storm. Green water came over the bow and washed up on the bridge deck and the screws would come out of the water on the stern. The whole ship would rattle. I was on the bridge and regularly looked at the clinometer which had its arrow in the red on the rolls to port and starboard. The ship had an aluminum super structure which helped immensely. A WWII DD may not have survived those seas. Various capital ships were lost in those conditions in the 1940’s.
We put our dodger down when sailing. 😀 One recommendation: There’s Rasmus 35 in thumbnail. Change it to never HR and you will get tens of thousands more views for your video. Greetings from Finland. 👍
… and that’s well deserved. Just talk to several long term HR owners. It also reflects in HR price stability. Even older boats won’t be a bargain unless there’s something really wrong with that particular boat.
Thanks for your beautiful words about HR. In the Netherlands we have since 2017 an owners association calles Hallberg Rassy Connectie. All very proud members of beautiful boats
Excellent video that sums up the culture of offshore sailing that has always been offered by Hallberg-Rassy. I started my career as a boater in my early twenties on an HR Rasmus 35 and I finish it as a 70 year old captain with my trusty HR 312 Mk2. With this small boat I sailed (almost always alone) in total safety even with very difficult wind and sea conditions. Great boats, thank you Hallberg-Rassy ...
Thanks for the info. I am interested in getting a Hallberg-Rassy down the road. I so far like the new 40C. Yeh the hull isn't "traditional looking. However imo it is still a beautiful and has a modern classic look. Chris Rassy also seems to be very passionate about the boats he puts out. Goes to prove how Bavarian Men build great things case and point BMW.
You're a very talented presenter! I watched this entire video with a high level of engagement. It helps that I am very interested in moving to a cruising lifestyle, but still just a great video. Thank you 😊
Love HR, but would still prefer an Amel for comfort, maintainability and livability. HR still a better sailer. Great review series...loving ever episode!
This video described why "pilot house" designs appeals to me. (for example: ted brewer, lee choy 43 & pearson 36 pilothouses; or Sirius 40 DS ). Yet the pilot house has always been a niche model in builders lineups. Could you do an episode on pilot house type of sailboats? The main features I like is the easy step in and out of the main saloon, and the saloon area is not "dark and cave like". (Most Cat owners say they like the 360 view cats have). The enclosed helm station. The engine is placed more central and lower, and because the main soul is raised, there is ample storage under it. The main drawback I have found is pilothouses can be difficult to keep cool due to all the glass.
Great rating and what a great boat / brand. What is your opinion of the Najad brand compared to the Hallberg-rassy? I am very curious about your opinion on this
I'm Swedish, I would rate the workmanship in Najad, and I have been visting both yards 15 years ago, as good or even better than HR. Of course things change over time, so it depends on the vintage. Najads designs are very similar with HR, lots of shared philosophy in building good blue water boats. RAN sailing Najad 440: ruclips.net/video/0By5vAZdESM/видео.html
@@Cptnbond thanks for your comment. Just as I think about it. In time I want to buy a 390,391 or a 440. I still have doubts about the height and age / 2000 or 1990
If the old fashioned full keel and skeg hung rudders make a so called blue water boat, why have the top end manufacturers like HR and Oyster gone with fin keels snd balanced rudders.?
A few comments if I may. At 3:22 in the video when you bring up Christoph Rassy, the picture that is shown is actually his son Magnus Rassy. If you really want an in depth dive into the history of HR up through today (HR 69 currently in build), I would recommend "The story about Hallberg-Rassy, Legendary boat builders", it is available in English from the HR website. There were 760 units of the Rasmus 35 built from 1967 to 78. Although not designed as an "ocean goer", per the book, it was designed to be "a solid boat for long distances". 760 units produced speaks to its popularity. HR is still family owned and managed by Magnus Rassy and the build quality, as you rightly point out, is second to none. There will be a 57 and 44 showing at the Annapolis Boat Show this October, Dock F. If you plan on attending, check em out.
I feel like boats built in colder climates (with huge condensation issues), tend to have that extra 'something' you will not get from production boats that is built for the warmer areas. If you compare Hallberg-Rassy, Malo, Najad, Nordship, Swan.. with Jeanneau, Bavaria, Beneteau etc. you will see structural differences to the way the boat thought out, they are built with cold weather in mind.
Your observation is correct. That said, you’re also comparing more expensive boats to mass-production boats with cheap, monolithic construction hulls (as opposed to the sandwiched construction on the pricier ones) that cost a lot less and offer an entry point to cruising for people who couldn’t afford an HR or a Najad, let alone a Swan (which belongs in a separate category with Baltic, Contest, and the likes). Jeanneau, Beneteau, Hanse, Dufour, etc. have their place in the cruising world. A new HR is not “affordable”, even if you get good value for money. A 15-year old HR costs as much as a new Hanse.
