The Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 vs Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 at 37,2 ft versus Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 at 39,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 tips the scales at 18 055 lbs — 2 292 lbs less than the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 at 15 763 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 30 hp for the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 and 29 hp for the Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 carries 34 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 displaces 18 055 lbs — a 2 292-lb difference over the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 at 15 763 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 7,8 ft and 7,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 uses a Single helm wheel versus a Twin wheels on the Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones.
Hull speed is rated at 8,1 knots for the Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 and 7,9 knots for the Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008.
Bottom line: The Elan Yachts E5 Deep draft/Shoal draft 2015 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 18 055 lbs displacement and 39 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Elan Yachts 380 Standard/Deep draft 2008 at 15 763 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.