I am looking to buy a late model 34-38' Hunter. I like the looks of the white arch in the circa 99 models. Does any one have any idea why the look disappeared so quickly? Was there a problem with the fiberglass arch? Am I the only one who prefers the white to the stainless steel? I appreciate any opinions. Thanks John
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Les Blackwell
I think I can give you an answer...
I have a 1999 Hunter 380 with the firberglass arch. For some years I wanted an arch and even designed one for my H 35.5 but I never got it made. I believe Hunter switched to the stainless for several reasons, 1) buyers wanted stairless--they didn't like the looks of the fiberglass, 2) it was cheaper to build the stainless arch, particularly in the hull section, and 3) the stainless arch was easier to leave off if the buyer didn't want it. How much of this is absolutely fact, I cannot attest to. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the looks of the firberglass arch but have come to love it. It has been a blessing in many ways. We really like the two lights that are installed in the arch--I'm surprised how many times I've used them. I hung my radar display from the arch which is perfect for the helmsperson. Our rain fly is attached fore and aft on the arch--easier to do than on the stainless. I attached the MOB bag to the outside of the arch; still easy to get at, but out of the way. And the fiberglass arch is nicer to snuggle up to when in a blow. Nice back support. And, yes, I now think the looks are quite good--it balances the boat out when viewed from the beam. You asked if there was a con--I think the stern two mooring cleats are harder to get at when docking. We now leave mooring lines attached on each side and hung on a plastic straps when not in use but ready to go. Other than that, I can't think of any other negatives to the fiberglass arch. I'm thinking of getting Hunter to send me two of their new logos and attaching them to the outside of the arch. A bit of class, eh? Les
I have a 1999 Hunter 380 with the firberglass arch. For some years I wanted an arch and even designed one for my H 35.5 but I never got it made. I believe Hunter switched to the stainless for several reasons, 1) buyers wanted stairless--they didn't like the looks of the fiberglass, 2) it was cheaper to build the stainless arch, particularly in the hull section, and 3) the stainless arch was easier to leave off if the buyer didn't want it. How much of this is absolutely fact, I cannot attest to. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the looks of the firberglass arch but have come to love it. It has been a blessing in many ways. We really like the two lights that are installed in the arch--I'm surprised how many times I've used them. I hung my radar display from the arch which is perfect for the helmsperson. Our rain fly is attached fore and aft on the arch--easier to do than on the stainless. I attached the MOB bag to the outside of the arch; still easy to get at, but out of the way. And the fiberglass arch is nicer to snuggle up to when in a blow. Nice back support. And, yes, I now think the looks are quite good--it balances the boat out when viewed from the beam. You asked if there was a con--I think the stern two mooring cleats are harder to get at when docking. We now leave mooring lines attached on each side and hung on a plastic straps when not in use but ready to go. Other than that, I can't think of any other negatives to the fiberglass arch. I'm thinking of getting Hunter to send me two of their new logos and attaching them to the outside of the arch. A bit of class, eh? Les
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Miles
No major cons...
The fiberglass arches are pretty heavy. I took mine off and back on for trucking on my 340 and it was a real pain to wrestle with. Not something you'd do every day though. I'd guess the stainless arches might be a little lighter which wouldn't hurt. As Les pointed out they're probably cheaper and easier for Hunter to build. Stainless arches are on lots of different kinds of boats, much easier to build than a custom fabricated fiberglass one. It probably comes down to appearance more than anything and since you like the look I'd go for it...
The fiberglass arches are pretty heavy. I took mine off and back on for trucking on my 340 and it was a real pain to wrestle with. Not something you'd do every day though. I'd guess the stainless arches might be a little lighter which wouldn't hurt. As Les pointed out they're probably cheaper and easier for Hunter to build. Stainless arches are on lots of different kinds of boats, much easier to build than a custom fabricated fiberglass one. It probably comes down to appearance more than anything and since you like the look I'd go for it...
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Wayne Fredrick
Tough Traveler Adjustment
I have had a Hunter with the fiberglass arch for 6 years. Personally I like the look better, but depending on the year of the boat, the biggest issue to deal with is adjusting the traveler. The later fiberglass arches ran the travel down into the arch and it passed out into the cockpit, so traveler adjustment is pretty easy. On the early models, there is no real easy way to adjust the traveler, especially on my boat since I have a bimini. That being said, the only other thing you need to make sure you do is have a very good seal at the base of the arch as it fits into the deck or you can get water below. Hope this helps.
I have had a Hunter with the fiberglass arch for 6 years. Personally I like the look better, but depending on the year of the boat, the biggest issue to deal with is adjusting the traveler. The later fiberglass arches ran the travel down into the arch and it passed out into the cockpit, so traveler adjustment is pretty easy. On the early models, there is no real easy way to adjust the traveler, especially on my boat since I have a bimini. That being said, the only other thing you need to make sure you do is have a very good seal at the base of the arch as it fits into the deck or you can get water below. Hope this helps.
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d j
97 340 with arch - works great
Used the arch to mount the speakers in place of the access ports. Travel work is easy. I usually shift the traveler before I tact. If afterwards, I'll stand on the railing seat and work above the bimini to move it to the desired position. Its big plus is the ease to move around the bimini. Would I buy another with an arch - you bet.
Used the arch to mount the speakers in place of the access ports. Travel work is easy. I usually shift the traveler before I tact. If afterwards, I'll stand on the railing seat and work above the bimini to move it to the desired position. Its big plus is the ease to move around the bimini. Would I buy another with an arch - you bet.
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Stuart
Mildew & small cracks
We like the arch, our bimini is attached to it and makes nice sheltered area. We also have speakers mounted in the arch and looks good. We do have an issue with mildew penetrating the f'glass that is very hard to remove ... and have noticed some small cracks that'll probably be hard to repair
We like the arch, our bimini is attached to it and makes nice sheltered area. We also have speakers mounted in the arch and looks good. We do have an issue with mildew penetrating the f'glass that is very hard to remove ... and have noticed some small cracks that'll probably be hard to repair
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John McWilliams
thanks for the input
Les.Miles,Wayne, DJ, and Stuart, Thanks for the input. I bought a 99 H380 tonight. This forum was no small part in my decision to buy a Hunter. Johnny Mac
Les.Miles,Wayne, DJ, and Stuart, Thanks for the input. I bought a 99 H380 tonight. This forum was no small part in my decision to buy a Hunter. Johnny Mac
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Wayne
Congratulations - Good Choice
John I love the arch on my 1997 340. You will love the 380, great boat ! You made a good choice.
John I love the arch on my 1997 340. You will love the 380, great boat ! You made a good choice.
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