The Hanse 588, which premiered at the European boat shows in the autumn of 2016, has impressive accommodation volume, a wide range of options and the latest thinking in efficient, easily handled sail plans. This model is a development of the previous Hanse 575, originally launched in 2013, with a number of updates and improvements. These include a remodelled tender garage to take a wider range of craft than the 2.8m Williams Jet Tender for which the older model was tailored. In addition the owner’s suite in the forecabin is fully soundproofed from the saloon and machinery spaces.Take a look at the First Look Video we filmed of the boat.

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Below decks


Compared to the earlier model, there’s a more open saloon with larger hull windows an improved standard of finish on the Hanse 588. As well as seating both sides, with the possibility of distinct dining and lounging areas, the six opening skylights cover an impressive three square metres of the deckhead. There’s also a retractable flat screen TV on the main bulkhead.

Hanse offers a total of 72 different accommodation layout variations for the 588. Options include crew cabins, up to five guest cabins, different galley arrangement and even a utility room. There are also anything from two to fiver head/shower compartments.

The 2.15m (7ft 2in) maximum headroom gives an impressive feeling of space, while 20 opening deck hatches provide maximum ventilation in harbour and help improve natural light throughout the accommodation. A wide number of factory-fitted options enable owners to tailor everything from navigation and entertainment systems to sail specification and keel type to their needs.

The spacious 3.6m (12ft) long owners suite extends the full width of the hull forward of the mast. There’s extensive sound proofing built into the main bulkhead, while a rubber gasket automatically seals the gap under the door.

Hanse 588

The Hanse 588 is a development of the earlier Hanse 575.


On deck and performance


Most of the sail handling systems can be operated from positions next to the twin helm stations at the aft end of the cockpit, with electric winches and furling systems offered as options that are likely to be taken up by most owners. At the transom there’s access to the fold-down bathing platform via three easy steps, as well as the tender garage with its slick easy-launch system.

The forward section of the cockpit is given over to guest use, where there’s a table each side, as well as an optional wet bar. An optional hardtop provides excellent shade, as well as keeping the mainsheet tackle safely clear of the cockpit area. There’s also an optional outdoor galley area with fridge, bar-be-que and sink. In front of the mast is a lowered section of coachroof that’s designed as a sun bathing area.

Sail plan options include a self-tacking jib and a larger genoa set on separate forestays. This enables efficient sails to be set over a wide range of wind strengths, whether reaching or close hauled. In a boat of this size, sailing with the wind right aft is rarely the most efficient way of reaching a destination that’s directly downwind. A furling asymmetric spinnaker therefore makes absolute sense – even gybing is easy with this, as it can be rolled away before the manoeuvre and then unfurled once the boat is settled on the new course. Hanse also offers what it dubs as a ‘crossover’ sail, which is effectively a furling Code 0 of tough laminate material designed to a shape that’s optimised for cruising use, rather than racing.

Hanse 588 layout options

Hanse 588 layout options.


Equipment and options


Many buyers of boats of this size expect a lot of customisation – something that Hanse can clearly deliver, despite the company’s roots in high volume production. A huge range of different specifications and options, which are enthusiastically taken up by many buyers, is offered. In addition to the accommodation layouts and choice of sail plans, other factory fitted options include a wide variety of interior joinery and upholstery choices. Keel options include a racing style T-bulb and both deep and shallow draught L-bulbs.

 

What it does best


The Hanse 588 offers a huge amount of space both on deck and below in a well thought out package at a much lower price point than semi custom yachts of this size.

 

Compromises and alternatives


While this model has the potential to offer a lot of boat for the money, the brand doesn’t have the cachet of some of the more established quality marques. Nevertheless, it would be easy to clock up a bill well into six figures on options.

Hanse has a comprehensive range of nine models from the 32ft up to 67ft. The company also owns the Dehler, Moody and Varianta brands.

Hanse is not alone in moving production yachts to larger sizes – Jeanneau has a recent 57ft model, Beneteau has options in both in Sense and Oceanis ranges, while Bavaria has a new Cruiser 57 that’s expected to launch at the 2017 Dusseldorf boat show. At this price point it’s also worth considering a smaller boat from one of the more expensive brands such as the Grand Soleil 47 or 50 and X-Yachts’ Xc50. For more information visit Hanse Yachts.

 

Hanse 588 specifications


Hull length: 16.70m.
LWL: 15.15m.
Beam: 5.20m.
Draught: 2.25m, 2.6m or 2.85m.
Displacement: 19,800kg.
Ballast 6,500kg.
Main sail 93sq m.
Jib 64sq m.
Genoa 110sq m.
Gennaker 245sq m
Water tankage 810 litres
Fuel tankage 520 litres

Written by: Rupert Holmes
Rupert Holmes has more than 70,000 miles of offshore cruising and racing experience, in waters ranging from the North Sea to the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn. He writes about all aspects of boat ownership and marine travel, including destinations, seamanship and maintenance, as well as undertaking regular new boat and gear tests. He currently sails around 5,000 miles per year and in the past couple of seasons has cruised from the UK to the Azores, as well as winning his class in the 2014 two-handed Round Britain and Ireland Race. He also owns two yachts, one based in the Mediterranean and the other in the UK.
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