Hunter 170

[quiggers]

Hello,

I have been looking for quite some time for a daysailer to get my avid youngsters more time on the water. And myself to boot.

I live in CT. My kids have been sailing in Palm Beach on opti's, and 420s. And also up here through the last few summers since moving. Having been members of Palm Beach Sailing club and summer camps on a lake here and away camps at Mystic seaport.

My requirements are, enough room for 4, able to sail single on occasion, trailerable, easy handled and also potential to have some fun and speed on occasion.

Also, I am in the market for something used, that is popular enough to resell if we upsize to an overnight cabin.

So I apologize for the long winded explanation.

I have found what is described as an excellent condition hunter 170, 2008.

So I like the idea of trailerable with a quick setup.
Fast, but I have read it requires one to be on their toes.

My main question is the horror stories of the cracking I have read about....is this issue confined to certain years ?

And is there any reason you would steer me away from this choice ?

I would really like something like a beneteau first 18se, with a small cabin to get the kids out the rain/sun and even sleep overnight....but it's outside my budget...maybe next purchase...lol

I have read quite a bit on the forums..but feel my needs and experience may have someone offer a suggestion I hadn't thought about.

Thanks.

 

[dlochner]

Welcome to SBO.

If the kids have been sailing Opta's and 420s then they have been doing some racing. Getting a one design boat that has an active class association and a racing program might be more attractive. A Flying Scot fits that bill nicely. The Class is very family oriented and has a nice blend of competitive sailors, but not the type of folks you see in the highly competitive sport boat classes.

As a boat, the Scot is stable, roomy, and simple to sail. It can get up on a plane be exciting but manageable. There is also a good resale market and fleets all over.

Home | Flying Scot Sailing Association

www.fssa.com

 

[rgranger]

Trailerable with a small cuddy.... I would throw in

Montgomery Sailboats

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Marine_Products

Compac 16

• Com-Pac Yachts: Trailerable Cat Boats, Trailerable Cruisers, and Cruising Sailboats

Rhodes 22,

• Rhodes 22 Review

Any of the smaller O'days

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O'Day_Corp.

Catalina 22

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_22

... and here is a nice review of "The best small sailboats under 20'"

• Best Small Sailboats Under 20 feet | Sebastus

 

[Tater]

I have a 170. I think they all crack. I have read that later models can be repaired with bondo/fiberglass but don't quote me. I have an epoxy that is worth a try.

You can sail solo just expect more work. Stepping the mast is the biggest problem unless you have these.
Small 7 Hole Quick-Release Shroud Lever

The 170 is agile and has little ballast. I found this out the hard way as I was telling a friend that using the jam cleat was a bad idea.

 

[dlochner]

A recent issue of Practical Sailor has a section on plastic and how to repair it. West Systems G-Flex was suggested as on option for certain types of plastic. Ordinary epoxy is too stiff and will crack and peel off.

 

[Tater]

A recent issue of Practical Sailor has a section on plastic and how to repair it. West Systems G-Flex was suggested as on option for certain types of plastic. Ordinary epoxy is too stiff and will crack and peel off.

Thanks. This epoxy is in my home shower. I filled a crack 2 years ago and takes abuse well. If successful, I'll post the details.

 

[quiggers]

Great list of other options. I have always liked the look and reputation of the O'Day.

Of course I am limited on whats available.
I was going to join a local club here in CT last year, but was awaiting a spine fusion, but I am determined to not let this summer go by off the water.

I have read about the hunter boats reputation here on this forum. But I am not looking for a cruiser, just a trailer able fairly cheap way to get everyone day sailing locally, but the cracking gives me pause for thought on that boat. And as a layperson I quickly found that out, then potential sellability and the ability to upgrade could be affected.

I also was recommended the flying scot for all the reasons listed, and there's quite a few at my local club.

I didn't pursue club membership last year for the aforementioned back surgery. But perhaps a visit and a hope of getting out on a flying spot may help.

Thanks loads for the input.