A topic for future discussion: Engine accessibility. If I can't access all sides of the engine by just removing the companionway steps, I wouldn't buy the boat if they offered it to me for $1.- If you need an engine in deterioration weather conditions, and it quits running, you better be able to reach the engine and quickly find out what's wrong, and be able to fix it. Your life and the lives of your crew depend on that.
I agree with everything you said. I bought a 30 year old Hallberg Rassy 352 in 2016 - not knowing anything about boat building and not much about sailing. Before I bought it, the boat was completely submerged in the harbor for a couple hours, due to an mistake, that a mechanic did, when he took out the engine. So it turned into a major restoration project. Thanks to the great community support and thanks to the yard having all major parts on stock (for a boat that has been out of production for 26 years!) I was able to restore it and do a North Atlantic crossing 3 years later. Not many boat restoration projects done by beginners end like that. Btw. learning how to sail is also easy on those very forgiving boats.
Hard dodger - it's a given on a real cruiser (aka. blue water boat) because sailing means water spray and wind - even on cold days. And the center windshield actually comes down for airflow/ventilation, for those hot days so ... it's a "no brainer". That's my view anyway :)
These are pretty boats, and there's lots of them, but after spending time on a boat designed by Steve Dashew, I know what I would want under me on a long passage.
But depreciation is less than for other boat makes. Just is process of selling our HR39 after 10 years. Really safe not for nervous non-sailing spouses.
As a Swede, I'm proud of HR. They're very expensive but you get quality. There are other brands from the same area which are good like Najad and Malö. These boats are built to handle Atlantic storms. If you want more luxury or larger size, options widen. Brands include SWAN, Baltic, Discovery and Oyster.
Almost all of the + 33’ Swedish boats of the -70 or -80 are full-on blue water boats. Look at Albin, Fantasi, HR, Najad, Mamba, Maxi and so on. That being said the HR Rasmus is my favourite as well. Great video!
Actually you should consider to do a movie about the island Orust where Hallberg Rassy is built. Same island build/has built Najad, Aphrodite, Malö, Regina af Vindö, Vindö. All rigid blue water boats.
My parents had H-R 31 Monsun for 40 years - In my opinion a better disposed boat than the 35 Rasmus, bigger cockpit and a better sailboat - Vertified as a Blue Water Sailboat by Norwegian Veritas, Anders F., Denmark
Modern HR with bolt on keels and twin skegless rudders arent bluewater boats. Sorry, but they're just not. Theyre just slightly posher production boats now like most other thing. Amel too. Cheeki Rafiki taught boat builders nothing it seems.
Rassys mount bolted keels and double rudders nowadays. They're nowhere near to what they built their name upon. I find Malo and Najad more interesting.
Integrity, I got the same insight from listening to the first season of Sailing Stories podcast, which was a reading of Brave or Stupid. 2 Swedes who teach themselves to sail, with the goal of sailing around the world in a HR. lots of fun.
I also found it by searching on Overcast (my current podcast app. I’m really digging your channel as i finish the refit on my Catalina 22. Loved your episode on Catalina, I’m finding tons to love about this boat even though I’m not sailing yet. Not in the same league as an HR, but this little trailer sailor I believe shared that spirit of integrity for maintenance. I’m in my backyard, not an exotic anchorage, but I,be been able to do everything on a 1981 boat with easy access to parts and knowledge. Keep up the awesome shows!
See Patrick's post just below: This 'Rasmus' discussion misses 3 of its key design ingredients: It was relatively narrow and so much faster than its SA might suggest, its shallow draft but capable performance in a seaway makes it a good island cruiser, and it had integral (to the hull) fuel and water tanks for increased capacity. 3,000 offshore miles in our WHISH.
Forgot to mention #4: Very high and so comfortable cockpit coamings, located fairly close to the center of the hull. Add the hard dodger and Bob's your uncle.
It looks like all of their new boats have a twin unprotected rudder and prop. It also seems like they use bolt on keels now but I haven't checked all their models Not really "blue water" any more imho.
Heb ook wel slechte halberg boot verhalen, daar lopen de eigenaren niet mee te koop. Waarom zouden ze ook,ze willen het ook weer kwijt die boot( die eigenlijk te duur is voor de kwaliteit).
Every time you include a famous boat in a picture, I will point it out. (Cause im a nerd) you included Sir Robin Knox’s boat “Suhaili” which he built himself and was the first man to go solo, nonstop, around the world.
