Hans Christian 43T vs Norseman 447
Hans-Peter Mueller
After reading about all the expert advice from all of you in the
Eliminate-A-Boat contest, I am hoping that there are some experts
who have experience sailing a Hans Christian 43 Traditional or
Norseman 447.
My wife and I just came back from a fact finding trip to Florida
looking at different live-aboard sail boats. We have been looking
for THE live-aboard for us for over 6 months and have done numerous
factory tours (don't buy a new Catalina) and boat shows. We'd really
like a sailboat that can accommodate the live-aboard lifestyle, not a
floating apartment. However, many sailboats fit more into the weekend-
racer sailor or coastal cruiser category. We are looking for a serious
bluewater boat, where we can feel at home - in a marina or the
Atlantic/Pacific.
We both liked the traditional looks and warmth of the 1980 Hans
Christian 43 Traditional very much and it seems there are several on
the market at the moment that would fit our budget.
However, we also looked at a 1988 Norseman 447 which we both liked, too,
except the price is considerably higher. Again, several other Norseman
447 are on the market which would also fit our budget.
Having the choice between these two boat types creates the dilemma which
we hope to solve with some advice from other cruisers and/or live-aboards.
Yes, the Hans Christian 43 T (aft-cockpit ketch with 3/4 keel) is a heavy
boat and probably needs a spinnaker in light air to get moving. Please
keep in mind that most live-aboards probably spend 90% in a marina and
10% cruising.
The Norseman 447 (center-cockpit sloop with shoal keel) seems a much
more sail-capable boat with a little less emphasis on live-aboard, but
still very comfortable.
Both boats are no lightweights and I would guess that the Hans Christian
43 T will reef later, point less to windward and sail slower than the
Norseman 447. However, both boats should be equally at ease in blue
water and over a 1000 miles.
Any comments are greatly appreciated and if you know of other boats to
fit our upcoming lifestyle, do let me know.
Thanks,
Hans
--------------------------------
Email: h...@colorado.edu
Robert Harris
Hans;
All of your assumptions about the HC and Norseman are about on the nose.
When I was buying my cruising boat I used a list of all the qualities I
most desired, rating each on a 1 to 5 basis. You can then score each
boat that appeals to you. Good Luck.
-
BOB HARRIS JTH...@prodigy.com N6JUN
S/V Priority Won
William G. Graves
Hans-Peter Mueller wrote:
> After reading about all the expert advice from all of you in the
> Eliminate-A-Boat contest, I am hoping that there are some experts
> who have experience sailing a Hans Christian 43 Traditional or
> Norseman 447.
I have owned and cruised (South Calif.) a Norsemen 447 for 5 years. I
got it used (its a 1985). We are heading for Mexico later this year. I
am in Marina Del Rey and was moored 1/2 block from Golden West who
imported and fitted the boats. I had lots of time to talk with them and
see other models of the Norsemen (40 and 535).
We love our 447. It is a very easy boat to sail and to handle even when
it starts to blow. Our boat sails well in strong winds with just the
staysail which gives us a simple option in rough weather. The boat has
never felt heavy (and I started sailing with Cal 25s), points very
well. My wife and I are in our 50s and way out of shape, but we hoist
cruising and fully poled chutes. We have entered 2 cruising class
races, led 1st race around 3 marks (then I made a wrong turn - long
story), finished 3rd in the the other race. Had a lot of fun beating
the yacht club's commodore's new Bennatau (sp?) 45 around the weather
mark. The Norsemen 447 performs very well.
I do all my own work on the machinery and electrical, refrigeration
etc. What I love about the boat is digging behind the panels, wiring
and equipment. I have always been pleasantly surprised by the quality
of the work and equipment.
Only negative that comes to mind is the slight rise on the stern of the
boat. Late at night the waves slap against the hull there and make some
noise (its right beneath your head) - one of these days I'll rig some
cloth or something to try and reduce that.
Feel free to ask questions about the 447.
--
Bill Graves
bgr...@ix.netcom.com