Elan Impression 354 – Built To Impress

The most popular and longstanding brand of sailing vessels on the East coast of the Adriatic is without a doubt, Elan, but with their change of business policy in the last 10 years and turning towards the bigger boats, used for charters, they have seen a sudden drop in popularity. Fortunately, with their very successful new line of Impression models, we are seeing a return to their former glory.

Built on the success of its predecessor Elan 344 and with the help of renowned designer Rob Humphreys, Elan 354 has managed to up the ante in the category of boats under 10m in regards to the available space. The width of the boat is impressive so that Elan 354 boasts of 25% bigger hull capacity than any other yachts in the same range. Thanks to that fact, 354 can offer surprisingly spacious interior with three cabins.

Design and the deck

Besides its design, new Elan has taken a lot of other smart solutions from bigger models in the Impression series, the most obvious one being open, spacious cockpit with folding swimming platform.

The cockpit benches are comfortable, albeit a little narrow, so they can host a maximum of two people.

The deck provides ample space for sunbathing, which will be appreciated by all the ladies, there is enough space for four people to soak up those Mediterranean sunrays.

In regards to the design of the deck, a lot of compromises had to be made in regards to the use of space, mostly due to the fact that the boat is only 9.99m long, but they are all eclipsed when you come down below and witness the ingeniousness of the interior.

Under the sails

In regards to the ease of sailing, no comprises can be made, no they have been. Comfortable handling od the boat is possible thanks to the top class ship's equipment, starting with Selden aluminum mast, Harken winches all the way to Spinlock XTS stoppers.

Elan 354 comes equipped with top-notch electronics, GPSMAP 721 plotter, and autopilot. The controls are responsive, but not too sensitive, so if you are reaching for a glass or bottle of liquor there won't be any sudden movements. Impression 354 sails quite easy, listening closely to all your commands, thus infusing the sailor with a feeling of security and stability. There are few ships with which you can become instant buddies, so that you can enjoy while sailing even more, than by sailing in a bigger vessel. With the help of the 19HP (there is a 29HP version as well) Volvo engine, Elan 354 can reach decent 7 knots, with the maximum of 8 knots in favorable conditions.

Interior

The area below deck seems like a completely different dimension when compared to the upper deck. Thanks to its wide hull and clever use of space, Elan is equipped with three cabins and with incredibly spacious bathroom.

The interior has a modern and light feel, in the standard version the wood of choice is whitened oak, but it is possible to choose a darker teak or mahogany. The quality of furnished elements is quite high, as it was expected and is even more heightened with the inclusion of extra elements, such as ergonomic handrails, soft fabric which covers the sofa and comfortable beds.

The interesting and useful thing to note is, that the saloon can easily host another three people, so the Elan 354 can host a maximum of 9 people, which is quite amazing!

Final conclusion

The new Elan Impression 354 is a perfect entry level yacht especially designed for families that are just starting to discover the joys of sailing.

The practical and elegant solution provides families with all the space they can possibly need since it is the most spacious model in its class.

Inside the yacht, there are three cabins, L-shaped galley and U-shaped saloon that can rival those of the bigger models.

Elan is quite easy to handle, she features an open cockpit with twin wheels and is propelled by the standard 19HP engines. She is quite responsive which will be appreciated by the sailor who is just in starting to discover the sea.