I am buying a used 42-46 sailbaot for Gulf Coast family curising. I am looking for a boat the will comfortably accomadate 2 adults, 3 small children. I would like something less than 8 years old and want to pay about 150-180k. More Important comfort @ sea & anchor reliability ease of handling Less importnat speed cosmetics I am looking in the TX/LA/MS/Al area 1st. 2 Hunters I have found in Houston are a 42 Passage & 430. What are the differences in * comfort at sea * speed * reliability * general quality/durability level & reputation Any opinions very much appreciated!
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Basically The Same Boat
..as to the hull. Essentially the difference is that of an aft vs. center cockpit. Check out the tabs on the home page and go to 'The Boats'. It will give good info and you can read owners' reviews and stats. Rick D.
..as to the hull. Essentially the difference is that of an aft vs. center cockpit. Check out the tabs on the home page and go to 'The Boats'. It will give good info and you can read owners' reviews and stats. Rick D.
Guy, as Rick said they use the same hull...
mold for each. Displacement is about the same. I like the center cockpit design of the P42. The aft cabin was the clincher for the admiral. The 430 has a bit more water capacity and the P42 has more fuel capacity. We've had ours for three years and no regrets. The P42 is easy to sail solo, stiff and fast. IMHO the P42 is one of Hunter's best designs. It makes a great family cruiser. Terry
mold for each. Displacement is about the same. I like the center cockpit design of the P42. The aft cabin was the clincher for the admiral. The 430 has a bit more water capacity and the P42 has more fuel capacity. We've had ours for three years and no regrets. The P42 is easy to sail solo, stiff and fast. IMHO the P42 is one of Hunter's best designs. It makes a great family cruiser. Terry
Sailed both
I lived aboard a 42 and sailed extensively on a 430. Although the hulls are the same they're quite different. For living accomodations -- if you want your two adults in luxury -- go for the 42. Few boats can touch it. Excellent galley, too. Lots of useable deck area for the kids to run. Probably more family friendly in some ways. The 430 is faster and perhaps a bit easier to sail due to the real B and R rig and the smaller headsail. Huge cockpit. I don't like it as much below but it will sleep alot more folks than the 42. They're both good boats and if you climb aboard them one will emerge as a favorite because the differences are significant.
I lived aboard a 42 and sailed extensively on a 430. Although the hulls are the same they're quite different. For living accomodations -- if you want your two adults in luxury -- go for the 42. Few boats can touch it. Excellent galley, too. Lots of useable deck area for the kids to run. Probably more family friendly in some ways. The 430 is faster and perhaps a bit easier to sail due to the real B and R rig and the smaller headsail. Huge cockpit. I don't like it as much below but it will sleep alot more folks than the 42. They're both good boats and if you climb aboard them one will emerge as a favorite because the differences are significant.
From 430 Owner
Guy, The 430 is a great boat. So is the P 42. Check out the access to systems that must be maintained on each. If you would like to discuss the features of the 430 with an actual owner of one let me know how to contact you and I can call you. The 430 is main driven primarily with a small easy to handle jib. Excellent boat speed and very stable in a seaway. You say boat speed doesn't mean anything to you but I can assure you that, at some point, it can be meaningful to you. Easy to sail boat. With the autopilot it tacks itself while you go to the winches to tack and trim the jib. Very handy for solo sailing or with people who don't want to get hands on experience. Very large cockpit.
Guy, The 430 is a great boat. So is the P 42. Check out the access to systems that must be maintained on each. If you would like to discuss the features of the 430 with an actual owner of one let me know how to contact you and I can call you. The 430 is main driven primarily with a small easy to handle jib. Excellent boat speed and very stable in a seaway. You say boat speed doesn't mean anything to you but I can assure you that, at some point, it can be meaningful to you. Easy to sail boat. With the autopilot it tacks itself while you go to the winches to tack and trim the jib. Very handy for solo sailing or with people who don't want to get hands on experience. Very large cockpit.
thanks...few more questions...
Great feedback, thanks.... What are considered the 'bluewater' capabilities of these boats? I'm not talking about crossing the Pacific, but possibly the Gulf of Mexico (LA - Cancun or something). Nobody said anything about durability or quality...is one considred a chevy vs cadillac? or do they both use same quality fittings, accessories etc? thanks!
Great feedback, thanks.... What are considered the 'bluewater' capabilities of these boats? I'm not talking about crossing the Pacific, but possibly the Gulf of Mexico (LA - Cancun or something). Nobody said anything about durability or quality...is one considred a chevy vs cadillac? or do they both use same quality fittings, accessories etc? thanks!
Guy, I can only speak about the P42...
Built like a tank. Good quality marine systems, winches and fittings throughout. I know of two skippers who have taken their P42 through extended passage making and rate its abilities very high. Terry
Built like a tank. Good quality marine systems, winches and fittings throughout. I know of two skippers who have taken their P42 through extended passage making and rate its abilities very high. Terry
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