Who said sailing fishing-cruisers were a thing of the past? A Polish shipyard continues to offer these much-loved boats. Meet Haber Yachts. Here, the Haber 660, a worthy heir to the old Evasion range sailboats from Bénéteau, meets a program that should appeal to many of us.
The Haber 660 is a coastal and inland cruising sailboat, designed to combine comfort, safety, and versatility. Created by Polish architects Henryk Brylski and Janusz Konkol, it stands out with its enclosed wheelhouse, gaff sloop (or cutter as an option) rigging, and its ability to sail both under sail and power. With a hull length of 6.60 meters and a beam of 2.50 meters, it is CE certified in category C or B for offshore sailing, making it a boat suitable for a wide range of uses: fishing, cruising, light coastal sailing, or even short-term liveaboard.
Key Features
- Versatility: Sail and power, suitable for fishing, cruising, and coastal trips.
- Comfort: Enclosed wheelhouse, 1.85 m headroom, 4 berths, galley, and separate toilet.
- Safety: Polyester hull, integrated ballast, recognized stability, CE certified.
- Transportability: Lowerable mast for road transport.
- Engine: Standard outboard (4-15 hp) or optional diesel (5-25 hp).
Introduction to the Haber 660
The Haber 660 was launched in 1998 by the Polish shipyard Haber Yachts, specializing in the construction of small and medium-sized sailboats and motorboats. It follows in the footsteps of the Haber 580, retaining its philosophy while offering more space and comfort. The 660’s design aims to meet the expectations of boaters looking for a compact yet livable boat, capable of sailing both at sea and on inland waterways.
Architects Henryk Brylski and Janusz Konkol prioritized a polyester hull, simple and robust rigging, and a glazed superstructure for optimal visibility. The Haber 660 is mass-produced, with used units available on the market, particularly in Northern Europe and Germany, where it is highly appreciated for its robustness and value for money.
The boat was designed to compete with fishing-cruiser models of the time, in the spirit of the Artaban, Baroudeur, or Jeanneau’s Espace and Bénéteau’s Evasion (here, we think of the Evasion22), offering a more modern alternative that better meets European standards.
Interior Layout
The Haber 660 offers a very well-thought-out and organized interior layout for a boat of its size. The enclosed, glazed wheelhouse provides 1.85 m of headroom, allowing you to stand upright and ensuring good natural light. The space is organized around a central saloon, with a drop-leaf table that converts into a double berth. At the bow, a forepeak houses a double berth, while a galley and separate toilet (with optional shower) complete the amenities.
Numerous lockers and storage compartments allow you to store all the equipment needed for multi-day cruises. The layout, though compact, is designed to accommodate up to four people, although some owners note that comfort is optimal for two or three adults over extended periods. The finish is neat, with materials resistant to moisture and wear, suitable for intensive use.
The motorized version (Haber 660 M) offers a similar layout, with an even more spacious wheelhouse and a secure cockpit, ideal for fishing or family outings.
Sailing Qualities
The Haber 660 is renowned for its sailing qualities: stability, good sea handling, and maneuverability. Its full-keel hull and internal ballast give it a stable trim, even in rough seas. The gaff sloop (or cutter) rig allows for adaptable sail area, easy to handle even with a small crew.
Underway, the boat proves to be safe, with a respectable cruising speed for its size. The enclosed wheelhouse effectively protects the crew from the elements, making it a top choice for coastal or inland cruising, even outside the summer season. The ability to lower the mast facilitates transport and access to areas with height restrictions.
In its motorized version, the Haber 660 M offers excellent maneuverability and sufficient range for day trips or extended weekends.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is generally positive. Many appreciate the boat’s versatility, capable of seamlessly switching between sail and power, and its relative comfort for a boat under 7 meters. The enclosed wheelhouse is often cited as a major asset, especially in cool or rainy climates.
Some, however, note that the interior layout, while functional, can feel a bit tight for four people over long periods. The headroom and visibility, on the other hand, are universally praised. Owners also appreciate the robustness of the construction and ease of maintenance, as well as the possibility to customize the layout according to their needs (fishing, cruising, liveaboard).
On nautical forums, the Haber 660 is often compared to models like the Dufour Duo or the Nauticat, with the advantage of a more affordable price and more recent construction.
Haber 660 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 6.60 m (7.70 m with bowsprit) |
| Waterline length | 5.70 m |
| Beam | 2.50 m |
| Draft | 0.40 m (min) / 1.45 m (max) |
| Displacement | 1,350 kg (Cat. C) / 1,700 kg (Cat. B) |
| Ballast | 350 kg (Cat. C) / 700 kg (Cat. B) |
| Sail area | 21.40 m² (mainsail + genoa) |
| Rig | Gaff sloop or cutter |
| Mast height | 9.30 m |
| Standard engine | Outboard 4-15 hp |
| Optional engine | Diesel 5-25 hp |
| Number of berths | 4 |
| Headroom | 1.85 m |
| Construction | Polyester |
| CE certification | Category B (offshore) and C (coastal) |
| Architects | Henryk Brylski, Janusz Konkol |
| Shipyard | Haber Yachts (Poland) |
| Launch year | 1998 |
| Price (used, depending on year) | €20,000 to €50,000 |
Conclusion
The Haber 660 is a fishing-cruiser sailboat that wins over with its versatility, comfort, and robustness. Ideal for boaters seeking a compact, livable boat suitable for both sailing and power, it represents a serious alternative to French or Scandinavian models of the same size. Its value for money, CE certification, and well-designed layout make it a wise choice for coastal cruising, fishing, or river getaways.