Hallberg-Rassys hold their value because they're well built, and the reviews say so plainly. The known problems are few and specific: one recall, the saildrive on one popular model, and the ordinary wear of teak decks.
HR 342: upper rudder bearing recall
YACHT's used boat test of the HR 342 warns that the model had "an extensive recall in the early years" over a steering problem: on a few boats the upper rudder bearings had come loose from their mounting. According to the yard, it replaced the bearings on all affected boats and fixed the problem for later hull numbers. YACHT says it's still worth asking. About 300 HR 342s were built.
Where to look. The upper rudder bearing and its mounting for movement and cracked laminate; play at the tiller or wheel; the recall record for the hull number from Hallberg-Rassy or the seller.
HR 34: saildrive and blisters
Sailing Magazine's review of the HR 34 says the standard engine was a Volvo MD 2030 with a saildrive, and "these lower units often corrode". It advises checking the seal around the saildrive leg. It also notes HRs "were not immune to hull blisters". Most 34s came with tiller steering, so a wheel is usually a retrofit and worth checking. The HR 34 was built from 1990 to 2005.
Where to look. Out of the water, the saildrive leg for corrosion and paint lifting, the anode, and the rubber seal where the leg passes through the hull. Meter and inspect the bottom for blisters.
Teak decks and the hull to deck joint
On the HR 342 YACHT tested, the optional teak deck was glued and also screwed.
Sailing Magazine describes the HR 34's hull to deck joint as mechanical and chemical, then glassed over, and says Hallberg-Rassys are "well known for their lack of leaking". Its hull is solid glass with foam insulation above the waterline, and the deck is cored with balsa or foam.
Where to look. On teak decks, worn plugs and screw heads showing, lifting seams, and moisture in the deck below.
The keel on the HR 34
Sailing Magazine reports the HR 34's lead keel is bolted to a short stub with 10 stainless bolts.
Where to look. The keel to stub joint for cracks and weeping, and the bolts and backing inside. See keel bolt corrosion.
What to check on a Hallberg-Rassy
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Upper rudder bearing on the HR 342 | Loose mounting, recall record | YACHT used boat test |
| Saildrive on the HR 34 | Corrosion on the leg, seal condition | Sailing Magazine |
| Bottom | Blisters | Sailing Magazine |
| Teak decks | Worn plugs, lifting seams, wet deck | YACHT, HR 342 |
| Keel on the HR 34 | Joint, bolts and backing | Sailing Magazine |
Writing it up
"Saildrive leg: paint blistered and white corrosion on the lower unit, anode more than half wasted, hull seal not visible for inspection with the boat on the cradle. Recommend the leg is cleaned back and assessed, the anode renewed and the seal checked against the maker's replacement interval before relaunch." Note the engine and saildrive model in the particulars.