BOAT REPORT HAINES 400


The 400’s exterior lines are distinctive and bold compared to the Broom 395’s softer design. Like a Broom, the cockpit coaming is set inboard, helping to break up any slab-like expanses of GRP aft. This island design also means that anyone sat around the cockpit’s U-shaped dinette have plenty of boat between them and the water. The side decks that run past the coamings are


a decent width and, combined with the solid guardrails and grabrails along the coachroof, it is a safe, easy boat to crew. However, just having chains across the break in the guardrails is a bit of an inland hangover. A sliding rail or a drop- down section to make a short ladder would be good, given the boat’s relatively high topsides. As is now the norm with this style of cruiser


there is just the one helm position which can be found outside. This is protected by a clip-down pram hood that fills in the gap between the screen and the radar arch. The helm itself is solid and will accommodate two on large pedestal armchairs, however a three-person bench seat would be a handy alternative. The least enticing part of the aft


cabin concept – where the rear deck ends up higher than the saloon – is the stairwell. But Haines has recognised this and tried to make moving around as easy as possible, with a sliding companionway entrance that gives good head clearance and plenty of shoulder width. Haines clearly knows that traffic is heaviest on the stairwell during cocktail hour so it has sited a top-loading fridge (as standard) in the saloon sideboard next to the steps. This is handy for the aft deck as well as when down below. The saloon is particularly roomy


and light thanks to the deep window line and opening skylight. There’s loads of seating with space for a small loose settee next to the sideboard, allowing it to be pulled across to the main U-shaped dinette if required. The split galley design also benefits from


plenty of natural light thanks to the large screen above. The whole area runs the full width of the hull and wants for nothing with its smart Avonite surfaces and domestic-sized fridge/ freezer. Gas cooking appliances are fitted throughout as standard but there is the option to upgrade to an all-electric package with various inverter and generator options. This just leaves two cabins with en suites to fit


in. They are both fine and everything appears as you would expect, with island berths and a generous selection of lined-out clothes storage. But it’s the adjoining bathroom facilities featuring separate shower stalls that make the bigger impression. They are impressive.


SALOON SKYLIGHT


FORWARD CABIN AFT CABIN


TOILET COMPARTMENT


STOWAGE


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