Model maintenance instead of new development. In recent years, Elan Yachts has used this currently widespread approach to keep the Impression touring line in particular up to date. The yacht builders in Slovenia had previously given the models with hull lengths of around 40 and 45 feet a comprehensive upgrade - once again.
The Impression 45.1, for example, was launched in 2019 as the fourth complete refit based on the Impression 434 from 2004. Elan's long-standing favourite even made it to the nomination for European Yacht of the Year again in 2020 with the latest new edition. The shipyard has thus once again impressively demonstrated that even older designs can be kept up to date and relevant to the market with gentle but extremely consistently planned reforms.
The Elan Impression 43 is a new development
Now, however, the company is turning away from its previous strategy. The shipyard is now planning to completely rebuild its cruising line step by step, starting with the Elan Impression 43, thus retiring the two models 40.1 and 45.1, but keeping the flagship, the Impression 50.1, in the range. The first boat of the new Elan Impression 43 model has been completed and was exhibited as a world premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf. YACHT had the opportunity to visit the boat and test it in Slovenia beforehand.
The construction plans once again come from Elan's in-house designer Humphreys Yacht Design from England. What is new is the collaboration with the designers from the renowned Pininfarina studio in Italy, who are responsible for the general styling. The design of the new Elan Impression 43 shows an extremely full-bodied hull with a corpulent front, high freeboard and a pronounced keel. Compared to the predecessor model 45.1, the boat is slightly shorter but still wider. The aspect ratio is lower. The stern is also more sweeping, as is common in modern designs today. However, this also means that the Elan Impression 43 requires double rudder blades.
Aft, the hull is set off with soft chine edges. This means that the waterline is drawn in a long way in a neutral swimming position and is also short, which minimises the wetted surface and theoretically increases the performance potential in less wind. The designers obviously placed just as much emphasis on good sailing characteristics as on maximising living space below deck.
The boat is uncompromisingly designed for touring sailing. Nevertheless, the sailing characteristics are not neglected
And another feature characterises the look of the new Ealan Impression 43 in particular: the large hull windows are not in line, the windows in the foredeck are offset upwards. At first glance, this looks a little strange. The shipyard's answer: this is to preserve privacy in the owner's cabin. If the windows were all installed in one line, you would be able to see outside from the forward berth when lying down, but you would also be able to see into the bed.
The Elan Impression 43 on deck
As far as the design on deck is concerned, the new 43 adopts the proven DNA of the Impression series. This includes the beautiful, large panoramic window in the roof as well as the elongated cabin superstructure, which is less bulky on the new ship with a more angular architecture and elongated hull windows than on the predecessor model.
The cockpit is very spacious, with two widely spaced L-shaped seating areas and two separate tables, each with two folding wings. The two tables are not only very solid and therefore ideal for holding on to and supporting the boat when heeling, but they also allow unrestricted access to the cockpit. What's more, the outer wings can be lowered to enlarge the thwarts into cosy sun loungers. This type of cockpit design is generally becoming more and more fashionable on cruising boats, but is already an exclusive feature on yachts with a hull length of less than 13 metres. Another striking feature of the Elan Impression 43 is the unusually high coaming. It not only offers welcome protection, but also good seating comfort, especially when leaning against the cabin bulkhead.
In terms of rig and sails, the new Elan Impression 43 remains true to its orientation as a clear and uncompromising cruising boat. The aluminium mast with two spreaders from manufacturer Seldén is short by comparison, and with the standard self-tacking jib the theoretical performance potential remains modest. The sail load factor is a relatively low 4.0, but if you want more sailing power, the boat is available with a genoa with 106 per cent overlap and hoisting points on deck. The test boat, construction number one, is also equipped with this.
The Elan Impression 43 under sail
With a displacement of over eleven tonnes, the Elan Impression 43 is no lightweight, and possible competitors include the Part significantly lighter. Nevertheless, and despite the modest sail carrying capacity, the Slovenian gets going quickly and well in the test in winds of between eight and ten knots. 5.7 knots at an angle of 45 degrees to the true wind are quite presentable values for a boat of this orientation. Although a gennaker is available on the test boat for the deeper courses, its cut does not fit either the mast height or the planned routing of the centreboard points. It is therefore difficult to categorise the performance potential on the beam reach.
The Humphreys design surprises with high manoeuvrability during manoeuvres and very good acceleration afterwards. The steering with the double rudder blades seems to be perfectly tuned. The boat can be steered downwind with a light but noticeable rudder pressure and reacts pleasingly directly to even small course corrections.
As with all Elan Yachts boats with two rudder blades, the steering system is fully redundant. This means that two separate cables connect the steering wheels to the quadrants, which in turn are coupled to a push rod below deck. Should a system on one side fail due to a breakage, the steering remains functional, but only from one column. In addition, the autopilot also engages directly on the quadrants, which provides additional protection in an emergency.
The sheet for the standard self-tacking jib runs inside the cabin superstructure to a roof winch to the side of the companionway, as does the mainsheet with the simple capstan jib guide and all halyards and trim lines. In the simplest version ex shipyard, no lines are led aft to the steering columns, which means that the boat is completely unsuitable for single-handed sailing. If, on the other hand, the owner wants a genoa as on the test boat, the sheets are led aft to two additional and optionally available winches in front of the steering columns, where they can also be reached by the helmsman. It would be nice if this option also existed for the mainsheet, but unfortunately this is not planned.
There are plenty of stowage spaces on deck. The forecastle lockers under the thwarts are spacious and easily accessible despite the double cockpit tables. And the large and very deep sail locker in the foredeck can not only store additional sails, but also at least six large fenders and all the mooring lines.
