
HANSE 291
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.2 ft |
| LWL | 25.59 ft |
| Beam | 8.86 ft |
| Draft | 5.31 ft |
| Displacement | 5,732 lb |
| Ballast | 2,315.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
About the HANSE 291
Derived from the APHRODITE 29/291.
Designed by Carl Beyer and built by Hanse Yachts (GER) from 1993–1995, the Hanse 291 is a compact fractional sloop with a displacement of 5732.0 lb and a beam of 8.86 ft. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, this model represents an early entry in the Hanse lineup, characterized by a D/L ratio of 152.7 and a comfort ratio of 18.16.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, performance-oriented daysailer with a fractional rig and a max draft of 5.31 ft. Its relatively light displacement and high SA/D ratio of 18.34 make it appealing for those prioritizing speed over heavy offshore comfort.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.98 and a fin keel, the Hanse 291 is primarily designed for coastal use rather than extended bluewater passages, though its robust fractional rig and moderate displacement allow for protected offshore cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 26 and the O'Day 28, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of active coastal cruisers. These models offer similar beam-to-length proportions and interior layouts designed for short-range cruising.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 3.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 3.7 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.4 |
| 110° | 3.7 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.9 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.4 |
| 135° | 3.0 | 4.3 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 8.3 | 9.9 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
Market Price
Asking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1993–1996 · median $23,220
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.2ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
5 reported issues across 4 systems for the HANSE 291, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HANSE 291? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 5 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Used sails that fit the HANSE 291
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