After what seems an eternity of combing the classifieds, boat traders, etc. I about to close on a new 290. Really did not start out looking for a new boat but all things considered it may be the best "deal" for me at least right now. The one I'm looking at has the In-Mast furling, traveller on the Arch, Bimini and a number of other options. What I was wondering is: anything in the way of options I should be pressing for now, such as things that need to be installed before she hits the water as opposed to stuff I can wait awhile on. This deal is way more $$$'s than I started out looking for, so I don't want to spend anything extra right now unless it will really save in the long run. Ya'll know what I'm talking about, right. Looking forward to comments . . . . .
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
B
Been there
Tell us, what does a new 290 cost??
Buyers and sailors benefit from exchanging sales price information from the dealer. (Dealers may not like it, but you're a sailor, not a dealer.)
Buyers and sailors benefit from exchanging sales price information from the dealer. (Dealers may not like it, but you're a sailor, not a dealer.)
A
Andy Falls
Furl what
With money being tight, are you sure that you want in mast furling? I have now way of knowing, but I might go for some other options in lieu of that pricey option. My opinion is based on forum comments regarding performance and cost to maintain and is certainly open for discussion. And of course that also depends on you planned usage of the vessel!
With money being tight, are you sure that you want in mast furling? I have now way of knowing, but I might go for some other options in lieu of that pricey option. My opinion is based on forum comments regarding performance and cost to maintain and is certainly open for discussion. And of course that also depends on you planned usage of the vessel!
C
carol donovan
which options?
If any of your options need to be wired through the boat, or additional plumbing added, or any other cabling work that runs under cabinetry or the floorboards, order it with the boat. Those options become much more expensive to the buyer after market when the labor charge escalates due to the boat being completely integrated. Good luck with your new H290! /c s/v Twilight
If any of your options need to be wired through the boat, or additional plumbing added, or any other cabling work that runs under cabinetry or the floorboards, order it with the boat. Those options become much more expensive to the buyer after market when the labor charge escalates due to the boat being completely integrated. Good luck with your new H290! /c s/v Twilight
P
Paul Akers
Wiring?
As Carol says, get the wiring done early on. If the mast is not yet stepped and you don't plan on unstepping in the near future, ensure that the dealer at least runs "messengers" to be used for future wiring such as radar, wind instruments, etc.
As Carol says, get the wiring done early on. If the mast is not yet stepped and you don't plan on unstepping in the near future, ensure that the dealer at least runs "messengers" to be used for future wiring such as radar, wind instruments, etc.
B
Bruce Grant
Thoughts
It sounds like you are buying a boat off of the dealers lot, if so, the boat may have more options than you want. If thats the case, the only benefit of buying it off of his lot is immediate delivery. So unless you are getting a great deal for buying off of the lot I would have the dealer order the boat you want with the options you want. (you will have to wait a couple of months for delivery) I would recommend a PYI dripless packing unit. Other than that, its what best fits your sailing area and comfort needs. Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
It sounds like you are buying a boat off of the dealers lot, if so, the boat may have more options than you want. If thats the case, the only benefit of buying it off of his lot is immediate delivery. So unless you are getting a great deal for buying off of the lot I would have the dealer order the boat you want with the options you want. (you will have to wait a couple of months for delivery) I would recommend a PYI dripless packing unit. Other than that, its what best fits your sailing area and comfort needs. Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
S
Stephen Ostrander
more thoughts
If this boat is more $$$ than you want to spend, why are you buying it? Is the dealer making you an offer you can't refuse? Personally, I can't even imagine buying a new boat unless I happened to win the lottery. I would keep looking for a used boat that had more options in the way of electronics, canvas, etc. rather than in mast furling. If it ain't an option you want or need, it aint really a bargain. Not trying to talk you out of anything, just telling you what I would do. If you end up buying her, then good luck, fair winds, and enjoy the hell out of her!
If this boat is more $$$ than you want to spend, why are you buying it? Is the dealer making you an offer you can't refuse? Personally, I can't even imagine buying a new boat unless I happened to win the lottery. I would keep looking for a used boat that had more options in the way of electronics, canvas, etc. rather than in mast furling. If it ain't an option you want or need, it aint really a bargain. Not trying to talk you out of anything, just telling you what I would do. If you end up buying her, then good luck, fair winds, and enjoy the hell out of her!
