FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB offer?
Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB offers new boats an contact details about the pre-owned boats listed on this site. Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB does not offer repairs, winter storage, refits, retrofits, surveys, installation instructions for aftermounts on older boats, brokerage, repair advice, troubleshooting, or maintenance instructions, other than what is already on this web site. All info we have on older boats is available on our web site. If it is not there, we don't have it.
For spare parts and accessories, please contact the separate company Hallberg-Rassy Parts AB.
Why are the current hull shapes better than older with more narrow transom ?
Some people think that the current modern hull shapes with wide transoms only are good for downwind and not for upwind, but fact is that upwind is where those designs are most superior. If you look at an older design with narrower transom, like this one from the early 1990s, and this goes for any design with a narrow transom, the waterline at heel is far from symmetric: the leeward side has a high curvature, and the windward side is quite straight. And when you look at a modern hull shape at heel, the waterline is symmetric, and it is not hard to understand which one is more efficient through the water. And the shape doesn’t change much here depending on heel or no heel, it remains roughly the same. And with the twin rudder blades, you have full control because you always have at least one rudder blade into the water.
Also when it comes to storage, and living space, the modern hull shape is superior.
Can Hallberg-Rassy see if VAT is paid for a certain boat?
Any yacht sale from Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB to outside Sweden is always ex VAT and the responsibility to pay local VAT is on the boat buyer, not the yard. So no, Hallberg-Rassy cannot see if a certain boat has VAT paid, except for direct sales to private buyers who used their new boat in Sweden. Such data is saved for up to ten years.
Can I get a copy of the invoice or build order for a certain boat?
No, due to personal data protection laws, we are not allowed to give out any copy of an invoice or a build order. Any sales by Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB to outside Sweden would show an ex VAT amount from our side anyhow.
My boat has no CE sign - can Hallberg-Rassy supply that?
The CE certification has been mandatory since 15 June 1998 for any boats taken into use for the first time in the EU, no matter if the boat is new or used. Hallberg-Rassy was a little early to start with this certification, so a few boats had the CE certifications before it was mandatory. If so, there is a metal plate with the CE sign in the cockpit and CE certification papers supplied with the boat. Hallberg-Rassy cannot deliver CE certification for boats that does not have that. There are companies who claim they can supply a CE certification for boats that does not have this, but Hallberg-Rassy’s opinion is that if you want to do it seriously, you cannot do that after that the boat has been built. If you want to register a boat the EU, you do not need CE certifications on boats where you can prove that the boat was taken into use in the EU before 15 June 1998.
How can I find out what upgrades have been made every year on a Hallberg-Rassy model?
If you go to the Hallberg-Rassy NewsLetter download page, and open the NewsLetter of the relevant year(s), under the headline Improvements, you will find a list of which improvements have been made every model year since 1996. The improvements were implemented for the following model year, so after the summer holidays the year the NewsLetter was written.
How come that a boat is built one year and has another model year?
A model year goes from 1 August one year, until 31 July next year. That means, that if for example a yacht is delivered new in October 2001, the model year is 2002.
What is the colour code for the Hallberg-Rassy blue?
See dedicated info about this from Hallberg-Rassy Parts.
What paint should be used for antifouling?
Each country and area has its own recipe for antifouling, although the name may be the same. Hallberg-Rassy recommends any well known brand and you have to ask your local supplier what is suitable for your area and boat. For new boats, Hallberg-Rassy uses a good paint, not available for private buyers and not for individual sale outside Sweden.
When should through hull fittings be exchanged?
Hallberg-Rassy has been using the same type of skin fittings for at least 35 years and always with good success. The skin fittings are made of seawaterproof brass. Our recommendation is to knock on the skin fittings with a big screw driver and a hammer every time the boat is ashore or at least once every 12 months. If the metal is porous, it’s is time for a change. If not porous, we see no reason to change anything, regardless of age. We know many Hallberg-Rassy boats who are many decades old where there is no need to change the through hull fittings.
Maintenance of old teak decks
If screw heads are visible in the teak deck, many times, the screws can be lowered somewhat, to extend the space for the plug and consequently the service life for another or some more seasons. You can order such screws, plugs and glue from Hallberg-Rassy Parts.
If the teak is so worn that the teak plugs above the screws are worn out, that there is no room to lower them any further, there is not much left to wear off. And that is from an aesthetical point of view. A teak deck with visible screw heads work, but it would be a pity on a pretty boat like this.
Hallberg-Rassy started 2004, with the Hallberg-Rassy 48, to completely vacuum glue teak decks, with no screws at all. This was then step by step implemented on further models and is since model year 2011, each and every new built Hallberg-Rassy with teak deck has the patented vacuum technology completely without screws. To see exactly when it was introduced on each model, go to the Hallberg-Rassy NewsLetter download page, open the NewsLetter of the relevant year, and look for the headline Improvements. The improvements were implemented for the following model year, so after the summer holidays the year the NewsLetter was written.
What about the teak availability?
It is all about having the right connections and knowing where to buy the right quality. Hallberg-Rassy does not have any issues getting quality legal real teak and our stocks are well filled for years to come.
Also regarding plantation teak, the situation is quite good and the right quality and the right lengths are available but in limited quantities. As with all wood, there is a huge variety in quality. It is all about buying the right quality and being prepared to pay what it costs, as price levels have gone up significantly on quality teak.
Still, there are buyers preferring other finishes for the deck than real teak, so we offer three levels: White gelcoat with antislip (up to 44 ft), PU-teak which is polyurethane based and looks and feels amazingly close to real teak, and finally real teak.
When should the standing rigging be exchanged?
