2005 Elan Impression 384, 86 000 EUR

Probably the most honest boat description on Boat24:
We are two digital nomads who bought this Elan 384 Impression with the very romantic idea of sailing around the world while working from the boat. Beautiful dream. Terrible execution.

In almost 2 years of ownership, we sailed her fewer than 10 times. Not because of the boat, but because our jobs, Wi-Fi, schedules, and no vacation when you are a business owner.

The result? We spent an embarrassing amount of money turning her into a comfortable liveaboard/off-grid setup… and then barely used it.

She has been upgraded with a strong electrical system, solar, LiFePO4 battery, inverter, and an 8,000 BTU air-conditioning unit that can actually cool the whole boat to a normal living temperature when it is 35°C+ outside. The idea was to sit anchored somewhere between Croatian islands, working on laptops, fridge running, phones charging, lights on, and AC keeping us comfortable. We never really did that. Apparently €12,000 in upgrades was fine, but Starlink was “too expensive”. Life is funny.

Now, before you start wondering what terrible secret the boat is hiding. Full honesty: the toilet windows let in a few drops of water during heavy rain because of cracks in the glass. It is not dramatic. We never needed a bucket, even in serious rain. Since we recently invested in repainting the interior, we would already have replaced them if they were a real issue.

The only big problems we had was a clogged galley sink, caused by us being "clever" enough to wash grease and oil down the drain after cooking. That was fixed. And bow thruster dying, that was solved by replacing the battery.

The dehumidifier has been running EVERY DAY throughout the year, because mould was not invited onboard. Before and after every season, we also run an ozone generator in each cabin and galley to keep her healthy.

We specifically chose this model and year because of its solid build quality and thick GRP hull that is almost impossible to develop osmosis - the kind of reassuring construction that is becoming harder to find in newer production boats. And yes, ChatGPT would probably agree.

Overall, she is a comfortable, well-equipped, VAT-paid cruising boat with a lot of recent upgrades, annual maintenance, and a berth in Marina Portorož included.

Upgrades & Maintenance

2023
Completely new sails — full replacement.

2024
New bimini.
New sprayhood.

2025
Major electrical/off-grid upgrade suitable for comfortable liveaboard use:
720 W solar panels.
3.5 kWh LiFePO4 battery, Ultimatron France.
2,000 W inverter for charging laptops, phones, fridge, TV, lights, and even running the AC offshore.

New 8,000 BTU air-conditioning unit with heating and cooling.
Low consumption, around 800 W running power and approx. 1,200 W peak start.
Installed near the end of the season, so barely used. Works great.

Total 2025 investment: approx. €12,000.

2026
Interior refit: sanding and repainting of cabin, tables, galley, and companionway steps.
New synthetic UV-protection window shades.

Total 2026 investment: approx. €4,000.

Navigation & Handling

Autopilot.
Bow thruster (battery replaced June 2026)
GPS chart plotter.
VHF radio.

Deck Equipment

Bimini top, new in 2024.
Sprayhood, new in 2024.
Cockpit table.
Cockpit/stern outside shower.
Electric anchor windlass.
Teak.
Additional anchor and anchor chain included.

Galley

Gas cooker.
Oven.
Hot water boiler.
Refrigerator.

Maintenance

Engine serviced every year.
Boat hauled out annually for hull cleaning, antifouling, and zinc replacement.

Other Details

Currently berthed at Marina Portorož. Berth included.
EU VAT paid.
Dinghy included.
Registered under Slovenian flag.

She is a solid, comfortable, nicely upgraded boat that deserves owners who will actually sail her, instead of sitting onboard in the marina making excuses.

Feel free to reach out on WhatsApp: +386 70 564 138.