Family of four looking at hunters [32-36] due to afordability. QUES; Which model will prove to be the best liveaboard /cruiser-East coast and bahamas??? We would like to hear from experienced hunter owners.
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B
Been there
If COST is an issue, here's what you should do
Buy a used boat. You will get more boat and more equipment for the dollar you pay. Let the original owner take the depreciation. In my opinion, there is no reason to buy a new boat unless you have significant customization requirements that the builder will accomodate, or you are so rich that the cost doesn't make a dent in your bank account.
Buy a used boat. You will get more boat and more equipment for the dollar you pay. Let the original owner take the depreciation. In my opinion, there is no reason to buy a new boat unless you have significant customization requirements that the builder will accomodate, or you are so rich that the cost doesn't make a dent in your bank account.
R
Ron
Florida Market for 31-27 ft Hunters
I spent the last several months looking at 1980-1987, 31 to 37 ft Hunters in Florida, before I bought my 34. If you are looking for a used Hunter, email me and I'll give you my wisdom, or lack there-of, as to what you'll pay and what condition it will be in.
I spent the last several months looking at 1980-1987, 31 to 37 ft Hunters in Florida, before I bought my 34. If you are looking for a used Hunter, email me and I'll give you my wisdom, or lack there-of, as to what you'll pay and what condition it will be in.
R
Ron
Correction to 31 to 37 foot
Okay, that's the correct title, and my email is Photoron@earthlink.net. Ron
Okay, that's the correct title, and my email is Photoron@earthlink.net. Ron
G
Guest
Cruiser vote
One to look at for lots of boat and good value: used Hunter 35.5. It'll easily take your family safely to and through the Bahamas and coastal cruising.
One to look at for lots of boat and good value: used Hunter 35.5. It'll easily take your family safely to and through the Bahamas and coastal cruising.
J
Jay Hill
Agree with Used version...
Don't know where your from or where your looking at boats, but Ron will probably tell you in his experience with boat searching, a freshwater boat is probably in a little better condition than a life-long saltwater boat DEPENDING on the care of the owners. If you can find the model you want (or a choice of two or three) you might find a great used boat for a little more money but with less usage than a boat on the coast. Here's some things you should consider: 1. How old are the kids? Can they sleep together in a V-berth or will they require "their own space"? If you have a teenage daughter you will need two heads. Then again, a second head is always good as it gives somebody a place for total privacy without making the crew uncomfortable. (Smallest model with two heads is 376) 2. Will you be showering on-board? (Since you said liveaboard cruiser, I assume you will) If so, a separate shower stall is, in my very humble opinion, an absolute requirement. (Smallest model with separate shower compartment is 376.) 3. What kind of cruising toys/equipment do you want? If you're into scuba and want to take your own equipment, you need a boat with huge lazarettes. (Not available on the 376 compared to other models.) 4. HOW much privacy do you and your wife require for "whatever", "naps" etc? If you like a bit more privacy than an open space, you will want a stateroom. (H37 is smallest model with completely seperate stateroom with suitable doors at the farthest possible location from the V-berth and open salon, which can be used for sleeping. 376 is also good at this.) 5. Will you need on-board generator for electrical power? (Please revisit the teenage daughter issue.) If so, you want to consider the generator's location, maintenance, cost, etc. (Have seen after-market generators inistalled on units as small as 29'.) 6. Going to be swimming a lot? (Please revisit scuba gear issue.) If so, and you will be handing equipment, gear, fish, people, etc. from water level into the boat, any model with builtin stern steps is easier to work with than a stern ladder. (376 also has stern steps.) 7. going to be motoring a lot? Pick the model with the best fuel tankage to hp/usage ratio or be prepared to expand the capacity or carry jerry jugs. 8. Got milk? Will you need to have lots of refridgeration or will you hump blocks of ice down the pier every few days? Pick a model with refridgeration as standard if you think you need it. Well, that gives you an idea of what to look for. If you don't find something in one model, look at another or one size up. Of course, as with everything with boats, it's a compromise: cost, comfort, performance, amenities, etc. That's the great thing about Hunter, lots of choices.
