Elan
Elan E5
The Elan E5 (formerly the Elan 400) is a 40-foot performance cruiser that represents the larger end of Elan’s E-series. Designed by Rob Humphreys, it features a powerful, chined hull with twin rudders and a high-performance fractional rig. Positioned for the serious sailor who wants a boat capable of winning races and providing luxurious cruising comfort, the E5 is a sophisticated and capable yacht. It is a boat that prioritizes sailing performance without compromising on the interior volume and finish expected in a modern 40-footer.
For the surveyor, the E5’s complex steering system is a primary area of focus; check for any play in the linkage or quadrants and ensure the twin rudders are properly aligned. The hull is built using vacuum infusion and is exceptionally stiff; check for any signs of stress around the keel attachment and rudder mountings. The saildrive diaphragm (Volvo Penta) should be checked for its service history. Additionally, the E5 often features a large amount of electronic and hydraulic equipment; a thorough test of these systems is essential during a pre-purchase survey.
In terms of use, the E5 is a fast and stable cruiser that is equally at home on the racecourse or in a quiet anchorage. The interior is bright and modern, with a layout that provides excellent comfort for a family or crew. The cockpit is well-organized, with a clear separation between the sailing and social areas. It is a yacht that appeals to those who want a high-performance boat that doesn't sacrifice the amenities needed for long-term cruising. For the buyer, it represents a top-tier performance cruiser with a strong reputation for quality and speed.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2015+
- LOA
- 11.96 m
- Beam
- 3.87 m
- Model
- Elan E5
Key takeaways
- Best for: serious offshore racing and fast long-distance cruising
- Common issue: complex steering alignment and electronic system glitches
- Typical price: solid value for a 40-foot performance benchmark
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.0/10 — Sophisticated 40-foot performance cruiser; audit complex steering alignment and electronic systems.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 11.96 m
- Beam
- 3.87 m
- Production years
- 2015+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- How does the Elan E5 compare to the Beneteau First 40?
The E5 generally offers a more modern, chined hull design and twin rudders, which provide better control and stability at high angles of heel.
- Is the Elan E5 suitable for offshore racing?
Yes, the E5 is a Category A offshore yacht and is a popular choice for offshore races like the Fastnet or Middle Sea Race.
- What is the benefit of the twin rudders on the E5?
They provide exceptional grip and control, especially when the boat is powered up and heeled, preventing the boat from rounding up.
- What engine is standard on the Elan E5?
Most units are equipped with a 40hp or 55hp Volvo Penta saildrive, providing reliable power for motoring.
- How many cabins are in the Elan E5?
It is most commonly available in a 3-cabin layout with one or two heads, providing ample space for a full crew.
Design History
Elan E5 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. Slovenian yards shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2016 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~440–800 completed hulls.
Elan positioned the Elan E5 for coastal and offshore use in the 2016–ongoing production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a Elan E5 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 14.2 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Elan E5 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Elan E5
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Elan E5 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.