S
Steve W
making the deal
I won't question your motives for buying new vs used...but patience pays off. It took me two years to find the boat I wanted, resulting in a huge savings over comparable boats. Assuming the dealer you are working with has the boat on the lot, he probably needs to move it to free up some capital or his credit line. Just keep telling yourself there are many more boats than buyers. At the very least, I would make them throw in a bottom job with barrier coat, knotmeter, depthfinder, VHF, Stereo system and dual batteries, lines, fenders, anchors with rodes,etc, etc. They can buy this stuff at cost and their labor cost to install is nothing compared to what they will charge you later for the work. I think I read somewhere that dealer cost is about 75% of suggested retail on mass produced sailboats. That is also about the amount it will depreciate in the first year. In a few months, some of the early 29's may start appearing on the market, bought by people who have to get out of them because financial circumstances or job changes. Patience may save you $10-20k. Regardless, the 29 is a nice looking boat. Good Luck with your search
I won't question your motives for buying new vs used...but patience pays off. It took me two years to find the boat I wanted, resulting in a huge savings over comparable boats. Assuming the dealer you are working with has the boat on the lot, he probably needs to move it to free up some capital or his credit line. Just keep telling yourself there are many more boats than buyers. At the very least, I would make them throw in a bottom job with barrier coat, knotmeter, depthfinder, VHF, Stereo system and dual batteries, lines, fenders, anchors with rodes,etc, etc. They can buy this stuff at cost and their labor cost to install is nothing compared to what they will charge you later for the work. I think I read somewhere that dealer cost is about 75% of suggested retail on mass produced sailboats. That is also about the amount it will depreciate in the first year. In a few months, some of the early 29's may start appearing on the market, bought by people who have to get out of them because financial circumstances or job changes. Patience may save you $10-20k. Regardless, the 29 is a nice looking boat. Good Luck with your search
S
Scott
In-Mast Furling
Just attended a seminar last weekend on sail trim and gear. Be very careful with in mast furling. If the boom is any more or less than a 90 degree angle to the mast, the sail will start to furl unevenly and this can turn into quite a mess. Most insist on a solid boom vang to maintain the correct orientation.
Just attended a seminar last weekend on sail trim and gear. Be very careful with in mast furling. If the boom is any more or less than a 90 degree angle to the mast, the sail will start to furl unevenly and this can turn into quite a mess. Most insist on a solid boom vang to maintain the correct orientation.
S
Steve B
Thanks everyone
Well, first off thanks for everyone's insite and comments. Things are about to fall apart on my deal for various other reasons so I may be back to patiently looking again. Some feedback from me to you. I was looking at around $65,000-67,000. This included the In-Mast, Bimini, Traveller, Charger, 2 batteries, instruments (Depth and Speed I think it was), curtains, bottom paint, commissioning with all the little odds and ends AND a years slip fees (worth $1500 to me but the dealer may pay less). This was about $1700 less than the individual items came to plus the slip so, I thought it was a fairly good deal. And yes, that was on his boat show boat only, for immediate delivery. I bought my last boat from this dealer and he is wheeler dealer but a really good guy. He works hard to make sure you're getting what you want and need. And he's always been less expensive than other dealers I've contacted, boat for boat. The MSRP was $57,995, plus freight and commissioning which I imagine vary from place to place. He felt that as the 290 is new and selling well that other dealers are sticking pretty close to that also. I too had thought the dealer mark up was 20-25%, but if the 290 is a winner they need to take advantage while they can I suppose. I've seen other dealers asking over $70K, but asking and getting are two different things, right. (Gees, these are expensive toys!! HOW do all you guys do it?) Reservations I had....yes I've sailed a 310 with the In-Mastfurling and thought it was the neatest thing since sliced bread. But @ $2,000. I could easily pass it up. Since I sail alone (but with small children along for the ride) most of the time if it didn't cause more problems than it solves it's a hard call. I expect a small performance loss but I'm not interested in racing right now. If I ordered a boat I'd likely skip it in favor of A/C or something like that. I sail on inland lakes so a 29' is a nice size. I love the arch, the cockpit is a nice size. Basically I like everything about the 290. More classic lines (no windshield), well laid out roomy interior and lots of wood trim but still definitely a Hunter. For this price range I also consider a 2 year old 310 a viable option, as they are also very nicely laid out and that 3' really makes a difference. And the biggest reservation was, as was mentioned, the big hit you take the first year or two on a new boat/car/whatever. I would love to find one of those less than a year old distress sale deals but so far it's not happened for me (although it happened to me several years ago!!). So, it's sitting at the Raleigh Boat Show this weekend if anyone wants a great deal. Thanks again for the comments and hopefully I'll be a Hunter Owner again some day. So right now I'm a few thousand short, I'll keep waiting for the right opportunity.