 

[pgandw]

The ODay (Stuart) Mariner is a Rhodes 19ft with a small cabin. Since there were over 4000 made (and still being made), parts and used models are readily available, especially in the New England/New Jersey/New York area. Prices of decent condition are around the $3K range, less if you want to put more work into it, more if you want Stuart to rebuild one (or build new) for you. Fully retracting centerboard makes for easy launching and retrieval at the ramp. There is an active owners association (https://usmariner.org/) to help with support. 6ft+ cockpit is more generous than most 19ft boats (I can easily sleep in the cockpit), and decent beam and stability means you don't have to constantly be on the rail.

I was skeptical 2 years ago, but my Stuart Mariner is a near perfect choice for my local conditions. Great day sailing single-handed or with 3-4 others, decent camp cruising for 1-2. Beachable if desired. I trailered mine up to Connecticut for Mariner Class cruising on Long Island Sound.

There are other good boats, but the Mariner fit my specific constraints ($$, under 1500lbs to go on boat lift) better than any other.

Fred W
Stuart Mariner #4133 Sweet P
Yeopim Creek, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina

 

[quiggers]

Thats an awesome suggestion. It sounds like it would fit my bill perfectly. You've hit all the salient points for me.

 

[quiggers]

So, I went down the rabbit hole and really am quite taken with these O'Day boats, both the mariner and daysailer. I found one of each, in different places at different prices.

So in order of less price and distance, I am going to see the daysailer first.

I know it exists on here, probably a thousand fold.

But I keep getting an error when trying to search for common things to check when inspecting.

I hate to be that person who doesn't search, but honest guv, it isn't working when I try.

Can someone perhaps link me to a thread for common areas to inspect on this model.

Many thanks.

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's one:

ODay Mariner spreaders

It's been a long cold, wet spring. Today I finally had a chance to launch my "68 ODay Mariner 19. In my boat inspection, I found that both spreaders had cracks in them, right where the spreader is pinned to the spreader mounting bracket. These are aluminium tubes, round most of the length...

forums.sailboatowners.com

And two more:

Water in Bilge, even after being out of the water for a year

Hello, I keep having water in the bilge of a 1984 Oday Daysailer II we purchased a year ago. It had two small holes on the bottom hull close to the stern, one on each side about 3-4" from the center of the hull on both port and starboard sides, and same distance or a little more from the...

forums.sailboatowners.com

New boat to me

I just acquired an oday daysailer yestrerday. I believe it is a 1979 model and kind of beat up. It needs a mainsail. Does anyone have the specs for this sail or an old one? Also the centerboard is on some ratchet system that does not seem to work. Can anyone tell me about it and inspection...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[pgandw]

Here is your best source of info: Daysailer Class Association. The class association for the Mariner has valuable tips on what to look for. Also, the maintenance forums give an idea of what common problems are. Once I realized the Mariner was a top candidate, I spent the $15 for membership before I even owned the boat. Daysailer.org lists their membership at $35/year. Some of the content was available for free.

Fred W
Mariner 19 #4133 Sweet P
Yeopim Creek, Albemarle Sound, NC

 

[quiggers]

Thanks to all for the resources. I got a wealth from the daysailer forum. Although I didn't have much time to process it all. As I bought the closer daysailer today

In excellent shape from someone who sails a lot, and was very knowledgeable.

 

[dlochner]

Thanks to all for the resources. I got a wealth from the daysailer forum. Although I didn't have much time to process it all. As I bought the closer daysailer today

In excellent shape from someone who sails a lot, and was very knowledgeable.

Let the fun begin!

 

[PaulK]

Looks like she's in good shape, too. Daysailers are nice because they're big enough and heavy enough to be pretty stable, but small and light enough to move when there isn't much wind. The centerboard makes it easy to explore places that other boats don't dare try and to pull up on beaches for picnics and hiking. You are going to have a great time with this boat.

 

[quiggers]

Yes, I really am stoked to find such a perfect combination of sedate afternoons with the family and a little sportiness when myself and my pretty accomplished 12yr old is running the show lol.