My husband and I will be retiring in about 2 years. We are beginning our search for a boat that would allow us to cruise the east coast, and maybe the Bahamas part time. We have no ambitions to circumnavigate the globe but rather just want to take off for a few months at a time. We are looking for a boat that is solid, stable and easily balanced. It needs to be handled by two people. As standing at weird angles is not the most comfortable on "old knees" we are looking for something that is not particularly tender. Although our timeline will allow us to pick and choose our weather windows, we want something that will be able to take an unexpected "blow", living on the Chesapeake teaches you that a beautiful clear day can turn ugly pretty quickly without warning! ;D Our budget is about 150,000 to 200,000 max. (anthing less would be great!) We want to begin our search now to find the right boat for us. We have about 10 years of sailing experience that has been mostly recreational in nature. We are going to be looking at boats in the 32ft to 42ft range. We are currently sailing a 42ft. Hunter that we enjoy but feel is a little too tender and difficult to balance for our "sunset" years. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have to add to our list.
- Status
Annie, A full keel on a traditional hull
shape will give the most seakindliness, they won't be as nimble as the more modern fin keel designs but you aren't looking to see who can round the windward mark quickest. The old Albergs, the Robert Perry designs, Lyle Hess channel cutters are wonderful. You don't plan to cross oceans but the boats built with that as a primary goal will also be the ones that provide the most inside space for their on deck length. The most important feature for me is the ability of the boat to withstand abuse from mishandling or from the elements and still keep me alive. I would look for a cutter rig because the sails are a bit smaller and give you greater ease in reducing sail and keeping the boat balanced. Give consideration to the ground tackle and its handling system. Also I envy you your freedom to be able to go. Keep the boat that you choose as simple as posible so that you may continue sailing even if something goes a wry. I had plans to sail far and wide when I built my Bietzpadlin. There is a non-electric back up for everything on her.
shape will give the most seakindliness, they won't be as nimble as the more modern fin keel designs but you aren't looking to see who can round the windward mark quickest. The old Albergs, the Robert Perry designs, Lyle Hess channel cutters are wonderful. You don't plan to cross oceans but the boats built with that as a primary goal will also be the ones that provide the most inside space for their on deck length. The most important feature for me is the ability of the boat to withstand abuse from mishandling or from the elements and still keep me alive. I would look for a cutter rig because the sails are a bit smaller and give you greater ease in reducing sail and keeping the boat balanced. Give consideration to the ground tackle and its handling system. Also I envy you your freedom to be able to go. Keep the boat that you choose as simple as posible so that you may continue sailing even if something goes a wry. I had plans to sail far and wide when I built my Bietzpadlin. There is a non-electric back up for everything on her.
IP 31 or 32
I am in the same situation you are, almost ready to retire and I have the same asperations for sailing the east coast and perhaps a hop to the bahamas. I have been looking at Island Packet 31's. They are not the fastest but seem to be very sea worthy and sea kindly. They are blue water boats with shallow draft for the ICW and they sell for around $80k for a good one. With the funds you have available you could certainly outfit one nicely with new sails and possibly a new engine....or go for a new one. The cabin space is good enough for 2 people and easy to sail and maintain. Good luck in your search. Okiman
I am in the same situation you are, almost ready to retire and I have the same asperations for sailing the east coast and perhaps a hop to the bahamas. I have been looking at Island Packet 31's. They are not the fastest but seem to be very sea worthy and sea kindly. They are blue water boats with shallow draft for the ICW and they sell for around $80k for a good one. With the funds you have available you could certainly outfit one nicely with new sails and possibly a new engine....or go for a new one. The cabin space is good enough for 2 people and easy to sail and maintain. Good luck in your search. Okiman
Start with a low mast and shallow keel
We have a Pearson 323 and it sails pretty well and feels safe in the gulf. It is 1980 and a little ragged now. But we spent two weeks on it in april and didn't feel it was a hardship. The bridges along the gulf coast often are only 50' our mast is 45'. There is also a lot of thin water our draft is 4.5". We have looked at some island packets and they are beautiful and comfortable but they don't seem to sail that well. If I had 200K I'd look real hard at a Pacific Seacraft in the 35-40' range. They seem like great boats.