I've noticed over the years that boat builders with yards close to tumultious seas and tough conditions build stronger more robust yachts. Unsurprising I suppose. Hallberg Rassy is based on the western coast of Sweden, with the Baltic to the east and the north atlantic to the west - a tough tough enviornment for sailing. So I completely agree, (I've sailed a few) a Hallberg is probably the best cruising boat on the water at the moment. By the way, Magnus Rassy the CEO, pronounces his surname Rassy not Razzy.
I'd say; if you want to be somebody you buy a HR - if you are somebody you order a Najad. I have a feeling that HR is cutting corners more now (since the 2008 financial crisis) then before. Still way better quality then most German or French plastic buckets. One thing that might have been a factor in Swedish boat and yacht building development is the lack of hired ship crew. Since 1973 the wages went up like a rocket and taxes did as well. If a well off family wanted to go ocean sailing in comfort they had to do without a paid crew and sail the boat them self. I guess that's one reason why most large Swedish boats are built so smart and easy to handle with only a few hands. /Former owner of a Hallberg P-28 from the mid 60's (even if it was mass produced it had a fantastic build quality).
My original preference was for a HR-42. Then I saw Malo Yachts at the Southhampton Boat Show in 1998. And when I checked out the build quality there was no comparison. AND, with Mako one could make changes to specific attributes of the boat. So on our second Malo, the 43 Classic, we specified several changes to make it fully our own. With HR, you cannot change anything. So if you want to make any change at all, tough, you cannot make any changes. So HR builds 175 boats a year while when we took delivery of our Malo 43 Classic in 2006, Malo Yachts built only 24 boats that year. And every one of them was specific to the preferences of the people that commissioned them. So yes, HR make good sailing yachts. BUT, you cannot make ANY changes to their design.
OK, you axed fer it- what about Barvaria Boats? Sure, they slip down on the 'production' scale slightly, but, they are robust, well engineered, designed for life of service & well laid up (older boats in particular)? Didja ferget aboot them? I bet they're butt-sore that they didn't even get a mention.... Great video!
Camper and Nicholson? What a daft question - there are plenty of excellent blue water boats - arguably all boats are bluewater if sailed competently and provisioned. But lots of people like to play the professional and the besserwisser: Think what's gone across the Atlantic, and back! Now, comfort and a feeling of security, crew capacity for an easier voyage, these are different discussions totally.
YOU HAVE THE ONE CHANNEL that i have entertained the thought of financially supporting !!
LOL thank you
Regards from Orust, the island where Hallberg Rassy is built :)
HR is indeed an admirable boat builder with outstanding solid designs, especially the more recent Frers. Was searching for years to purchase a HR 42-44CC but couldn’t find anyone at my budget. Finally found the HR (and Najad, Malo etc) same breed with Contest (Dutch made with an impressive pedigree), that shares almost an identical design and built quality, the same hard dodger, Selden rigging, engines and more. And indeed, she proved to save me from quite few mistakes (I wouldn’t call these ‘bad luck’...) over my blue water cruising in the Atlantic. Contest is not known to many in the US, but in Europe, it is among the leading serious blue water cruisers.
I owned a HR Rasmus 35 for a while. Even though it's a fairly shallow draft, we sailed in horrible conditions in perfect comfort and safety. Highly recommended!
Hi, thanks a lot for your integrity. Great videos! Just a minor note: the photo of Christoph Rassy is his son Magnus, who is running the company since 2003.
I know. Finding a pic of Chris is hard lol
Nice discussion! I just toured the HR factory. It was lovely!!
Another great video. Keep em coming Tim.
I sailed with a guy from Norway who bought an HR35 in the Philippines and sailed it to New Orleans. I love that boat. The enclosed cockpit is awesome.
Your introductions crack me up because as you ask questions leading to your topic, I usually say to myself, "no, I don't know, BUT I know you're about to tell me". Lol keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Your advise and information are always top notch. God bless in your endeavors!
Sailboats built in Europe must be classified A, B, C, D. "A Class A yacht ( boat ) is a vessel that is built to navigate the open ocean and surpass a force 8 on the Beaufort scale and surpass waves higher that 4 meters. These yachts are constructed to be self sufficient in hostile seas." All HR's are class A.
Only force 8 then! Any offshore sailing yacht should be be fine in a force 8 gale . It is very high seas and severe gale 9 and storm 10 that is more testing.
