356 Options

[Rick D]

Barrier Coats: Not A Certainty

Many years ago, I called Hunter to ask about a barrier coat. I was advised against it until the boat was over five years old. Understand that the reason I called was because I barrier coated another boat and thought it would be a good idea to do that one too. The yard also agreed with Hunter. Considering Hunter warrants the hull, I would tend to stick with whatever they recommend. (And, try to understand why.)Rick D.(PS: It's been at least a dozen years since I did the other boat. No blisters.)

 

[John Nantz]

To Barrier Coat is a Business Decision

While one CAN wait to put a barrier coat on, the problem becomes one of how much water has already penetrated the gel coat and fiberglass underneath. The only way to get an idea of how dry the hull is to measure it with a meter.If there is a certain amount of moisture in the hull then it needs to be $$dried$$ out before the barrier coat can be applied - otherwise the water is just going to be trapped inside the hull. During this process/time the boat is un-usable to be used which is probably during prime sailing season.Besides measuring the moisture content and possible drying, the years of bottom paint will also have to be stripped. Ugh. Personally, based on what I've heard about newer boats winding up with blisters, including some Hunters, I'd rather put it on when the bottom is nice and white and clean. Remove the wax and go with it. It's much cheaper to do it at this point and the probability is you'll never have a problem. My boat bottom is 15 years old now and I've never had a problem. Maybe things would have been okay without the barrier coat - who knows. A recent BoatUS article reported that the surveyor [see Hunter 35/35.5 Review] said that "all" of the late 80s and early 90s Hunters that he had surveyed had blister problems - that's a *fairly high* percentage. I disagreed with his implication that could be extended to all Hunters and told BoatUS so, but in any event, it appears that there are quite a few problems. And as I recall Hunter was advertising they had a blister warranty back then, too. Also, weren't there some fairly new boats here recently with problems?Agreed, it's no ABSOLUTE guarantee of protection but it greatly improves the odds. It's a business decision - compare cost to do it now (good DYI job) vs possible cost to wait (ugly yard job). Yes, guess I disagree with Hunter. Maybe they should be happy that someone puts a barrier coat on that way they might never have to worry about exercising their warranty.

 

[John Richard]

You learn what you want the hard way...

I'll weigh in on this one. We bought our boat (2001 410) new and tried to think of the essentials. But, our frame of reference at the time was not influenced by prior experience. Better to get the stuff and put it in the loan rather than out of the piggy bank. Here's what we have done (so far):1. Full carpeting with rubberized backing for our dog (who hates the boat). It looks super and protects the sole. Cost was about $900.2. Cockpit enclosure. Helps to keep out driving rain, and like Rick said, adds a lot to the overall comfort of the boat. People will gravitate to Jack's Place because of it. Cost for the side panels with covers was $1600!3. Link 2000, to go along with Trojan golf cart battery upgrades. Go rid of the 4D's after a harrowing equalization experience.4. Balmar MC612 regulator to accompany our 100 alternator.5. Custom designed stainless/starboard outboard motor mount for the transome pulpit. Cost about $650.What I wish I would have gotten when we bought the boat:1. Feathering stainless steel prop with dripless shaft.2. Some type of alternate battery charging source such as wind generator or solar panels.3. Way to deploy the second stern anchor such as a roller.4. Heater. Yes, as Rick said, it does get cold down here in Southern California.5. A/C plugs. One or two extra strategically placed in the salon would have been nice.The attached photo doesn't show the cockpit side panels. But, they're like Rick Dinons in that they extend back to the arch. We also have another bimini top that goes back past the cockpit.Regards,John Richards/v Jack's Place

 

[Andy Howard]

GPSMAP

I agree with Chuck, electronics now, add the other stuff as you get to know the boat. Being able to do 4-5 day cruises you'll be exploring new cruising grounds and that GPS chartplotter will help to give you a higher level of confidence and security, at least it does for us.An autopilot, well, I don't know how I ever got along without it.Also, as the yard does the work, try to be around as much as possible. Watch what they do, pester them with questions, and learn all you can. Because in 3 or 4 years your going to be working on this stuff by yourself in St. Somewhere.Ain't life Great!

 

[Chris Behre]

More fun!

I have to agree with Rick regarding the enclosure. We added a full enclosure to JORUM III along with duplicate screen panels, so we can enjoy the colder, wetter days as well as the mosquito filled summer nights. The screens are also great as the sun gets low in the evenings and the bimini no longer provides shade. We paid $180/panel, and the H40.5 requires seven panels. We have AC (with reverse heat) and a 4 KW gen set, both wonderful options, but lower on the list than electronics. But these are nice-to-have items. An autopilot is a must if you expect to cruise. Hard to imagine cruising without it. While I think a GPS is also a must, it is nice to have an integrated GPS to the autopilot. Oh, and I noticed no dodger on your list. That is more useful to us than the bimini, although it is hard to imagine doing without either, especially in the warmer Virginia climates. I also agree with the comments regarding the battery banks. After four boats, I still don't think I found the prefect solution, but I'm now using four Trojan golf cart batteries. Some folks I know use six on their H40.5. A Link 10 or 20 is quite helpful in determining the state of the batteries.  Good Luck!ChrisJORUM III H40.5

 

[Jackie & Peter]

Chuck Wayne

Chuck - Thanks for your responces here and the 356/Benateau comparison thread. We have moved the Doyle APC up to the "must have now" catagory. We may get inexpensive GPS for the first year as the Raymarine option can, as you know, get on up there toward $5,000. Our list, so far, is at the $13,000 mark with the Raymarine option and this would do serious damage to the "piggy bank". Also, interested in your In-Mast Furling comments mentioned in the other thread.Obviously, the upgraded sails will have to wait, but as near sailing novices, we would think that will work out fine!We signed an $80,000 note at an awesome 5.24% last week, so the fat is really in the fire and we are psyched!!Thanks to all of you who contributed your insights as to 356 options.Jackie & Peter