The Elan 310 is a twin-ruddered performance cruiser, and YACHT's used boat test found little seriously wrong. Its points are mostly about what a sporty boat with a deep, slim keel goes through.
Keel cradles: grounding cracks
YACHT found the keel structure very solid, with large rounded chock plates and tall cradles for the boat's size. Even so, it asks buyers to pay very close attention to hairline cracks in the cradles, which can indicate a rough grounding that damaged the structure. It calls that quite common with slim, deep keels like the Elan's.
Where to look. Every keel cradle and floor in the bilge for hairline cracks, the keel bolts, and outside the keel to hull joint. Ask about groundings.
Mast collar and sleeve
The owner told YACHT that the collar on the mast broke, and the mast had to come out to replace it. Its rubber sleeve leaks from time to time, which YACHT calls not unusual.
Where to look. The mast collar at deck level and the sleeve, and water marks below it.
Twin rudders
YACHT says the twin rudder system needs some attention: the tie rod has to be precisely adjusted so the two rudders have the right angle to each other.
Where to look. The tie rod and its ends for play and adjustment, and the rudders' alignment.
Smaller items
The owner's list: locker catches that don't always cope with the load and open when they shouldn't, a diesel tank vent that makes refuelling awkward, and slight gelcoat damage on deck where loads are heavy. YACHT notes the shrouds attach outside on deck, without internal beams that could become a weak point.
What to check on an Elan
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Keel cradles | Hairline cracks from groundings | YACHT, Elan 310 |
| Mast collar | Breakage, leaking sleeve | Owner via YACHT, Elan 310 |
| Twin rudders | Tie rod adjustment and play | YACHT, Elan 310 |
| Lockers and tank vent | Catches opening, refuelling problems | Owner via YACHT, Elan 310 |
| Deck gelcoat | Damage at load points | Owner via YACHT, Elan 310 |
Writing it up
"Bilge: hairline cracks across the aft two keel cradles, no movement visible; owner reports one grounding. Recommend the keel attachment and cradles are assessed by a repairer, with the keel joint inspected out of the water." Grade cracks in the keel structure as A until a repairer has seen them.