Appreciated the concept of integrity; makes a lot of sense. I would add AMEL to the list, as well.
and najad, malo, etc
And Contest (NL) and Oyster (UK)
@@Fr99763 add Victoire, AluBat, Tartan, Island Packet, Wauquiez, Rustler, Contessa, .... I would take the modern Oysters out...:)
And don't forget Little Harbor, Bristol, Valiant, Pacific Seacraft, and Shannon.
The stock market has been good to me!! Every day I’m getting closer to my very own Hallburg Rassy 44😬
Good on you
Congratulations!
Congrats, I'm looking as well. What is the base price on the 44 ?
There are a few more brands in the same class and funnily enough they are built on the same small island! It is Malmö, Vindö and Najad plus a few more. It's amazing what tradition can do, plus these different yards are competing for the same craftsmen who come from the same boat building university. 💕😃😄
Great introduction to Hallberg Rassy boats, thanks🙏
every time you post video of a brand , I wonder how many of us start searching places like YachtWorld to see what's out there ?
i do every time , I have 99 Catalina 380
Ummm everyone? Duhuh...
Me!!
I’m one of them. Looking at Ohlson 38.
In the middle of a negotiation. 🤞
ME! I own nothing but it is my dream!
The boat in the thumbnail is the exact one I just bought. 1976 Rasmus 35. Was listed in MD.
What do you think about Najad and Malö boats? In my eyes they are similar type of boats to Hallberg-Rassy.
There are lots of blue water boats built with the same integrity as Halberg-Rassy, but Halberg-Rassy has the most well known brand name in this market. Well, maybe Amel and Oyster as well. I think most experienced cruisers know about Najad and Island Packet and Tartan and the others, but people who are new will have heard about Halberg-Rassy long before they hear about the others.
HR, Najad and Malo are all built to sail Scandinavia in safety and comfort, so whole of Norway and Baltic is cold conditions, they have to reach a certain quality, and they do. And I would prefer the layout Malo and Najad uses ahead of Hallberg-Rassy, but that is subjective. HR has gained good a reputation for good reason, but they are not alone.
I love the centre cockpit of my Hughes 40, it has deep comfortable sides and is very secure. However there is only one boat that makes me drool, only one boat I truly dream of sailing and only one boat that I find truly breathtaking..the indomitable, the legendary..Flicka 20
Nicely put - appreciate your efforts - thanks for keeping us in touch with so many vessels & as always, sailing dreams.
You keep giving the best information and history about the boats we sail.
I have owned a couple of different swedish boats and the HR Monsun is far the best, in my opinion, for cruising and liveaboard.
@12:00 "Who measures the companionway to get the diesel out"?
Not Amel, just open up a hatch in the OUTSIDE cockpit and viola!
All those 'keep it simple... go now sentiments' never lets you save for and trust the disc brakes.
Both these boat brands have a focus on the 'performance of safety'. Amel more so I would argue. H.R. have that beautiful Nordic design sense, but Amel doesn't have an engine compartment in your living room. Diesel smell migrate in boats....so I'm told.
Just loving this channel Lady K.
I love a teak deck. If it has been adhered, not screwed. 25,000 screwholes will leak. Either applying a solid teak fake over it, over pulling 25,000 screws, flling the holes, and scraping it down to glass, then applying decking, is going to be a memorable month in your life.
Great looking boat. Thanks for posting it
Thank you!
Your intros are awesome. Love these videos. Incredibly informative and definitely entertaining as well.
Thank you!!
I remember when I first started watching sailing channels and those who were fixing up found boats. One I started watching was some young guy tearing apart the interior and engine and tossing the parts out of the boat. Not knowing names of the manufacturers except C&C which is from Niagara on the Lake near my home town, and a few other racing rigs. This guy was gutting a Hallberg-Rassy. I remember a comment where the writer ripped into this newby owner for totally destroying the vessel due to his ignorance and lack of sailing knowledge. I knew then not to watch this channel for being a jerk trying to be cool and not knowing how to sail before attempting a refit. I've never forgotten this and still shake my head. Thanks for this excellent series on the different manufacturers. Cheers
Wild we roam - RUclips channel
@@mikakari9498 yes, and they quit sailing right?
Very nice boats. Possibly the only negative is that the vast majority of them (almost all) were built with teak decks. Eventually they have to be removed or re-done.
That is 100% true, but if you buy a HR Rasmus 35 with a bad teakdeck you could have it redone (20k - 35k) and i suspect that you would not loose more than the rest of us, maybe less, if you decide to sell after 10-15 yrs.
You are very right but for the price of HR 40C you can buy a JEANNEAU YACHTS 54 and wich on do you chose? A washer dryer for the HR40C cost about if i remember 2500 or 3500 €, on the market that same washer dryer cost no more than 600€. You got my point, it is over priced.