We have a Pearson 323 and it sails pretty well and feels safe in the gulf. It is 1980 and a little ragged now. But we spent two weeks on it in april and didn't feel it was a hardship. The bridges along the gulf coast often are only 50' our mast is 45'. There is also a lot of thin water our draft is 4.5". We have looked at some island packets and they are beautiful and comfortable but they don't seem to sail that well. If I had 200K I'd look real hard at a Pacific Seacraft in the 35-40' range. They seem like great boats.
annie - ahead of you
Annie -- congradulations - you are almost there - i can only tell you what i did and it seemed to work for me. first - on my 60 birthday i was fired - thats right i got a b'day card from HR and 4 hours later they fired me - as a senior exec it is difficult to find a job at 60 (always to qualified) anyway - i had planned on retiring at 62 - i started planning a few years ago and interviewed a few brokers to assist me with a boat. Began working with a guy named ted novakowski at sound yachts in westbrook, ct as he was more interested in what i wanted to do and in teaching first then finding me the right boat. after a couple of years i purchased new a Jeanneau ds40 - several reasons. she is solid blue water boat. she can be sailed from the cockpit with all lines leading aft. she has a lot of room - with a shoal draft of 4"11" i can take her in to a lot of places. she was also new - the research says that one of a cruisers big expenses is repairs - for a few years that should not be my biggest expense and things should work well for a while. she sails well and while not the fastest boat a round will get you there. also had her outfitted for cruising with a few goodies Any advise - new is better unless you want to do a lot of repairs - work with a broker who has been there done that (ted is a former cruiser) and get their take on things as sailing is really only 20% of the time comfort at anchor is really important. shoal draft to get into shallow anchorages. I picked up SoulMates in Annapolis after the show and brought her to miami and been to bahamas and just got back from a week trip to key west - let me know how it goes and hope to see you out there as i leave as soon as my house sells. chuck and soulmates email chuck54_99 at yahoo.com
Annie -- congradulations - you are almost there - i can only tell you what i did and it seemed to work for me. first - on my 60 birthday i was fired - thats right i got a b'day card from HR and 4 hours later they fired me - as a senior exec it is difficult to find a job at 60 (always to qualified) anyway - i had planned on retiring at 62 - i started planning a few years ago and interviewed a few brokers to assist me with a boat. Began working with a guy named ted novakowski at sound yachts in westbrook, ct as he was more interested in what i wanted to do and in teaching first then finding me the right boat. after a couple of years i purchased new a Jeanneau ds40 - several reasons. she is solid blue water boat. she can be sailed from the cockpit with all lines leading aft. she has a lot of room - with a shoal draft of 4"11" i can take her in to a lot of places. she was also new - the research says that one of a cruisers big expenses is repairs - for a few years that should not be my biggest expense and things should work well for a while. she sails well and while not the fastest boat a round will get you there. also had her outfitted for cruising with a few goodies Any advise - new is better unless you want to do a lot of repairs - work with a broker who has been there done that (ted is a former cruiser) and get their take on things as sailing is really only 20% of the time comfort at anchor is really important. shoal draft to get into shallow anchorages. I picked up SoulMates in Annapolis after the show and brought her to miami and been to bahamas and just got back from a week trip to key west - let me know how it goes and hope to see you out there as i leave as soon as my house sells. chuck and soulmates email chuck54_99 at yahoo.com
sounds like the typical Island Packet sailor
You are the perfect IP candidate. First read this months Sail magazine for a tour of the factory and interview with the owner. Then attend a local event that featurs Island Packet yachts such as the Virginia in the water boat show. You'll meet some of the factory people, probably the owner himself, and other IP enthusiasts. You'll find most of the IP owners have the same goals and needs as yourselves. The IP 31 is a great couples boat if your budget is under 80k, plus it has a centerboard which allows for very shallow draft and smooth motoring. I think the IP 350 is the best boat they built. I would always try to find a well equipped used boat before buying a new one. Most IP's are well maintained. http://www.iphomeport.com/index.php?categoryid=1 http://www.ipy.com/ Virginia In-Water Boat Show, Norfolk, VA September 8th thru September 10th, 2006 No, I don't work for IP... I just think the boat is designed for what you have in mind.
