Why so many Hunter owners keep their boats for a couple of years and sell them. It seems that one would loose money doing that. Is it that the boats are not "keepers" for those sailors, or is there another reason?
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I'll take a swing at that one
Hunters of the past 20-25 years have been on the leading edge of innovation. I believe the boats attract a buyer who is drawn to what is new: technology and innovation. Almost by definition, we're drawn toward the newest generation of the boats and their improvements. Part 2: I also believe that Hunters are attractive to new sailors because they're relatively inexpensive, easy to sail, and designed for fun. Some number of owners buy a Hunter as their first boat, but end up drifiting out of sailing into other hobbies. This also seems to be true for Catalina. Just one man's theories.
Hunters of the past 20-25 years have been on the leading edge of innovation. I believe the boats attract a buyer who is drawn to what is new: technology and innovation. Almost by definition, we're drawn toward the newest generation of the boats and their improvements. Part 2: I also believe that Hunters are attractive to new sailors because they're relatively inexpensive, easy to sail, and designed for fun. Some number of owners buy a Hunter as their first boat, but end up drifiting out of sailing into other hobbies. This also seems to be true for Catalina. Just one man's theories.
Move Ups
We have had several friends on their second, third or even fourth Hunters. Most of them got in the game a little later in life and had some discretionary income. Because a large west coast dealer offers excellent trade in deals, it's fairly easy to move up. It's also easy to get over your head. Some moved to power after they got older or had moved aboard full time. So, lots of reasons, but I'd bet the number that got out of boating completely soon after a purchase is not large. RD
We have had several friends on their second, third or even fourth Hunters. Most of them got in the game a little later in life and had some discretionary income. Because a large west coast dealer offers excellent trade in deals, it's fairly easy to move up. It's also easy to get over your head. Some moved to power after they got older or had moved aboard full time. So, lots of reasons, but I'd bet the number that got out of boating completely soon after a purchase is not large. RD
My observation in our area
is that for the larger boats Hunter attracts many new or relatively new 'sailors' who are enamored with the boats' dockside appeal as well as the other attributes that Phil mantions. While there's nothing wrong with any of those things many of these relatively inexperienced folks aren't really 'tuned' to the dynamics of what cruising really is about. I expect that when they find after a few months/years of actually doing it that it isn't that romanticized version depicted in the glossy ads and brochures. It's hard work, has stretches of disappointment, fear and frustration and that the real joys are far more subtle than a Disney in-your-face experience. I imagine a lot of folks allow themselves to be sucked in by broker and manufacturer hype which, perhaps indirectly, portray the cruising lifestyle as a lovely escape from that dreaded work-a-day life. Those of us who know better aren't shocked by those truly crappy stretches and know that it only highlights the really good times. It isn't a Hunter specific scenario but I sure see a lot of newbies who ooh and aah at the boatshows without really having a clue what they're getting into. We have many big Hunters less than 5 years old for sale in our area and I know that most aren't moving to another boat. And, you bet, it's an expensive lesson. Anyway, my take on things.
is that for the larger boats Hunter attracts many new or relatively new 'sailors' who are enamored with the boats' dockside appeal as well as the other attributes that Phil mantions. While there's nothing wrong with any of those things many of these relatively inexperienced folks aren't really 'tuned' to the dynamics of what cruising really is about. I expect that when they find after a few months/years of actually doing it that it isn't that romanticized version depicted in the glossy ads and brochures. It's hard work, has stretches of disappointment, fear and frustration and that the real joys are far more subtle than a Disney in-your-face experience. I imagine a lot of folks allow themselves to be sucked in by broker and manufacturer hype which, perhaps indirectly, portray the cruising lifestyle as a lovely escape from that dreaded work-a-day life. Those of us who know better aren't shocked by those truly crappy stretches and know that it only highlights the really good times. It isn't a Hunter specific scenario but I sure see a lot of newbies who ooh and aah at the boatshows without really having a clue what they're getting into. We have many big Hunters less than 5 years old for sale in our area and I know that most aren't moving to another boat. And, you bet, it's an expensive lesson. Anyway, my take on things.
And that's why it's so important (IMHO)
for a newbee to not buy a boat that's too big or too small. It needs to be juuuusssst right.
for a newbee to not buy a boat that's too big or too small. It needs to be juuuusssst right.
Beware generalities
I agree with all the responses but caution the questioner not to generalize about us Hunter owners, or any owner. I've had my 29.5 for six years and am perfectly happy.
I agree with all the responses but caution the questioner not to generalize about us Hunter owners, or any owner. I've had my 29.5 for six years and am perfectly happy.