Staying in Sweden and even the same area where HRs are made... Malo, Najad, Maxi and Sweden Yachts. All great bluewater boats from a country of dedicated craftsmen.
Agreed, ALL Swedish built yachts are very good boats, I was tempted to say as much in my comment, you said it for me
True. Hard dodger and center cockpit on the west coast of Sweden. Performance on the east, Linjett, Arcona, CR. Same superior quality, different type of boats.
You need a stout boat just to get out of Sweden imo
Didn't Huges build alot of Columbia & some Coronado designs a long time ago?
The word 'authenticity' also comes to mind.
It is rare in life to hear so much bullshit at once. I am a Swedish person with more than 60 years behind me with cruising and racing. I think Hallberg Rassy are really good boats and maybe Najad is even better, no problem with that. But "blue water", what do you need? People have been sailing across the oceans for hundreds of years without most of the things that are babbled about in the video. The subject of the video is really the level of security and comfort that modern city dwellers feel comfortable with. Even with freeze-dried food, you do not need 1 gallon of water a day to cope well. There are countless examples of people sailing very small boats around the world with little resources. It is likely that all the people who are not in the vicinity of the financial means required to buy a Hallberg Rassy or any other "perfect" blue Waters cruiser will enjoy their adventures more. Hell, I sailed 30 years without an engine, electricity or gps, something amazing that of course lies behind us .... but it is wise to remember when defining your needs. And yes, the center cockpit is nice on open water but most sailors spend 80% or more of their time at anchor, that is also important.
Agree well said ,thx, cheers
Bravo! Very well done.
Thank you
I grew up cruising the Stockholm archipelago every summer on a Harry Hallberg Mistress, a beautiful 32ft racer/cruiser, before my parents eventually sized up to a 39ft Scanner (after owning the Mistress for almost 30 years!). I’ve been in the US for almost 20 years now, and am looking to get my own used Hallberg Rassy to cruise the Northeast US.
If you haven’t sailed in the Stockholm archipelago (or the Swedish west coast), I can’t recommend it enough. My heart will always be there.
I love the design of the new HR boats but I feel going to a twin rudder system compromises their blue water credentials.
If I’m choosing a boat for blue water sailing, I want to know I’ll survive a collision with a whale or a cargo container in the middle of an ocean.
This is pointing me towards a protected, skeg hung rudder and an encapsulated keel as being an absolute must have for this category of boat - unfortunately there’s not too many manufacturers currently building for this market...
@@PepeLePewPew-qy3en yeah - I’m a big fan of Kraken Yachts. Definitely recommend the reviews from the Millenial Falcon RUclips channel…
I had an Albert design 22.5 ft Pearson Electra sloop in the 1970’s. It had a solid fiberglass hull with a full keel with the weight enclosed in the hull. I sailed it every weekend in the CA Channel Islands in usually fair conditions. It was a wonderful sailboat, built like a brick with heavy rigging. I sailed to Anacapa Island in a strong windstorm one time with winds over 60 kts. The seas were huge, but the boat could take it just fine. I was sailing with the port rail in the water with a heavily reefed main and a storm jib. Anchored on the backside/lee of the Island and went scuba diving all day. The wind never subsided and actually got worse. No problem we sailed back to Channel Islands Harbor with the starboard rail now in the water. I recall the time of the crossing was exceptionally short for the 11 miles in very heavy seas.
The seas that day were not as bad as the three days in the Gulf of Tonkin in a Typhoon in 1968 aboard the USS Joseph Strauss, DDG16. There the seas were 30-50 ft. All we could do was to run slowly into the storm. Green water came over the bow and washed up on the bridge deck and the screws would come out of the water on the stern. The whole ship would rattle. I was on the bridge and regularly looked at the clinometer which had its arrow in the red on the rolls to port and starboard. The ship had an aluminum super structure which helped immensely. A WWII DD may not have survived those seas. Various capital ships were lost in those conditions in the 1940’s.
@@lrmorrison999 Wow cool story !
We put our dodger down when sailing. 😀
One recommendation: There’s Rasmus 35 in thumbnail. Change it to never HR and you will get tens of thousands more views for your video.
Greetings from Finland. 👍
Jesus, this the most positive review yet!
… and that’s well deserved. Just talk to several long term HR owners. It also reflects in HR price stability. Even older boats won’t be a bargain unless there’s something really wrong with that particular boat.