You are the perfect IP candidate. First read this months Sail magazine for a tour of the factory and interview with the owner. Then attend a local event that featurs Island Packet yachts such as the Virginia in the water boat show. You'll meet some of the factory people, probably the owner himself, and other IP enthusiasts. You'll find most of the IP owners have the same goals and needs as yourselves. The IP 31 is a great couples boat if your budget is under 80k, plus it has a centerboard which allows for very shallow draft and smooth motoring. I think the IP 350 is the best boat they built. I would always try to find a well equipped used boat before buying a new one. Most IP's are well maintained. http://www.iphomeport.com/index.php?categoryid=1 http://www.ipy.com/ Virginia In-Water Boat Show, Norfolk, VA September 8th thru September 10th, 2006 No, I don't work for IP... I just think the boat is designed for what you have in mind.
Give it a try in the Hunter
Annie, If you're looking for a new boat your 200K will not get you anything more suitable than your Hunter 42. Once you're used to a boat that size it'll be very difficult to "trade down", especially if you're going cruising and therefore will be spending a lot more time on the boat. Very few smaller boats will satisfy your needs. I am not a fan of Hunters but I have seen lots of them along the east coast, in the ICW and in the Bahamas. A couple of Hunters I have met do the trek from NY to the Bahamas every year. All monohulls will heel under sail, some sooner than others but they all do. I know you're looking for alternatives but I would suggest trying it in your present boat for a year. If you reef early the Hunter'll stay on her feet. Not trying to pour cold water on your plans but I would think twice before getting another boat. If it's a handling problem for docking (usually this is the only time a 42 might be too much) look into a bow thruster. Do it for a year in the old boat, then you'll have a much better idea of what you need or want if you do decide to change.
Annie, If you're looking for a new boat your 200K will not get you anything more suitable than your Hunter 42. Once you're used to a boat that size it'll be very difficult to "trade down", especially if you're going cruising and therefore will be spending a lot more time on the boat. Very few smaller boats will satisfy your needs. I am not a fan of Hunters but I have seen lots of them along the east coast, in the ICW and in the Bahamas. A couple of Hunters I have met do the trek from NY to the Bahamas every year. All monohulls will heel under sail, some sooner than others but they all do. I know you're looking for alternatives but I would suggest trying it in your present boat for a year. If you reef early the Hunter'll stay on her feet. Not trying to pour cold water on your plans but I would think twice before getting another boat. If it's a handling problem for docking (usually this is the only time a 42 might be too much) look into a bow thruster. Do it for a year in the old boat, then you'll have a much better idea of what you need or want if you do decide to change.
Hansy - Lord Nelson - Halburg-Rassy
Annie, some very good responses here, Ross is right again (he must get tired of that?), but I don't know who sold Chuck the idea a Jenneau is a solid cruising yacht??? With your budget you could find a very nice Hans Christian; finest cruising yacht made in my humble opinion. The folks that own a yacht of that calibur are the type that take exquisite care of their property, and you'll take a huge hit on a new vessel. The Island Packet is a tried and true yacht, I especially like the roomy catamaran they made, only made 43 of em, twin Yanmars and spacious state-rooms and a full gormet galley too. Many, many nice yacht out there, those Frenchies, Beneteaus and Jenneaus are thin 'cocktail' boats and not considered serious cruisers, nevertheless, it has been done. I knew a Brittish couple who had come all the way from the U.K. in a Benny, they were pleased, but never got caught in a full-on gale. I met them in Brisbane.