See detailed info on the Manuals download page under Rigging life span expectancy.
What is the difference in performance between standard draft and shallow draft?
The main difference between a standard and a shallow draft version is for most Hallberg-Rassy models not the stability. The shallow draft keel has a thicker bulb with more weight. The heavier weight in most cases compensates for most of the lost stability due to less draft. So the stability is very similar to the standard draft.
It is more relevant to look at how much force that wants to push the boat back to upright at the heel you are actually sailing the boat in, than the point of vanishing stability, which in reality will never occur. The righting moment in 10-30 degrees of heel is at most designs slightly larger with the standard draft and the point of AWS is slightly larger with the shallow draft. But the difference is so small that it can be hard to notice it in real life, with a minor advantage for the standard draft, when talking about righting moment.
The difference is instead that the shallow version will lose more to leeward than the standard draft. That goes for both sailing and maneuvering in the harbour.
The speed diagrams are identical with standard draft and shallow draft keel. When looking at the instruments; speed through water and sailed angle towards the wind, you will not notice any difference, but since the shallow draft will lose more to leeward, there will be a difference that will be noticeable over ground when sailing upwind.
The difference is larger upwind and not at all downwind or a broad reach. The difference is more in stronger winds and heavy seas and less in light airs and small waves.
As far as ever possible, we recommend the normal draft verison, to take advantage of the good sailing- and handling performance of a Hallberg-Rassy.
Why is typically a twin rudder configuration safer than a single skeg hung rudder?
The rudder design of the latest generation Hallberg-Rassys is the safest you can get. Because of the reduced rudder surface, compared to a single rudder solution, the rudder loads will also decrease which will increase the safety factor. There are two self aligning bearings for each rudder, which can handle even a slight bend of the solid shaft. That is not the case with a skeg hung rudder with three bearings. And twin rudders are shallower than a single rudder, so less exposed. And two give better redundancy than one. Twin rudder blades are far easier to control in reverse than a single rudder with skeg close to the keel. With twin rudders you have full control even at excessive heel. Also the hull design is very efficient. Making a good 24 hour run is the best way to sail safely between high- and low pressures. Twin rudders give a superior ride when motoring as the boat will head forward when letting the wheel lose, and not turn to one side as with a single rudder boat.
What core is used in a Hallberg-Rassy hull and deck?
Hallberg-Rassy use Divinycell closed cell PVC foam that does not absorb water but insulates well against cold, heat and noise. Hallberg-Rassy use Divinycell cored hulls on all Frers designs. No Enderlein designs except the 382 have cored hulls. Horizontal areas of the decks are always cored. The transom is never cored. Hallberg-Rassy has never used balsa, which may soak water and rotten.
What keel bolts torque does Hallberg-Rassy recommend?
The recommended torque for keel bolts on a Hallberg-Rassy are:
M16: app. 125 Nm
M18: app. 170 Nm
M20: app. 250 Nm
M24: app. 400 Nm
M30: app. 800 Nm
M36: app. 1300 Nm
How to cure a squeaking noise
Our experience is that if you should have a squeaking noise from the deck, it is never the deck itself, but is friction because of too tight clearance between inner ceilings and bulkheads or lockers in moist areas. This because different moisture expands or shrinks those panels. If the ceiling panels in question are removed and the edge towards bulkheads or lockers are reduced two mm or so, you will see that the squeaking noise completely disappears. This is often in connection with a deck hatch and to be able to remove the ceiling panel, one has to start with removing the deck hatch, revealing screws that keep the wooden frame in place, which in turn keeps the ceiling panel in place.
Does Hallberg-Rassy Varvs AB offer the sales or listing of used boats?
Only if you have, or are close to, ordering a new Hallberg-Rassy, we list pre-owned boats for sale on our web site. We do not actually sell used boats, we just provide the contact details to the boat owners. The cost for listing is a percentage of the asking price, and counts as a downpayment for a new Hallberg-Rassy for yourself within 6 months. If you want a broker that actively sells your used boat, please contact the relevant world wide Hallberg-Rassy dealer.
Can Hallberg-Rassy supply data on previous models?
All data and information we have about previous models is available in our dedicated part of the web site for previous models. If it is not there, we do not have it.
Can I have the Hallberg-Rassy logo as a file?
No, sorry, you cannot, as the Hallberg-Rassy logo is a protected brand name and shape. If you want clothing with the Hallberg-Rassy logo, please order from Hallberg-Rassy Parts.
My yacht has a list. How can that be cured?
This is a result of what items (personal belongings, optional equipment, wiring, tank contents and more) you have onboard and where it is located in the boat, what we call the trim condition. The wind direction is also important. Every yacht has some difference in trim, we consider two cm or less difference to be normal.
Parts onboard should be distributed in a way that the trim is normally upright between starboard side and port side and not with noticeable list to one side. The contents in the tanks have a high effect on the trim, It does make a difference if different tanks are filled or empty. Try to empty the tanks of the heavier side first and keep the contents longer on the lighter side.
Moving items onboard makes a much larger difference than most people think. For example: tools and mineral water to the light side, bed covers and pillows on the heavy side. Remember that this gives a triple effect: if you have 100 kg on the wrong side, and that is not moved, you need another 200 kg on the other side to get the trim right.
The draft in the brochure and the moulded depth in the Builder's Certificate is not the same figure. How come?
The draft of the boat and the moulded depth are two completely different things that are not related to each other. Moulded depth is the theoretical measure from the bottom of the bilge up to the top of the deck camber. It is just a coincident that it is a similar measure to the standard draft. So the moulded depth is the same no matter what keel is used.