Thanks for your beautiful words about HR. In the Netherlands we have since 2017 an owners association calles Hallberg Rassy Connectie. All very proud members of beautiful boats
Excellent video that sums up the culture of offshore sailing that has always been offered by Hallberg-Rassy. I started my career as a boater in my early twenties on an HR Rasmus 35 and I finish it as a 70 year old captain with my trusty HR 312 Mk2. With this small boat I sailed (almost always alone) in total safety even with very difficult wind and sea conditions. Great boats, thank you Hallberg-Rassy ...
Thanks for the info. I am interested in getting a Hallberg-Rassy down the road. I so far like the new 40C. Yeh the hull isn't "traditional looking. However imo it is still a beautiful and has a modern classic look. Chris Rassy also seems to be very passionate about the boats he puts out. Goes to prove how Bavarian Men build great things case and point BMW.
Tim, We love these presentations. How about one on Gozzard and another on Oyster yachts? Tom & Tracy Grass
You're a very talented presenter! I watched this entire video with a high level of engagement. It helps that I am very interested in moving to a cruising lifestyle, but still just a great video. Thank you 😊
Love HR, but would still prefer an Amel for comfort, maintainability and livability. HR still a better sailer. Great review series...loving ever episode!
A compelling endorsement. I'm curious to quantify how much this video will increase demand (and of course price). Excellent work
Hitting pay dirt now !!! 🤙👈👉 I told ya !!!
This video described why "pilot house" designs appeals to me. (for example: ted brewer, lee choy 43 & pearson 36 pilothouses; or Sirius 40 DS ). Yet the pilot house has always been a niche model in builders lineups. Could you do an episode on pilot house type of sailboats?
The main features I like is the easy step in and out of the main saloon, and the saloon area is not "dark and cave like". (Most Cat owners say they like the 360 view cats have). The enclosed helm station. The engine is placed more central and lower, and because the main soul is raised, there is ample storage under it. The main drawback I have found is pilothouses can be difficult to keep cool due to all the glass.
A full keel boat WILL NOT turn going backwards. This is something that you need to be aware of before you purchase a full keel boat.
Nautor's Swan and Baltic Yachts have entered the chat. :)
are you planning on doing video on Hans Christian?
I can yes!!
@@LadyKSailing that would be awesome!!
Great rating and what a great boat / brand. What is your opinion of the Najad brand compared to the Hallberg-rassy? I am very curious about your opinion on this
I'm Swedish, I would rate the workmanship in Najad, and I have been visting both yards 15 years ago, as good or even better than HR. Of course things change over time, so it depends on the vintage. Najads designs are very similar with HR, lots of shared philosophy in building good blue water boats.
RAN sailing Najad 440: ruclips.net/video/0By5vAZdESM/видео.html
@@Cptnbond thanks for your comment. Just as I think about it. In time I want to buy a 390,391 or a 440. I still have doubts about the height and age / 2000 or 1990
If the old fashioned full keel and skeg hung rudders make a so called blue water boat, why have the top end manufacturers like HR and Oyster gone with fin keels snd balanced rudders.?
A few comments if I may. At 3:22 in the video when you bring up Christoph Rassy, the picture that is shown is actually his son Magnus Rassy. If you really want an in depth dive into the history of HR up through today (HR 69 currently in build), I would recommend "The story about Hallberg-Rassy, Legendary boat builders", it is available in English from the HR website. There were 760 units of the Rasmus 35 built from 1967 to 78. Although not designed as an "ocean goer", per the book, it was designed to be "a solid boat for long distances". 760 units produced speaks to its popularity. HR is still family owned and managed by Magnus Rassy and the build quality, as you rightly point out, is second to none. There will be a 57 and 44 showing at the Annapolis Boat Show this October, Dock F. If you plan on attending, check em out.
Thank you for another great video! I have been kinda laying in the weeds thinking about a used HR. Really appreciate this video series.
What about my boat? 1982 contest 38?
I just bought a 84 o'day 28 today she pretty nice
I feel like boats built in colder climates (with huge condensation issues), tend to have that extra 'something' you will not get from production boats that is built for the warmer areas. If you compare Hallberg-Rassy, Malo, Najad, Nordship, Swan.. with Jeanneau, Bavaria, Beneteau etc. you will see structural differences to the way the boat thought out, they are built with cold weather in mind.
Your observation is correct. That said, you’re also comparing more expensive boats to mass-production boats with cheap, monolithic construction hulls (as opposed to the sandwiched construction on the pricier ones) that cost a lot less and offer an entry point to cruising for people who couldn’t afford an HR or a Najad, let alone a Swan (which belongs in a separate category with Baltic, Contest, and the likes).
Jeanneau, Beneteau, Hanse, Dufour, etc. have their place in the cruising world. A new HR is not “affordable”, even if you get good value for money. A 15-year old HR costs as much as a new Hanse.