Annie, some very good responses here, Ross is right again (he must get tired of that?), but I don't know who sold Chuck the idea a Jenneau is a solid cruising yacht??? With your budget you could find a very nice Hans Christian; finest cruising yacht made in my humble opinion. The folks that own a yacht of that calibur are the type that take exquisite care of their property, and you'll take a huge hit on a new vessel. The Island Packet is a tried and true yacht, I especially like the roomy catamaran they made, only made 43 of em, twin Yanmars and spacious state-rooms and a full gormet galley too. Many, many nice yacht out there, those Frenchies, Beneteaus and Jenneaus are thin 'cocktail' boats and not considered serious cruisers, nevertheless, it has been done. I knew a Brittish couple who had come all the way from the U.K. in a Benny, they were pleased, but never got caught in a full-on gale. I met them in Brisbane.
Also this book has had a profound
influience on my cruising boat thinking. Cruising Sailboat Kinetics By Danny Greene. Both a primer on sailboat design concepts and terminology and a portfolio of some of the best contemporary cruising designs with a lengthy explanation of the merits of each. Heavily illustrated. Published 1997 by Tiller Publications. Hard cover. 238 pages. Has index. Dimensions: 8 1/2" x 11". ISBN 1-888671-08-4. This product normally ships from our warehouse within 2 business days. The actual delivery date will vary depending on the shipping options available. To determine the shipping cost and estimated delivery date for this item click Add to Cart, then click Calculate Shipping inside your shopping cart. Friendly Return Policy We understand that sometimes a product you purchase just doesn't work out for you, whether the color is wrong, the size is off, or for a multiple of other reasons, which is why we want to make it as easy as possible for you to return an unwanted item. We want you to return again and again as a satisfied iboats.com customer, and to also continue recommending us to your friends. If the merchandise you received was defective, damaged, or an error was made by iboats.com, simply return the merchandise within 30 days of the original shipping date for a full refund. Merchandise must still be in brand-new, unused condition with all original packaging in good condition; plus parts, accessories, manuals, and/or warranty cards included. Please note that all return merchandise must be accompanied by an RA (Return Authorization) number issued by iboats.com. To receive your RA number simply call our Returns Department at 1-800-589-0702, Tuesday-Friday, 9am-7pm EST, or email us at returns@iboats.com. If for some reason you need to return merchandise for reasons other than those mentioned above, follow the same procedures, obtaining an RA number from iboats.com, within 30 days of the original shipping date. Please note that there may be restocking fees, shipping costs, or product change order costs associated with some returns. Feel free to check with the iboats.com Returns Department for specific terms, conditions, and eligibility.
influience on my cruising boat thinking. Cruising Sailboat Kinetics By Danny Greene. Both a primer on sailboat design concepts and terminology and a portfolio of some of the best contemporary cruising designs with a lengthy explanation of the merits of each. Heavily illustrated. Published 1997 by Tiller Publications. Hard cover. 238 pages. Has index. Dimensions: 8 1/2" x 11". ISBN 1-888671-08-4. This product normally ships from our warehouse within 2 business days. The actual delivery date will vary depending on the shipping options available. To determine the shipping cost and estimated delivery date for this item click Add to Cart, then click Calculate Shipping inside your shopping cart. Friendly Return Policy We understand that sometimes a product you purchase just doesn't work out for you, whether the color is wrong, the size is off, or for a multiple of other reasons, which is why we want to make it as easy as possible for you to return an unwanted item. We want you to return again and again as a satisfied iboats.com customer, and to also continue recommending us to your friends. If the merchandise you received was defective, damaged, or an error was made by iboats.com, simply return the merchandise within 30 days of the original shipping date for a full refund. Merchandise must still be in brand-new, unused condition with all original packaging in good condition; plus parts, accessories, manuals, and/or warranty cards included. Please note that all return merchandise must be accompanied by an RA (Return Authorization) number issued by iboats.com. To receive your RA number simply call our Returns Department at 1-800-589-0702, Tuesday-Friday, 9am-7pm EST, or email us at returns@iboats.com. If for some reason you need to return merchandise for reasons other than those mentioned above, follow the same procedures, obtaining an RA number from iboats.com, within 30 days of the original shipping date. Please note that there may be restocking fees, shipping costs, or product change order costs associated with some returns. Feel free to check with the iboats.com Returns Department for specific terms, conditions, and eligibility.
