Hi folks, I just sold my 29.5' Hunter (1995), as like many after a few years of enjoyment I am interested in purchasing a larger boat. As I was very happy with my first Hunter, I am currently looking seriously at a Hunter 376. I live in Hawaii, and like to do the inter-island thing, and am looking for something a bit bigger so that my weather parameters for crossing our rough channels won't be so tight. I would be interested in any 376 owners' who have offshore experience in Pacific seas/swells perceptions on how will the boat works in weather....as my perception (maybe incorrect) is that Hunter is designed more for the coastal crowd than the offshore cruiser/transit types....the 376 is more than twice the displacement of the 29.5. More immediately, I was looking for general perspective on best practices for replacing the standing and running rigging on a mid-large sailboat. The boat I'm interested in is a 1996 model, has been dry stored for most of the last 7 years after the first few in San Francisco, and is in excellent condition. However the rigging is orginal issue and while it looks good, this is still the tropics. The rigging on my previous Hunter was replaceed after about 9 years or so. I would certainly have a rigging inspection done, but would the fact that the rigging is original and over 12 years in service be something appropriate for negotiation in sale pricing? I know some young boats have beat up rigging and 20 year old boats may have rigging that looks new.... Appreciate any perspective on best practices and standards for replacing rigging. thanks a bunch
Best Practices for Rigging Maintenance and Replacement
- Thread starter CAPT Chris
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One Experience
You will have a capable boat that works well in light air (SA/DR) so you will want a small jib for your sail area rather than a big overlap. Last year, I had a rigging survey on my 1994 40.5. The rigger did NOT recommend replacing. His take was that the rigging used by Hunter and other east coast boats is of a better quality than west coast. That is, of course, a big generalization. So, I wouldn't think replacement automatically. OTOH, you are in the tropics. OTOH, you also get a lot of rain to keep it clean. So, I guess it's a careful inspection and and some good judgement. Take a look at the owner reviews for a more in-depth analysis of the boat. Rick D.
You will have a capable boat that works well in light air (SA/DR) so you will want a small jib for your sail area rather than a big overlap. Last year, I had a rigging survey on my 1994 40.5. The rigger did NOT recommend replacing. His take was that the rigging used by Hunter and other east coast boats is of a better quality than west coast. That is, of course, a big generalization. So, I wouldn't think replacement automatically. OTOH, you are in the tropics. OTOH, you also get a lot of rain to keep it clean. So, I guess it's a careful inspection and and some good judgement. Take a look at the owner reviews for a more in-depth analysis of the boat. Rick D.
Capt.
I would definitely make the age of the rigging part of my negotiations. That said, the most important stay on the boat is the headstay. If it lets go the entire rig is coming down and could lead to someone getting hurt or worse. I replaced my headstay on my 35.5 as a matter of maintenance at ten years. The other stays are inspected and replaced as needed. The others are replaced at 15 year intervals. After 15 years they have served admirably and I don't need to face the alternative to know its not good. A prudent skipper would do well to do the same.
I would definitely make the age of the rigging part of my negotiations. That said, the most important stay on the boat is the headstay. If it lets go the entire rig is coming down and could lead to someone getting hurt or worse. I replaced my headstay on my 35.5 as a matter of maintenance at ten years. The other stays are inspected and replaced as needed. The others are replaced at 15 year intervals. After 15 years they have served admirably and I don't need to face the alternative to know its not good. A prudent skipper would do well to do the same.
Good Advice
Thanks for the advice on the rigging and head stay Alan. I think I'm going to have a pro examine the rigging as part of the survey. I work for the Coast Guard and have seen the unfortunate results of rigging system failures through some investigations we've had to do. Often for inappropriate modifications to the rigging/sail plan but frequently lack of good maintenance oversight. Big potential for bad things to the boat and people on it... regards, chris
Thanks for the advice on the rigging and head stay Alan. I think I'm going to have a pro examine the rigging as part of the survey. I work for the Coast Guard and have seen the unfortunate results of rigging system failures through some investigations we've had to do. Often for inappropriate modifications to the rigging/sail plan but frequently lack of good maintenance oversight. Big potential for bad things to the boat and people on it... regards, chris
I think it depends a lot
I'm replacing my forestay this off-season - upon inspection, I had a fishhook where a wire broke in the swage. 23 year old rigging and a new-to-me boat, I'm just going over it piece by piece, and replacing the worst (even though it all functions). I found a couple T-bolts that had some bend to them (probably from getting jammed while dropping or raising the mast over the years), I figure I'll change them out too. I'd rather a boat where I replace pieces periodically, rather than all-out replacement at once. There is an essence of trust when you know a piece of rigging has been standing for 20 years and it looks good when inspected. This new forestay (and the swageless fittings I am using)...I hope I can trust them, but it'll take some time for that to happen.
I'm replacing my forestay this off-season - upon inspection, I had a fishhook where a wire broke in the swage. 23 year old rigging and a new-to-me boat, I'm just going over it piece by piece, and replacing the worst (even though it all functions). I found a couple T-bolts that had some bend to them (probably from getting jammed while dropping or raising the mast over the years), I figure I'll change them out too. I'd rather a boat where I replace pieces periodically, rather than all-out replacement at once. There is an essence of trust when you know a piece of rigging has been standing for 20 years and it looks good when inspected. This new forestay (and the swageless fittings I am using)...I hope I can trust them, but it'll take some time for that to happen.
best practice for standing rigging...
...is to replace every ten years. Can you get away with 15? Usually. But the best practice is to replace every ten years. Have rigs held up for 20 years? Yep. But the best practice is still to replace standing rigging after ten years.
...is to replace every ten years. Can you get away with 15? Usually. But the best practice is to replace every ten years. Have rigs held up for 20 years? Yep. But the best practice is still to replace standing rigging after ten years.
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