Well, first off thanks for everyone's insite and comments. Things are about to fall apart on my deal for various other reasons so I may be back to patiently looking again. Some feedback from me to you. I was looking at around $65,000-67,000. This included the In-Mast, Bimini, Traveller, Charger, 2 batteries, instruments (Depth and Speed I think it was), curtains, bottom paint, commissioning with all the little odds and ends AND a years slip fees (worth $1500 to me but the dealer may pay less). This was about $1700 less than the individual items came to plus the slip so, I thought it was a fairly good deal. And yes, that was on his boat show boat only, for immediate delivery. I bought my last boat from this dealer and he is wheeler dealer but a really good guy. He works hard to make sure you're getting what you want and need. And he's always been less expensive than other dealers I've contacted, boat for boat. The MSRP was $57,995, plus freight and commissioning which I imagine vary from place to place. He felt that as the 290 is new and selling well that other dealers are sticking pretty close to that also. I too had thought the dealer mark up was 20-25%, but if the 290 is a winner they need to take advantage while they can I suppose. I've seen other dealers asking over $70K, but asking and getting are two different things, right. (Gees, these are expensive toys!! HOW do all you guys do it?) Reservations I had....yes I've sailed a 310 with the In-Mastfurling and thought it was the neatest thing since sliced bread. But @ $2,000. I could easily pass it up. Since I sail alone (but with small children along for the ride) most of the time if it didn't cause more problems than it solves it's a hard call. I expect a small performance loss but I'm not interested in racing right now. If I ordered a boat I'd likely skip it in favor of A/C or something like that. I sail on inland lakes so a 29' is a nice size. I love the arch, the cockpit is a nice size. Basically I like everything about the 290. More classic lines (no windshield), well laid out roomy interior and lots of wood trim but still definitely a Hunter. For this price range I also consider a 2 year old 310 a viable option, as they are also very nicely laid out and that 3' really makes a difference. And the biggest reservation was, as was mentioned, the big hit you take the first year or two on a new boat/car/whatever. I would love to find one of those less than a year old distress sale deals but so far it's not happened for me (although it happened to me several years ago!!). So, it's sitting at the Raleigh Boat Show this weekend if anyone wants a great deal. Thanks again for the comments and hopefully I'll be a Hunter Owner again some day. So right now I'm a few thousand short, I'll keep waiting for the right opportunity.
G
G. Baggett
290 Is A Nice Boat
I have a new 290 and love it! Here are some of my thoughts. The furling mast is not necessary on this boat. Raising/lowering sails is very easy. I single hand most of the time and have no problem. Going to the mast to reef can be a pain but other than that, thing are simple. Hunter offers their "Cruise Package" that has everything you need. My boat came equipped with VHF, Depth, Knott, Dishes........ . Get the dealed to include this option (at no cost to you if possible). The only extras I ordered were the traveller, propane vs alcohol stove, extra set of cabin top winches. Regarding why to buy a new boat? The same reason you buy a new car, new house, etc.... There is something about buying a new anything! I'll guarantee, the new 290 will be a head turner. Some things to watch out for: Fit of interior cabin doors Operation of "stock" automatic bilge pump switch Make sure the anchol locker hatch is adequate to handle a reasonable size anchor. There is a retrofit out to correct an early problem. Corrosion on sink and leaking faucet. Security of overhead panels......When I think Of more I'll add them. Little problems, but check them out.
