Keel Lead or iron?

TFlight

TFlight

.
Mar 31, 2011
62
Leopard 44 Pasadena, MD
I'm shopping around for a Hunter 41DS (possibly a 44DS) 2006 - 2009. I heard Hunter went from a lead keel to an iron keel. If so, in what year was it changed. Also what are some of the advantages and disadvantages and how much should this affect a buyers choice.

Thanks,
Tony
 
Jackdaw

Jackdaw

.
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Given an 'all else being equal' choice, everyone would probably take a lead keel, simply because it is less maintenance and takes a grounding nicer. But a boat designed with an iron keel will be fine, and I would not recommend making a boat choice on that. Pick the boat you want.
 
SEMPERAVANTI41

SEMPERAVANTI41

.
Jun 15, 2012
715
BAVARIA C57 Greenport, NY
I have a 2007 which I think is the last model year with a lead keel. Lead was discontinued to reduce cost. Also removed was a teak interior, replaced with vinyl. Before you purchase a boat with a vinyl interior, make sure to inspect a boat with the teak interior.
 
seadaddler

seadaddler

.
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Teak

I have a 2007 H-36 and was told that cherry was used to replace the teak
and I have been to a few Boat shows and don't remember vinyle replacing teak.
Nick
 
D

Darwin19229

.
Jan 22, 2008
31
Hunter 30_74-83 Cincinnati OH
TFlight said:
I'm shopping around for a Hunter 41DS (possibly a 44DS) 2006 - 2009. I heard Hunter went from a lead keel to an iron keel. If so, in what year was it changed. Also what are some of the advantages and disadvantages and how much should this affect a buyers choice.

Thanks,
Tony
Click to expand
I don't think it should be a primary buying decision. The lead keel requires less maintenance (won't rust or corrode) while the iron keel will require periodic grinding and painting to remove the rust.
 
chuckwayne

chuckwayne

.
Mar 20, 2004
1,746
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
Long term, the iron keel will require substantial maintenance and it's a real pain. In addition, the iron keel is really rigid and a grounding is far more likely to damage the hull. Finally, iron is less dense than lead so the keel is substantially larger = more drag. Hunter says it doesn't matter, but.....
I'm also looking at 41DSs in that time frame and the changeover was between 2007 and 2008. From what I've been able to determine, you need to inspect the boat you're looking at to be sure.
I wouldn't buy a boat with an iron keel- just my 2 cents
 
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