I agree with Rick
Since your not planning on crossing an ocean, using sound judgement and not being in a hurry can make your passages very safe and sound. Most of your sails you will be only a day or two from land depending on how you go. You might run across a little gale once in a while but a hunter 42 is well capable of handling one and ...this is the important part... if things do go wrong, your only a few hours from help (if you were in the middle of the Alantic it could be days). Any boat can heal a lot or heal a little depending on how you sail it. In otherwords, the hunter 42 is built exactly for your intended purpose...a coastal cruiser and I truely believe you would enjoy it much more then a slow IP or other true blue water boat. I on the other hand want to cross oceans so I'm open to getting another boat but haven't ruled out using my current hunter. I plan on giving her a good test before I make my decision, much like the advice Rick gave you. Give it a try a little first before you jump ship. You could sail down to the caribbean and find you would prefer an IP and get one there real cheap (I hear IPs get dumped there a lot as people give up cruising).
Since your not planning on crossing an ocean, using sound judgement and not being in a hurry can make your passages very safe and sound. Most of your sails you will be only a day or two from land depending on how you go. You might run across a little gale once in a while but a hunter 42 is well capable of handling one and ...this is the important part... if things do go wrong, your only a few hours from help (if you were in the middle of the Alantic it could be days). Any boat can heal a lot or heal a little depending on how you sail it. In otherwords, the hunter 42 is built exactly for your intended purpose...a coastal cruiser and I truely believe you would enjoy it much more then a slow IP or other true blue water boat. I on the other hand want to cross oceans so I'm open to getting another boat but haven't ruled out using my current hunter. I plan on giving her a good test before I make my decision, much like the advice Rick gave you. Give it a try a little first before you jump ship. You could sail down to the caribbean and find you would prefer an IP and get one there real cheap (I hear IPs get dumped there a lot as people give up cruising).
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. They are all just what I was hoping for. I am so glad that I posted as this is a big decision and we want to make the right one. Before we start narrowing our field of consideration, I want to be sure we have as much information as possible. The collective knowledge that this forum offers is very valuable to folks like us. Everyone's suggestions so far have surely set us on the path. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. They are all just what I was hoping for. I am so glad that I posted as this is a big decision and we want to make the right one. Before we start narrowing our field of consideration, I want to be sure we have as much information as possible. The collective knowledge that this forum offers is very valuable to folks like us. Everyone's suggestions so far have surely set us on the path. Thanks again.
Try a Hunter 42
Annie, I agree with Rick and Franklin. Your existing boat is ideal for the kind of cruising you want to do. If you're finding it heels too much or has too much weather helm, try reefing earlier. If your boat doesn't already have them, install single line reefing, battcars, maybe an electric halyard winch, and maybe a third reef point, all of which will assist with making reefing and unreefing easier and helping you to sail more upright and with less weather helm. The cost of these would be less than the brokerage fee on the sale of your boat. I fear that having experienced the Hunter 42, you would find some of the other boats that have been suggested cramped to live on and sluggish in terms of handling and performance. Just my thoughts. Hope they help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Annie, I agree with Rick and Franklin. Your existing boat is ideal for the kind of cruising you want to do. If you're finding it heels too much or has too much weather helm, try reefing earlier. If your boat doesn't already have them, install single line reefing, battcars, maybe an electric halyard winch, and maybe a third reef point, all of which will assist with making reefing and unreefing easier and helping you to sail more upright and with less weather helm. The cost of these would be less than the brokerage fee on the sale of your boat. I fear that having experienced the Hunter 42, you would find some of the other boats that have been suggested cramped to live on and sluggish in terms of handling and performance. Just my thoughts. Hope they help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Calm Weather and Sailing
You see a lot of people planning for the ultimate storm but in my experience the more common situation is a lack of wind. Some of the heavier boats seem to do more motoring than sailing. If you are more of a sailer a lighter beamy boat might be better for coastal cruising. My definition of coastal is that you stay within 48 hours a safe place as it takes a while for large waves to develope. If you are more of a motoring person the IPs are beautiful and comfortable. But if it was me and I was more of a motoring person I'd buy a trawler. Usualy a trawler has less draft and can go faster and you won't have to worry about a mast and sails. A trawler also opens up rivers to explore. Going up the Ohio or TN rivers is an easy safe 1000 mile adventure. You can spend the hurricane season in the mountains. If I didn't love sailing I'd own a trawler. IP also makes trawlers. On those nights that I can't seem to stop the halyards from banging all night a trawler seems really appealing.
