45 Hunter 1997 Passage CC

[Randelcole]

I am close to buying a 45' Hunter passage CC but before I do, I would appreciate hearing any thoughts as to the following:
1. Is there a handling or stability difference between a CC and aft cockpit?
2. the 1999 model has a SS arch vs. a fiberglass arch on the 1997. Is this something that should make a difference in my purchasing decision?
3. The boat has 2 berths, as opposed to one, in aft. Has anyone experience in combining the two back into one stateroom or thoughts on dificulty and expense?
4. When looking at 1995-1999 Hunter passage 45' boats on the market, is one year preferable to another based on design or manufacture or safety or handling?
4. I plan to use this boat mostly in the Caribbean for blue water sailing. Any other thoughts on this make/model is appreciated.

 

[KD3PC]

I have the smaller, earlier passage and love it...
1. the only thing I have noticed with the CC, coming from an aft cockpit, is that you will need a shade of practice when docking...you have another 12-15 feet behind you to watch...
2. I have the stainless arch and would not want the fiberglass, both for aesthetics and structure. Mine holds speakers, boat hooks, and misc and does not flex

Hope you enjoy
dave

 

[Randelcole]

I have the smaller, earlier passage and love it...
1. the only thing I have noticed with the CC, coming from an aft cockpit, is that you will need a shade of practice when docking...you have another 12-15 feet behind you to watch...
2. I have the stainless arch and would not want the fiberglass, both for aesthetics and structure. Mine holds speakers, boat hooks, and misc and does not flex

Hope you enjoy
dave

Thanks Joe. By chance, do you know when Hunter changed over from fiberglass to S/S for the arch? Also, the boat I am looking at has a 76hp Yamar with 5200 hours on it. I will have the boat surveyed but assuming the engine has been maintained, do you think the hours on it are of concern?

 

[Steve W]

_____NEVER____ assume the engine has been maintained!!!! I bought a '97 Hunter 376 last year in what I thought was immaculate shape. I met the previous owner (a 1-owner boat) and my impression was that from when he got delivery from the factory to when we closed on the deal, he had been on top on all maintenance items. Wrong! It turned out that 2 of the 4 engine mounts were bottomed out, the shaft alignment was off, and the sheaves for the steering cable were frozen and shredding the cable.

Make sure you have a qualified mechanic - in addition to the "normal" surveyor do a thorough engine and drive systems survey. There's a lot more to look for beyond normal lube, oil, and filter changes!

5700 hrs is probably not even at the halfway point in the useful life of the engine if it's been maintained. But check it out completely before committing to the purchase price.

 

[Alex Dare]

Almost all the 45's with two aft cabins were made for the charter fleets so 5700 hrs is probably normal for that type of use. Charter use can be pretty hard on engines. They get run at full throttle much of the time as charterers tend to be on a tight schedule trying to see as much as they can in the least amount of time. As stated above, definitely get a separate engine survey by a qualified diesel mechanic.

 

[Alex Dare]

Regarding a few of the other questions, 1997 was the first year for the 450 and 2000 was the first year for the Stainless arch. The later arch may be more attractive but both seem to work fine. The fiberglass arch boats tend to sell for less compared to the stainless ones. Mostly comes down to personal taste.