A topic for future discussion: Engine accessibility. If I can't access all sides of the engine by just removing the companionway steps, I wouldn't buy the boat if they offered it to me for $1.- If you need an engine in deterioration weather conditions, and it quits running, you better be able to reach the engine and quickly find out what's wrong, and be able to fix it. Your life and the lives of your crew depend on that.
Thanks, it makes me feel even more proud to own my Rasmus 35 #443
For me its a Formosa 56
I agree with everything you said. I bought a 30 year old Hallberg Rassy 352 in 2016 - not knowing anything about boat building and not much about sailing. Before I bought it, the boat was completely submerged in the harbor for a couple hours, due to an mistake, that a mechanic did, when he took out the engine. So it turned into a major restoration project. Thanks to the great community support and thanks to the yard having all major parts on stock (for a boat that has been out of production for 26 years!) I was able to restore it and do a North Atlantic crossing 3 years later. Not many boat restoration projects done by beginners end like that. Btw. learning how to sail is also easy on those very forgiving boats.
Hard dodger - it's a given on a real cruiser (aka. blue water boat) because sailing means water spray and wind - even on cold days. And the center windshield actually comes down for airflow/ventilation, for those hot days so ... it's a "no brainer". That's my view anyway :)
These are pretty boats, and there's lots of them, but after spending time on a boat designed by Steve Dashew, I know what I would want under me on a long passage.
You forgot the down side is they are VERY expensive 😉
Once he said it's Swedish you know. No way around it, unless you have it built in Malaysia.
Check out price on a new Amel...
But depreciation is less than for other boat makes. Just is process of selling our HR39 after 10 years. Really safe not for nervous non-sailing spouses.
@@patricklindahl868 more like Range Rover of the Sailing Boats
As a Swede, I'm proud of HR. They're very expensive but you get quality. There are other brands from the same area which are good like Najad and Malö. These boats are built to handle Atlantic storms. If you want more luxury or larger size, options widen. Brands include SWAN, Baltic, Discovery and Oyster.
Can see that Bohuslen was Norwegian, aye.
Great video, I am slightly biased as I have recently bought a HR Rasmus 35. I would be interested to hear you thoughts on Rustlers.
Almost all of the + 33’ Swedish boats of the -70 or -80 are full-on blue water boats. Look at Albin, Fantasi, HR, Najad, Mamba, Maxi and so on. That being said the HR Rasmus is my favourite as well. Great video!
It's a myth. They are no more blue water than any other brand. Had their day in the sun.
IMO, Island Packet is the king of Blue Water boats since everyone else went to twin rudders and fin keels.
Actually you should consider to do a movie about the island Orust where Hallberg Rassy is built. Same island build/has built Najad, Aphrodite, Malö, Regina af Vindö, Vindö. All rigid blue water boats.
My parents had H-R 31 Monsun for 40 years - In my opinion a better disposed boat than the 35 Rasmus, bigger cockpit and a better sailboat - Vertified as a Blue Water Sailboat by Norwegian Veritas, Anders F., Denmark
Modern HR with bolt on keels and twin skegless rudders arent bluewater boats. Sorry, but they're just not. Theyre just slightly posher production boats now like most other thing. Amel too. Cheeki Rafiki taught boat builders nothing it seems.
Hallberg Rassy is a fine vessel. What about the westsail 32 ?
Rassys mount bolted keels and double rudders nowadays. They're nowhere near to what they built their name upon. I find Malo and Najad more interesting.
Integrity, I got the same insight from listening to the first season of Sailing Stories podcast, which was a reading of Brave or Stupid. 2 Swedes who teach themselves to sail, with the goal of sailing around the world in a HR. lots of fun.
That sounds like a great podcast! I would love to listen can you send me a link??
I also found it by searching on Overcast (my current podcast app. I’m really digging your channel as i finish the refit on my Catalina 22. Loved your episode on Catalina, I’m finding tons to love about this boat even though I’m not sailing yet. Not in the same league as an HR, but this little trailer sailor I believe shared that spirit of integrity for maintenance. I’m in my backyard, not an exotic anchorage, but I,be been able to do everything on a 1981 boat with easy access to parts and knowledge. Keep up the awesome shows!
Brilliantly presented!
Island Packet
We're close to going for a Najad 373, with the same hopes and expectations of the HR :).
See Patrick's post just below: This 'Rasmus' discussion misses 3 of its key design ingredients: It was relatively narrow and so much faster than its SA might suggest, its shallow draft but capable performance in a seaway makes it a good island cruiser, and it had integral (to the hull) fuel and water tanks for increased capacity. 3,000 offshore miles in our WHISH.