You see a lot of people planning for the ultimate storm but in my experience the more common situation is a lack of wind. Some of the heavier boats seem to do more motoring than sailing. If you are more of a sailer a lighter beamy boat might be better for coastal cruising. My definition of coastal is that you stay within 48 hours a safe place as it takes a while for large waves to develope. If you are more of a motoring person the IPs are beautiful and comfortable. But if it was me and I was more of a motoring person I'd buy a trawler. Usualy a trawler has less draft and can go faster and you won't have to worry about a mast and sails. A trawler also opens up rivers to explore. Going up the Ohio or TN rivers is an easy safe 1000 mile adventure. You can spend the hurricane season in the mountains. If I didn't love sailing I'd own a trawler. IP also makes trawlers. On those nights that I can't seem to stop the halyards from banging all night a trawler seems really appealing.
disagree on a few items here
Disagree with those who would suggest keeping the Hunter - Have chartered them and went through them and they just are not built for long range cruising imho - great if you stay in sight of shore or motor on the icw - one hunter lost it's rudder on a rally crossing last year - it just fell off and boat was abandoned -- Beneteau's - well one might ask the Copelands who have sailed thousands of miles in them but the earlier models are much better than the later models - much better built - As for my Jeanneau - so far we have been through 5-6 hurricanes, a lightening strike and one hard grounding (told it was safe to anchor in the icw and it was not) without a bit of issue. after we got hit by lightening we brought her back across the gulf stream in high winds and what others call excess of 7' seas and it was like we were in the bay - she handled them extremely well - Jeanneau is an iso 6000 boat and while i do not have the specs is a blue water boat that is designed for (i think as specs are on the boat) 4-5 meter seas and force ?i forget winds but more wind than i ever care to sail in. while Beaneteau owns Jeanneau they are totally different designs and build qualities - After looking at boats for over 4 years before buying and reading and studying and listening and learning from others - and not having a infinite budget - my first choice was a Caliber - IP are great as long as the wind blows and is a nice comfy boat but expensive - Valiants are great boats and probably more Valiants have circumnavigated than any other - Just my thoughts - by the way a great book is "modern cruising under sail" by dodds if you can find it. chuck and soulmates chuck and soulmates
Disagree with those who would suggest keeping the Hunter - Have chartered them and went through them and they just are not built for long range cruising imho - great if you stay in sight of shore or motor on the icw - one hunter lost it's rudder on a rally crossing last year - it just fell off and boat was abandoned -- Beneteau's - well one might ask the Copelands who have sailed thousands of miles in them but the earlier models are much better than the later models - much better built - As for my Jeanneau - so far we have been through 5-6 hurricanes, a lightening strike and one hard grounding (told it was safe to anchor in the icw and it was not) without a bit of issue. after we got hit by lightening we brought her back across the gulf stream in high winds and what others call excess of 7' seas and it was like we were in the bay - she handled them extremely well - Jeanneau is an iso 6000 boat and while i do not have the specs is a blue water boat that is designed for (i think as specs are on the boat) 4-5 meter seas and force ?i forget winds but more wind than i ever care to sail in. while Beaneteau owns Jeanneau they are totally different designs and build qualities - After looking at boats for over 4 years before buying and reading and studying and listening and learning from others - and not having a infinite budget - my first choice was a Caliber - IP are great as long as the wind blows and is a nice comfy boat but expensive - Valiants are great boats and probably more Valiants have circumnavigated than any other - Just my thoughts - by the way a great book is "modern cruising under sail" by dodds if you can find it. chuck and soulmates chuck and soulmates
How about a Catalina 34 or 36?
