We are looking for a HR312 but have no experience with HR. What is the difference between MK1 and MK2 and how does the model perform under sails ?
Earlier we have sailed in TRIO96 with 7/8 rig.

Kind regards
Bjarne Kjeldsen (Denmark)

By wilson fleming on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 10:13 pm:

Bjarne
I think the best place to see the difference is on the HR website under previous models. This describes them very well and with photos.
The interior of Mk2 is claimed to feel more spacious and i think it is certainly lighter inside, which some like. The main practical difference i feel is the Heads. On the Mk2 it does not go completely across the boat. This leaves the forecabin accessible at all times and importantly allows for a large hanging locker on port side opposite Heads. This is very useful.
The Heads is still big enough on Mk2 and it also has a shower tray draining into bilge.
In the cockpit, the Mk1 has traveller on a beam dividing cockpit, which for sailing some may prefer. Ours is a Mk2 and i believe like most Mk2's the traveller is on coachroof ahead of screen with mainsheet leading through to winch and jammer on roof by companionway. This works very well and is in fact quite handy from helm. On balance i think this is the better system and my wife definately thinks so as she doesn't like her peace in the cockpit disturbed.
As for sailing performance we only bought our Mk2 last summer but we have been more than pleased. A steady and comfortable ride, quicker than expected and feels very safe and secure at sea. Being a masthead rig it is not bendy and tunable like your used to but it really isn't that kind of boat.
To conclude, I feel most people looking for this size boat would be pleased with either model. We are delighted with our Mk2 version 312.

Best regards

Wilson Fleming

By Bjarne Kjeldsen on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 05:43 pm:

To: Wilson Fleming (or others for comments)

Thank You for your info, it is most appreciated.
Our typical sailing requirements are for two mid age adults, and my wife like to enjoy safety and
comfort in the cockpit area, especially at sea. Ideally we want no main sheet traveller in the cockpit and certainly not if you need to lower the sprayhood every time the sheet is extended during down hill sailing, as we do today!.

A robust, quality boat with a big enough engine (28HP?) for powering the boat in head wind situations etc.. is welcome together with a safe
access way to the cabin.

My only concern, for this boat is the relatively high 2. hand price, and perhaps the speed performance under sails, not that I am comparing the boat with a racing design.

Kind regards
Bjarne Kjeldsen

By Bob Hadley on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 12:22 pm:

Can I add a few words of support for the 312. I bought a Mk2 No 643 in 1993 and have been very happy with her ever since. The build quality is superb - if you have to take anything apart you will find that the design makes it easy and the screws go back into the same holes! The wiring may well need to be updated; only because we have changed our electronic demands over the last ten years, but there is enough room in the port cockpit locker to install all the necessary extra battery dedicated for the fridge (and therefore act as an emergency starter battery) and still hide a permanent shore power charger, outboard motor etc etc. Sail wise she likes a good blow rather than light airs.She will comfortably reach 7 or 8 knots when pushed.Like most of the Enderlein designs this is a comfortable cruising boat not meant for screaming along with the rail under. However with a cruisning chute, or even better the Doyle UPS, she can be managed comfortably with two aboard and on the right occasion even single handed.Finally, Bjarne, there is an owners assoc for the 312 somewhere in Norway. I think you will find the address on the HR web site.I hope you decide to buy her-you won't regret it but if you do go down that road don't forget to check the engine mounts AND the Saildrive diaphragm.
Bob Hadley.TAMESIS

By Bjarne Kjeldsen on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 08:45 pm:

Att.: Bob

Thanks for your information, we certainly gets more and more convinced that this MK2 version of the HR 312 is a good choice for us.
We will look carefully at the engine mounts!! and the diaphragm when the time comes.

You describe, the sailing performance half wind and down hill. How is the performance when tacking against the wind, and will rough sea stop her progres?
By the way, is MKII different with respect to the sailing performance compared to MKI ?

Kind regards
Bjarne Kjeldsen

By Joern-Erich Winguth on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 10:12 am:

To Bjarne Kjeldsen,

I am sailing a HR312 Mk I since 20 years. In fact I grew up with it. The HR312 does not like to beat the wind in choppy seas. You have to invest a few degrees compared to other designs, but then it is ok. It is no problem to tack her in harsh conditions.
I am also sailing her single-hand from time to time and she is a very reliable and well-tempered design. For two people who know what to do she should be easy to handle.
28 Hp engine (Volvo Penta 2003)is absolutely enough, but if you buy a HR312, keep an eye at the saildrive SB120, if there is water in it. The seal at saildrive might start to leak after 15 to 20 years. If it is ok, change it in the near future, otherwise it might get expensive.

Best regards,
Joern-Erich Winguth

By Bjarne Kjeldsen on Monday, June 28, 2004 - 10:34 pm:

To Joern-Eric

Thank You for taking the time to pass on some of your experiences with HR312 MKI, it is most appreciated. With 20 years of sailing in the same boat, You must be the closest to an expert one can get!. It is not the first time we hear about this saildrive diaphragm, so it will be on our "buyers checklist" for sure. Your description of the up-wind performance, more or less confirms our expectations based on the complete package of hull and rig design.
We really look forward to do a test under sails, somewhere in Denmark preferably.

Kind regards
Bjarne Kjeldsen

By Joern-Erich Winguth on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 10:40 am:

To Bjarne,

thank you for your comment. I am not really sure if we are talking about the same sealing regarding to the saildrive SB120. I was not talking about the black diaphram, which is sealing the sail drive in the hull. Sure, you have to check that as well. I was thinking of the sealing of the propeller shaft against the sail drive. Check, if the oil in the sail drive is clear. If it is milky an looking like an emulsion then there is water in the sail drive. We had that problem.

Best regards
Joern-Erich Winguth

By Joern-Erich Winguth on Tuesday, July 06, 2004 - 09:17 pm:

To Bjarne,

talking about sailing performance of the HR312 MkI: She is much faster under light wind conditions than expected. I am still surprised by their upwind performance in light wind conditions compared to larger cruising designs.

Bets regards,
Joern-Erich Winguth