Elan Impression 43, the new cruiser (13m) with XXL volumes

Designed to meet all the needs and necessities of comfortable cruising, comes the new Elan Impression 43, a 13.3-meter with a large beam, abundant volumes and all the numbers to give you as much relaxation as you can look for while sailing.

Elan Impression 43

Optimized for cruising, the new Elan Impression 43 offers volumes that are nothing short of remarkable, both on deck and in the interior, offering solutions ranging from cockpit sundecks to 3- or 4-cabin layouts to make the most of the multifaceted nature of each space. And, for those always looking for more, it offers a high level of customization, thanks to choices regarding both sail plans and motorizations, including an optional electric motor.

Elan Impression 43 – Design and Construction

A collaboration between the Elan Design Team and Humphreys Yacht Design, the Elan Impression 43 is 13.32 meters long overall, measures 4.25 meters at maximum beam and displaces just over 11 tons.

The exterior, in terms of aesthetics, is the result of a collaboration with Pininfarina, while the entire trim, such as the water lines, are optimized for short-handed sailing. In terms of volume, the beam is abundant, as is the high ceiling in the dinette, a solution that results in a slightly raised deckhouse, a guarantee of greater comfort below deck.

In terms of production, the hull is made in 3D VAIL (Vacuum Assisted Infusion Lamination) technique. This process implies a more precise construction (it reduces the risk of air bubbles and imperfections to almost zero), lighter and stronger, to which the outer vinylester layer is added to ensure preventing any possible form of osmosis.

Finally, the 3D component of lamination is practiced on all vertical reinforcements, ensuring important mechanical properties to both hull and rigging, all stress and strain points being so well reinforced. Finally, below the waterline, we find two rudders and central L-shaped bulb, available in two different ‘depths’ and, consequently, different ballasts (1.95 m x 3.54 t / 1.70 m x 3.68 t).

Weapon and Deck

Turning to the boat itself, Impression 43 is, in fact, a split-rigged sloop with double-order spreaders. The sail plan includes, as standard, mainsail and self-tacking jib, plus an ever-present gennaker, but a furling mainsail and genoa are also provided as an optional package.

The sail area, in this sense, amounts to about 80 sq. m. (R+F) in the package, standard, with 164 sq. m. total (R+GK) in the load-bearing gaits. With the use of the optional genoa, however, the R+G area increases to about 86/88 sq m, depending on the mainsail in use.

In terms of the deck, the deck looks clean, traditional, with the deckhouse ending abaft the mast, where we find a hatchway to the forward cabin. Osterisks and handrails run all along the deckhouse, as does any fixed maneuvering, which from the mast is deferred toward the cockpit, to the two winches located on either side of the hatch, also in the deckhouse.

In the cockpit we find considerable space, with dual wheelhouses served by versatile seating (they contain lockers or coolers), while the center table, when lowered to the level of the bench seats, converts to a sundeck. In the wheelhouse we find support for instrumentation and panels of all kinds, while just toward the walls, ahead of them, are located one winch per board, dedicated to the bow sails.

The mainsail has the mainsheet on the deckhouse, while the mainsheet is deferred to the mast and then runs on deck to be served by one of the two forward winches, precisely in the deckhouse. Finally, at the extreme aft end, we find a fold-down swim platform.

Interior

Given the volumes, the Impression 43’s interior appears remarkable, generous in space and especially bright. Although two different layouts are offered, the basic layout does not change, and the difference is only evident at the bow of the dinette, where one or two berths are obtained, depending on the choice. The only other difference, derived from this first one, is the position of the second toilet, which moves to starboard or left, as the case may be.

Otherwise, the layout adheres to the classic canon, with a central access that immediately faces the dinette. Here we find, on the starboard side, a large L-shaped sofa with a central table, facing the kitchen, instead placed on the left.

Overall bright and well-kept, the salon features various storage solutions, thus providing ample space for on-board stowage. Aft we find two twin doubles, while a shared bathroom is located on the port broadside, between the galley and aft double.

Technical Specs

Article by Doi De Luise