New catalina 34's and 36's are well within your price range. They are far better designed and built than their price tag would indicate. They would make a fine coastal cruiser for an aging couple. They sail well in light air and can also take the heavy weather. For coastal cruising, i would think a "blue water" boat would tend sail more like a slug.
New catalina 34's and 36's are well within your price range. They are far better designed and built than their price tag would indicate. They would make a fine coastal cruiser for an aging couple. They sail well in light air and can also take the heavy weather. For coastal cruising, i would think a "blue water" boat would tend sail more like a slug.
Look at each boat subjectively.
Each boat builder makes many different models and each year they make changes. Lets take my H376. It has some really cool design characteristics that separate it from the other hunters and most production boats. It has very strong chain plates bolted to the side of the re-inforce HULL, not the deck like most boats. This is hugh because instead of pulling up on the deck, it is pulling direct on the hull and also has a lot more strength with the way it's bolted. It has the companionway protected from waves with it's little hallway type design. I like that a lot. It has sunken hatches so nothing can snag on them like jib sheet lines. The mast is very strong. The spreaders seem a lot stronger then most other boats. The rudder is glassed in (up to 2" thick) all the way to the quadrant so there isn't much chance for leaking there (but does make it hard to attach a rudder transducer). It seem pretty strong too. The deck is bolted down every 10" with 1/2" bolts. The weakness are: that the hatch glass needs to be stronger. The rudder isn't protected (I'm thinking about glassing in a stainless steel bar with a support bar to protect the rudder to add support without adding much drag and much to hinder turning). There is a big skylight that will need to be either replaced with thicker glass or a way to protect it during a storm. The cockpit is very large and if totally filled, it would take on 4,600 lbs of water. I don't know if it could handle that being filled all the way but one thing is for sure, with the open transom, it will not stay in there for long. Summary: I've come to conclude that they tried to make the 376 a strong dependable boat. I look at some Hunters and see how they could at least seem weak but I don't see that in my boat. I'm sure other builders also have put out boats that range from weak to strong. So don't judge a manufacture on just one boat or one model. Look at each boat subjectively. Take the Bennys. They have some models that are very weak. They also have some that are pretty strong.
Each boat builder makes many different models and each year they make changes. Lets take my H376. It has some really cool design characteristics that separate it from the other hunters and most production boats. It has very strong chain plates bolted to the side of the re-inforce HULL, not the deck like most boats. This is hugh because instead of pulling up on the deck, it is pulling direct on the hull and also has a lot more strength with the way it's bolted. It has the companionway protected from waves with it's little hallway type design. I like that a lot. It has sunken hatches so nothing can snag on them like jib sheet lines. The mast is very strong. The spreaders seem a lot stronger then most other boats. The rudder is glassed in (up to 2" thick) all the way to the quadrant so there isn't much chance for leaking there (but does make it hard to attach a rudder transducer). It seem pretty strong too. The deck is bolted down every 10" with 1/2" bolts. The weakness are: that the hatch glass needs to be stronger. The rudder isn't protected (I'm thinking about glassing in a stainless steel bar with a support bar to protect the rudder to add support without adding much drag and much to hinder turning). There is a big skylight that will need to be either replaced with thicker glass or a way to protect it during a storm. The cockpit is very large and if totally filled, it would take on 4,600 lbs of water. I don't know if it could handle that being filled all the way but one thing is for sure, with the open transom, it will not stay in there for long. Summary: I've come to conclude that they tried to make the 376 a strong dependable boat. I look at some Hunters and see how they could at least seem weak but I don't see that in my boat. I'm sure other builders also have put out boats that range from weak to strong. So don't judge a manufacture on just one boat or one model. Look at each boat subjectively. Take the Bennys. They have some models that are very weak. They also have some that are pretty strong.
- Status