Agree with Bill
as boating is a very individual recreational sport. So, I'd guess "other" factors are at play (vs any dissatifaction with Hunter) Production boats such as Hunter, and Catalina, attract many first-time buyers and, as is often the case, there's some trial and error inherent in first time buying anything. Add in "real" vs "generalized" cost of ownership (insurance, property taxes, maintenance, haul outs, etc), access (many folks live far from water, or from where their boat is kept which gets "old" after awhile; marina locations may require 30-60 minutes motoring time to get to the sailing area (particularly true in the Bay area)-- cuts down on the fun!; lack of crew/ease of boat handling = can be work when the wind pipes up; fear, as some folks scare themselves (or someone else). I guess the list goes on. From my 40-year boating perspective, power and sail, I either have a boat or am "between boats." Right now, my Hunter Vision 36 seems to "fit" my age, crew limitations (me and spouse), and planned use. But, things change and, most likely, so will my boat.
as boating is a very individual recreational sport. So, I'd guess "other" factors are at play (vs any dissatifaction with Hunter) Production boats such as Hunter, and Catalina, attract many first-time buyers and, as is often the case, there's some trial and error inherent in first time buying anything. Add in "real" vs "generalized" cost of ownership (insurance, property taxes, maintenance, haul outs, etc), access (many folks live far from water, or from where their boat is kept which gets "old" after awhile; marina locations may require 30-60 minutes motoring time to get to the sailing area (particularly true in the Bay area)-- cuts down on the fun!; lack of crew/ease of boat handling = can be work when the wind pipes up; fear, as some folks scare themselves (or someone else). I guess the list goes on. From my 40-year boating perspective, power and sail, I either have a boat or am "between boats." Right now, my Hunter Vision 36 seems to "fit" my age, crew limitations (me and spouse), and planned use. But, things change and, most likely, so will my boat.
EZ answer
When new Hunter owner learns more about boats and sailing the realize they may want to go out of sight of land some day AND THEY KNOW THEY HAVE THE WRONG BOAT TO DO THAT. Know anyone that owned HUNDAI OVER 5 YEARS?
When new Hunter owner learns more about boats and sailing the realize they may want to go out of sight of land some day AND THEY KNOW THEY HAVE THE WRONG BOAT TO DO THAT. Know anyone that owned HUNDAI OVER 5 YEARS?
THEY BUY BIGGER HUNTERS
I think most love their hunter and just want new and bigger,I also want to go bigger. nick
I think most love their hunter and just want new and bigger,I also want to go bigger. nick
owner changes.
Funny you should ask, I bought mine from the 1st owner, who had it 191/2 years, I plan to keep it! Dont kid yourself there are thousands of hunter owners that have kept and used the boats for many many years!
Funny you should ask, I bought mine from the 1st owner, who had it 191/2 years, I plan to keep it! Dont kid yourself there are thousands of hunter owners that have kept and used the boats for many many years!
offshore hunters
The 37c is a great sea boat there are 37C models travling regularly all over the world. One of our site members has done I think 2 trans atlantic races a coule to bermuda and the caribean, and has been a regional phrf champion several times. This is one of the most competetive areas in the country!
The 37c is a great sea boat there are 37C models travling regularly all over the world. One of our site members has done I think 2 trans atlantic races a coule to bermuda and the caribean, and has been a regional phrf champion several times. This is one of the most competetive areas in the country!
Scott!!!!
Don't you know Daryl writing. I knew that was him before I looked to the left. Don't let him get to you. He gets off on it.
Don't you know Daryl writing. I knew that was him before I looked to the left. Don't let him get to you. He gets off on it.
Interesting Point about sailboats
I was talking on the radio to another boater who this year after Huricanne Isbel came through did a damage survey. He found 900 sailboats in a 40 mile streach of the Potomac River. On any given weekend, and I'm out almost every weekend, I only see about 4 to 7 boats sailing. Why do these people buy boats that they don't use? Any Ideas why? this is not to bait anyone into a dumb discussion. Jim S/V Java
I was talking on the radio to another boater who this year after Huricanne Isbel came through did a damage survey. He found 900 sailboats in a 40 mile streach of the Potomac River. On any given weekend, and I'm out almost every weekend, I only see about 4 to 7 boats sailing. Why do these people buy boats that they don't use? Any Ideas why? this is not to bait anyone into a dumb discussion. Jim S/V Java
OK I got your attention
I owned a Hunter for over a decade and had to deal with hull flux, leaks, rusty keels, leaks, bad rudders and many leaks that were part of the design. I know more that one previous Hunter owner that loved to sail and knew he needed a better vessel to "GO THE DISTANCE". Naturally they did not have the h37c which is one of the boats I have respect for. Hunter, using their innovation stopped making boats like that and switched to a line of boats that #@%$*&!)!#@ You know What I mean and if you like sailing some day you will acquire a better vessel
I owned a Hunter for over a decade and had to deal with hull flux, leaks, rusty keels, leaks, bad rudders and many leaks that were part of the design. I know more that one previous Hunter owner that loved to sail and knew he needed a better vessel to "GO THE DISTANCE". Naturally they did not have the h37c which is one of the boats I have respect for. Hunter, using their innovation stopped making boats like that and switched to a line of boats that #@%$*&!)!#@ You know What I mean and if you like sailing some day you will acquire a better vessel
always wanted to ask
Uh Oh! Someone better tell Mike Harker (Hunter 466 'Wanderlust") that it is not safe for him to leave the sight of land with his boat. Mike might disagree as he put 24,000 ocean miles on his 466 in 22 months.
Uh Oh! Someone better tell Mike Harker (Hunter 466 'Wanderlust") that it is not safe for him to leave the sight of land with his boat. Mike might disagree as he put 24,000 ocean miles on his 466 in 22 months.
.....and Henk M. too!
Bill: You are correct. They forgot to tell Henk M. that his Hunter is not suitable for such a journey. Henk, abandon ship!
Bill: You are correct. They forgot to tell Henk M. that his Hunter is not suitable for such a journey. Henk, abandon ship!
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