I have a new 290 and love it! Here are some of my thoughts. The furling mast is not necessary on this boat. Raising/lowering sails is very easy. I single hand most of the time and have no problem. Going to the mast to reef can be a pain but other than that, thing are simple. Hunter offers their "Cruise Package" that has everything you need. My boat came equipped with VHF, Depth, Knott, Dishes........ . Get the dealed to include this option (at no cost to you if possible). The only extras I ordered were the traveller, propane vs alcohol stove, extra set of cabin top winches. Regarding why to buy a new boat? The same reason you buy a new car, new house, etc.... There is something about buying a new anything! I'll guarantee, the new 290 will be a head turner. Some things to watch out for: Fit of interior cabin doors Operation of "stock" automatic bilge pump switch Make sure the anchol locker hatch is adequate to handle a reasonable size anchor. There is a retrofit out to correct an early problem. Corrosion on sink and leaking faucet. Security of overhead panels......When I think Of more I'll add them. Little problems, but check them out.
S
Steve Cook
Don't give up!!!! Shop the banks
If you really like the boat and it just seems right in everyway, Shop around for a bank or better yet, a credit union. Some banks and/or credit unions are willing to go 20 or even 30 years on a note for a boat. If you have a steady job and "very" good credit you should have good luck and a new boat. Really wanna know just ask me, my new 310 is like a second home to me and that's what I told my credit union. I got a 30 year with a 5 year balloon. Payments are the same as my old H27 were. My 310 was at the Chicago Strickly Sail show last year and she was listed at a unbeliveably low price that I could not pass up. The bank saw a good deal and a sound investment and ok everything. So, shop the banks, ask for a 20-30 year note, the worst that can happen is they say no, then you go to the next bank and the next after that until you find one that says yes. Don't give up. Steve, H310 s/v The Odyssey...
If you really like the boat and it just seems right in everyway, Shop around for a bank or better yet, a credit union. Some banks and/or credit unions are willing to go 20 or even 30 years on a note for a boat. If you have a steady job and "very" good credit you should have good luck and a new boat. Really wanna know just ask me, my new 310 is like a second home to me and that's what I told my credit union. I got a 30 year with a 5 year balloon. Payments are the same as my old H27 were. My 310 was at the Chicago Strickly Sail show last year and she was listed at a unbeliveably low price that I could not pass up. The bank saw a good deal and a sound investment and ok everything. So, shop the banks, ask for a 20-30 year note, the worst that can happen is they say no, then you go to the next bank and the next after that until you find one that says yes. Don't give up. Steve, H310 s/v The Odyssey...
B
Bob Knott
How bout a..... 280
Have you considered the 290's precursor the 280. While changes were made of course when updating a model the 280 was a great boat for us. We grew out of it, as you are doing to your current boat I'm sure, but the dealers love that don't they. Anyway I traded a 96 280 to my dealer on Cape Cod 1 year ago and he's selling sooo many new boats the 280 never sold. I sailed it for two years and it sat in his lot last year. Absolutely nothing is wrong with the boat, I traded it for a 380. Just food for thought... You can find my reviews of the 280 here on this site and I'm sure find the listing on the dealerships page at http://www.capeyachtsales.com Best of luck with your search. Bob Knott
Have you considered the 290's precursor the 280. While changes were made of course when updating a model the 280 was a great boat for us. We grew out of it, as you are doing to your current boat I'm sure, but the dealers love that don't they. Anyway I traded a 96 280 to my dealer on Cape Cod 1 year ago and he's selling sooo many new boats the 280 never sold. I sailed it for two years and it sat in his lot last year. Absolutely nothing is wrong with the boat, I traded it for a 380. Just food for thought... You can find my reviews of the 280 here on this site and I'm sure find the listing on the dealerships page at http://www.capeyachtsales.com Best of luck with your search. Bob Knott
- Status
- Not open for further replies.