Don't know where your from or where your looking at boats, but Ron will probably tell you in his experience with boat searching, a freshwater boat is probably in a little better condition than a life-long saltwater boat DEPENDING on the care of the owners. If you can find the model you want (or a choice of two or three) you might find a great used boat for a little more money but with less usage than a boat on the coast. Here's some things you should consider: 1. How old are the kids? Can they sleep together in a V-berth or will they require "their own space"? If you have a teenage daughter you will need two heads. Then again, a second head is always good as it gives somebody a place for total privacy without making the crew uncomfortable. (Smallest model with two heads is 376) 2. Will you be showering on-board? (Since you said liveaboard cruiser, I assume you will) If so, a separate shower stall is, in my very humble opinion, an absolute requirement. (Smallest model with separate shower compartment is 376.) 3. What kind of cruising toys/equipment do you want? If you're into scuba and want to take your own equipment, you need a boat with huge lazarettes. (Not available on the 376 compared to other models.) 4. HOW much privacy do you and your wife require for "whatever", "naps" etc? If you like a bit more privacy than an open space, you will want a stateroom. (H37 is smallest model with completely seperate stateroom with suitable doors at the farthest possible location from the V-berth and open salon, which can be used for sleeping. 376 is also good at this.) 5. Will you need on-board generator for electrical power? (Please revisit the teenage daughter issue.) If so, you want to consider the generator's location, maintenance, cost, etc. (Have seen after-market generators inistalled on units as small as 29'.) 6. Going to be swimming a lot? (Please revisit scuba gear issue.) If so, and you will be handing equipment, gear, fish, people, etc. from water level into the boat, any model with builtin stern steps is easier to work with than a stern ladder. (376 also has stern steps.) 7. going to be motoring a lot? Pick the model with the best fuel tankage to hp/usage ratio or be prepared to expand the capacity or carry jerry jugs. 8. Got milk? Will you need to have lots of refridgeration or will you hump blocks of ice down the pier every few days? Pick a model with refridgeration as standard if you think you need it. Well, that gives you an idea of what to look for. If you don't find something in one model, look at another or one size up. Of course, as with everything with boats, it's a compromise: cost, comfort, performance, amenities, etc. That's the great thing about Hunter, lots of choices.
B
Bryan
Some factors to consider
Its hard to make recommendations based on the little info you provided as to how you will use the boat and what your budget constraints are. I agree that buying a used boat will permit you to buy more boat for the same money. And having had been in a similar situation, not many models compete with Hunters in the value department, IMHO. I bought an 88 Legend 35 last year for about 40k and love it for my needs, which are day sailing and occasional short term cruises. I think it would be a fine coastal cruiser for a family of 4, with some modifiations. One thing that I wish it did have was a dining table that transformed into a berth if you needed an extra berth (tho' i probably wouldn't use it that much). If you are going to be doing a lot of swimming, consider a boat with a built in swim platform/walk-through transom (as most post 1987 Hunters have). The kids and wife (and you) will appreciate the ease of accessing the water and dinghy compared to the rappelling skills necessary with traditional transoms. My kids (5 and 8) love it. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about this particular model (the boat reviews are also a great source). Good luck.
Its hard to make recommendations based on the little info you provided as to how you will use the boat and what your budget constraints are. I agree that buying a used boat will permit you to buy more boat for the same money. And having had been in a similar situation, not many models compete with Hunters in the value department, IMHO. I bought an 88 Legend 35 last year for about 40k and love it for my needs, which are day sailing and occasional short term cruises. I think it would be a fine coastal cruiser for a family of 4, with some modifiations. One thing that I wish it did have was a dining table that transformed into a berth if you needed an extra berth (tho' i probably wouldn't use it that much). If you are going to be doing a lot of swimming, consider a boat with a built in swim platform/walk-through transom (as most post 1987 Hunters have). The kids and wife (and you) will appreciate the ease of accessing the water and dinghy compared to the rappelling skills necessary with traditional transoms. My kids (5 and 8) love it. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about this particular model (the boat reviews are also a great source). Good luck.
J
Jay Eaton
Best Cruiser ...
It's all really a matter of opinion and one opinion is usually as good as another. However, I suggest you contact Roger & Suzie Mummah on Endless Summer, remummah@aol.com or on SailNet e-mail service, hunter-list@sailnet.com. They are doing what you are contemplating on a H31.
It's all really a matter of opinion and one opinion is usually as good as another. However, I suggest you contact Roger & Suzie Mummah on Endless Summer, remummah@aol.com or on SailNet e-mail service, hunter-list@sailnet.com. They are doing what you are contemplating on a H31.
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