2000 Hunter 170

[Lonnie100]

I am about to purchase a 2000 Hunter 170 from the Cinncinnati area. This is a two owner boat and the guy says there are hareline cracks around the mast step, but not to be worried because these are no big deal and should not be confused with the hull big crack problems of the infamous 1998 Hunter 170. I really like the boat, but some of the stuff I have read in these forums and others are getting me scared. It seems that maybe this is a larger problem and not just contained to the 1998 model. Any suggestions or feedback regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

 

[MrUnix]

From what I have read, the problem is with the ACP hull and temperature extremes. I believe that the 2000 model did in fact use an ACP hull, but I'm sure some 170 owners will chime in and confirm/deny it. Not to get any 170 owners upset, but I would personally stay away from an ACP hull if I were living up north where it gets kind of chilly in the winter :stirthepot:

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If cracking is occuring around the base of the mast area, then you have some work in repairs and to whoever said it was not anything to worry about, bunk.

If you buy it, you will have to cut the deck along with the wood base out and then replace the wood and then relay the deck. If you do not know how to repair this, then you may want to reconsider getting that boat unless someone in the area knows how to do so. This is of course assuming the cracks are bad around the mast base. I repaired some in my day as a dealer.

If you want to send a photo of it, then please do so and I can make suggestions.

crazy dave condon

davecondon@mindspring.com

 

[Fly_H23]

I owned a 99 model Hunter 170, it had a few cracks. The problem is, unlike a hairline gel coat crack, ACP Hulls crack thru to the core. Repairing is similar to fiberglass just different expoxies are used.

I would buy another but only because it sailed so well. Few other daysailers are as roomy and easy to sail.

Negotiate a good price and if you are handy do the repairs yourself. If you decide to pass on it, please send me contact info on the seller as I'm only a few hours from Cincinnati!

 

[Lonnie100]

I appreciate the advice. I've not seen the boat as it is in Cincinnati area and I live in Raleigh, NC. Here is what the guy says in his ad for the boat:

"2000 Hunter 170. Fresh water boat. I am the second owner and bought it from a guy in upstate NY who bought it for his grandchildren. Always covered and in very good condition. Everything you need to be in the water and sailing included. You barely notice it’s there when trailering and with a bit of practice can have it off the trailer and under sail in about 30 minutes. This is an unbelievable boat. Great for beginners but with an experienced hand you can make this thing really perform. Sails (original) in very good condition. Roller furling jib. Nissan 2.5hp motor runs like a top. Main sail cover. Entire sole covered in Awlgrip. Comes with seat cushions. Please Note: This boat has hairline cosmetic cracks near the mast step as is unfortunately typical for Hunters of this era. Please do your research on these ACP cracks before getting worked up. These ARE NOT hull cracks that have been a problem with infamous 1998 year. Only other “ding” is about a 3 inch scuff on the front of the centerboard where it dragged the sandy bottom in Sarasota last year (only salt water this boat has ever seen). I am not new to sailing or selling boats and have every intention of keeping my sailing karma clean. I will never be anything less than honest about the boat and will answer all questions truthfully. I will take additional pictures upon request but the boat is wrapped up tight from last winter."

So, the guy seems to be sincere, but I have read enough horror stories on the ACP cracks that I am leaning towards backing out of the deal. I am going to post a couple of pics of an American Sail 18 that is for sale in Myrtle Beach that I am interested in. If anyone has any comments/suggestions about it they would be appreciated. American Sail is a small company out of Charleston SC and the seem to have a pretty good reputation around here. I am thinking it won't have the performance of the Hunter 170, but I'm in my 50's and don't want to be turtleing boats.

Dave

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Dave;

You are correct on performance but again if you know any boat very well, it can be competitive as with the American 18. You will find that they build solid well built boats and stand behind their product. Dave Stanton who sells the boats while his son builds them is highly recognized and they are some of the few I trust even with my life. Go for it. Alot will depend on how the current owner of that American 18 took care of it.

Precsion is antoher good company as well.

Lonnie, I am in Zebulon


crazy Dave

 

[Lonnie100]

Crazy Dave,

Thanks for the information. I am actually in Knightdale just up the road from you... I think I will take a shot on the American 18, the guy has added roller furling equipment and several other add ons. I did notice that he painted the bottom of the boat and I did not think that was necessary with fiberglass. Is that a saltwater thing?

I used to crew for sailboats on the Ohio river many years ago but this will be my first sailboat so I am pretty excited.

FLY_H23, if you are interested in that Hunter 170 it is in northern Ky and you can find the listing on sailboatlistings.com. Just do a search on Hunter 170's. Good Luck!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Lonnie;

If the boat was moored in the water, bottom paint was necessary but if trailered only, I am surprised. Anyway, you do not need to apply paint if trailering the boat. I am in the phone book

crazy dave condon