The Elan Impression 43 below deck
Elan Yachts has taken bold steps in the interior design. Instead of wood panels with a regular grain, the Slovenians have used very uneven oak veneers with knots and inclusions in the new boat. This look is unusual for boats and is likely to polarise opinion. The eye has to get used to it, and not everyone will like the style. In addition, where the nervously grained veneer sheets meet, the transitions are very visible. This is unsightly in places and does not match the otherwise impeccable finish of the interior. An alternative with other, more regular veneers is not provided as an option.
As with the previous model, the galley on the Elan Impression 43 is built into the side of the saloon as a long element. This visually increases the space and volume. The large seating area with the huge table (160 x 92 centimetres) looks almost oversized. Up to six people can comfortably sit and eat here. With additional, beautifully crafted wooden folding armchairs, two more people can join the party.
The navigation system on the side of the companionway, which is clearly too small for working with the chart, is only available on request and at extra cost. A large cabinet is fitted there as standard.
The foredeck also offers variants: Here, the very spacious living area of the owner's version can be extended by a further Pullman double cabin with bunk berths. However, in this layout, which is designed more for the charter market, the forward wet room is significantly downgraded in terms of function and space. In the standard three-berth cabin, on the other hand, the two heads forward and aft are large, practically organised and each have a separate shower area. The number and usability of the storage compartments is also exemplary. Spacious lockers and side storage compartments are available in the cabins. And: in the saloon and galley there is a whole range of wall cupboards to the side, although unfortunately without sliding rails.
Also not seaworthy: the test boat still lacks mooring options in the forward saloon area and in the passageway to the foredeck. When the boat is heeling and in choppy conditions, you search in vain for a handhold. However, the shipyard has recognised this shortcoming and intends to retrofit additional handholds and extend the handrails on the ceiling for the upcoming series boats.
The Elan Impression 43 now costs around 333,000 euros at market launch. This is not exactly favourable in view of possible competitor boats, but in view of the good workmanship, high-quality equipment and robust construction, it is not overly expensive either. With the Elan Impression 43, Elan Yachts has built a boat that in no way needs to shy away from comparison with the products of the large and leading manufacturers.
Competitors of the Elan Impression 43
Bavaria Vision 42:
Dufour 430:
Grand Soleil 42 LC:
Sun Odyssey 440:
The Elan Impression 43 in detail
YACHT rating
The Elan Impression 43 is the first completely new development for Elan's touring programme in years. The boat impresses with a well thought-out and overall harmonious cruising concept and is also strong under sail. The price is fairly priced
Design and concept
- + Uncompromising orientation
- + Spacious cockpit
- + Very robust construction
- - Unsettled look below deck
Sailing performance and trim
- + Active control possible
- + Lively sailing characteristics
- -Not suitable for one-handed use
- - Mainsheet only on coachroof
Living and finishing quality
- + Pantry with large work surface
- + Lots of storage space everywhere
- + Beautiful bathrooms with showers
- -Poorly usable navigation
Equipment and technology
- + Large sail load in the forecastle
- + Control with redundancy
- + Storage compartment for life raft
- + Electric drive as an option
Technical data
- CE design category A
- Hull length 12.82 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit) 13.60 m
- Waterline length 12.20 m
- Width 4.25 m
- Draught/alternative 1.95/1.70 m
- Mast height above WL 19.90 m
- Theoretical hull speed 8.5 knots
- Weight 11.1 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion 3.54 t/32 %
- Mainsail 46.7 m2
- Self-tacking jib 34.1 m2
- Genoa (106 %) 41.3 m2
- Engine (Yanmar) 33 kW/45 hp
- Fuel tank 287 litres
- Fresh water tanks (2), 270 litres each
- Holding tanks (2), 78 litres each
Equipment and prices
- Base price ex shipyard € 333,080
- Standard equipment includedSails (mainsail, self-tacking jib), engine, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, sailcloth, fire extinguisher, electric cooler, holding tank with suction system
- For an extra charge: Anchor with chain (incl. electric windlass) €5,210, fender/mooring €900, clear sailing handover (incl. antifouling) €10,330
- Price ready to sail € 349,520
- Warranty/against osmosis 2/7 years
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Linen verst. Holepkt. n. available
- Traveller n. available
- Electric anchor windlass incl.
- Tube kicker incl.
- Backstay tensioner € 1,415
- Jumping cleats € 2,130
- Sprayhood € 3,915
- Teak in the cockpit € 9,850
- VHF radio E-package
- Logger and echo sounder E-package
- Wind measuring system E-package
- Autopilot e-package
- Electrical package 19.030
- Charger incl.
- Shore connection with RCD incl.
- 230 volt socket (one) incl.
- 12-volt socket in the sat nav incl. heating €6,650
- Pressurised water system incl.
- Hot water boiler incl.
- Shower WC room incl.
- Cockpit shower incl.
- Comfort price € 392,510
Included in the price:
Seats in the aft baskets, two cockpit tables, folding bathing platform in two sizes, two plastic steering wheels
Rig
The aluminium rig from Seldén with two spreaders is standard. The rig is on deck. The furling mast is available for an additional €5,580.
Sailing
Single set of Dacron sails ex shipyard with mainsail and self-tacking jib. Pure Performance package with battened mainsail (cross-cut) and overlapping genoa for a surcharge of € 6,770.
Motorisation
Built-in diesel Yanmar 4JH45 with 45 hp output, Saildrive. Power upgrades 57 hp or 80 hp possible. An electric drive (Oceanvolt) is also possible as an alternative.
Batteries
Standard: AGM batteries, 2x 95 Ah service, 1x 95 Ah motor starter
Shipyard
Elan Yachts, 4274 Begunje na Gorenjskem (Slovenia); www.Elan-Yachts. com
Distribution
Blue Yachting, 28237 Bremen; www.blue-yachting.de