Forgot to mention #4: Very high and so comfortable cockpit coamings, located fairly close to the center of the hull. Add the hard dodger and Bob's your uncle.
It's a great boat, l refitting now one of them the Rasmus.
From my experience it's not about the size of the hull but the architecture, the equipment on it and the seamanship of the Captain.
If one were going to look for a used HR, how far back, how old would it be advisable to go?
It looks like all of their new boats have a twin unprotected rudder and prop. It also seems like they use bolt on keels now but I haven't checked all their models Not really "blue water" any more imho.
Heb ook wel slechte halberg boot verhalen, daar lopen de eigenaren niet mee te koop.
Waarom zouden ze ook,ze willen het ook weer kwijt die boot( die eigenlijk te duur is voor de kwaliteit).
What about Swan. Edpecially the S&S ?
In mast furling = no no
hear this a lot, it would be nice to have a current survey from sailors to see if mast furling is still an issue-
I was just watching a review of a 2020 Hallberg-Rassy 40c and "BAM!!!"... your notification came up! Great video, love the history!
It's an amazing boat right?
Every time you include a famous boat in a picture, I will point it out. (Cause im a nerd) you included Sir Robin Knox’s boat “Suhaili” which he built himself and was the first man to go solo, nonstop, around the world.
Thank you :)
I've noticed over the years that boat builders with yards close to tumultious seas and tough conditions build stronger more robust yachts. Unsurprising I suppose. Hallberg Rassy is based on the western coast of Sweden, with the Baltic to the east and the north atlantic to the west - a tough tough enviornment for sailing. So I completely agree, (I've sailed a few) a Hallberg is probably the best cruising boat on the water at the moment. By the way, Magnus Rassy the CEO, pronounces his surname Rassy not Razzy.
Must be the Canadian pronunciation :-)
Good video Tim. I’d love to see you examine a Hans Christian or a Tartan!!
Hans Christian, the best in my opinion 👍
@@robburnet4530 Those boats are sweet. All that wood makes for a very labor intensive ownership though.
@@operator0 very true it’s a load of work keeping them in nice condition
Answer to your question would be Kraken.
Another excellent video Tim. Thanks for your effort and enthusiasm. Really interesting background on this Marque.
Thank you!!
Could you do a video on Irwin?
Cheap, cheesy boats. Beware.
Westsail, blue water dubbed because of the Westsail
Keel depth on the 42 will limit Caribbean locations. If you can get past that they are great boats.
Have you looked at the French Amel boats top boats by far
Najad compaires...but I own a Rassy 😜
I'd say; if you want to be somebody you buy a HR - if you are somebody you order a Najad. I have a feeling that HR is cutting corners more now (since the 2008 financial crisis) then before. Still way better quality then most German or French plastic buckets.
One thing that might have been a factor in Swedish boat and yacht building development is the lack of hired ship crew. Since 1973 the wages went up like a rocket and taxes did as well. If a well off family wanted to go ocean sailing in comfort they had to do without a paid crew and sail the boat them self. I guess that's one reason why most large Swedish boats are built so smart and easy to handle with only a few hands.
/Former owner of a Hallberg P-28 from the mid 60's (even if it was mass produced it had a fantastic build quality).
My original preference was for a HR-42. Then I saw Malo Yachts at the Southhampton Boat Show in 1998. And when I checked out the build quality there was no comparison. AND, with Mako one could make changes to specific attributes of the boat. So on our second Malo, the 43 Classic, we specified several changes to make it fully our own. With HR, you cannot change anything. So if you want to make any change at all, tough, you cannot make any changes. So HR builds 175 boats a year while when we took delivery of our Malo 43 Classic in 2006, Malo Yachts built only 24 boats that year. And every one of them was specific to the preferences of the people that commissioned them. So yes, HR make good sailing yachts. BUT, you cannot make ANY changes to their design.
OK, you axed fer it- what about Barvaria Boats? Sure, they slip down on the 'production' scale slightly, but, they are robust, well engineered, designed for life of service & well laid up (older boats in particular)? Didja ferget aboot them? I bet they're butt-sore that they didn't even get a mention.... Great video!
What about the older Nauticats? Those with a full keel
Camper and Nicholson? What a daft question - there are plenty of excellent blue water boats - arguably all boats are bluewater if sailed competently and provisioned. But lots of people like to play the professional and the besserwisser: Think what's gone across the Atlantic, and back! Now, comfort and a feeling of security, crew capacity for an easier voyage, these are different discussions totally.