Best sailing midsize Hunter with arch & aft jib winches

G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
Hello friends. I’m dreaming about upgrading my older Catalina 30. Definitely want something I can control the all sheets and traveler from the helm position. Cue the Hunter arch!! However it seems many of the midsize models over the years do not have jib sheet winches back at the helm position.

The newest Marlow-Hunter 33, pre-2013 H33, and pre-2013 H31 have this layout and a really nice looking cockpit otherwise. Which other models should I be looking for, and which sail the best? I’d be happy with a smaller, easier to handle boat for short coastal cruising and daysailing.
 
Tally Ho

Tally Ho

.
Jan 7, 2011
5,442
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
I sail with a couple of guys with 2005-2006 Hunter 33’s (technically a 33-2 I think). the boat designed by Glenn Henderson. Very nice sailing boats, large cockpits.
both guys have in-mast furling mains...Easily reefed. Both have the SS arch...nice to have the traveller out of the way..but the boom can be noisy if slapping back and forth.

these guys sail single handed a lot, with no issues, bu they also have enough room to host a Wednesday night sail for 6 of us old geezers.

I am not all that keen on the interior cabin, but I guess it is functional.

I think that the H36-2, also designed by Glenn Henderson (built in 2008 I think) Is very similar, but with a bit more room.

The Hunter Legend 36, also designed by Henderson and built in 2001 has the arch and B&R rid too.

Greg
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

.
Jan 4, 2006
7,150
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Grip said:
However it seems many of the midsize models over the years do not have jib sheet winches back at the helm position.
Click to expand
I believe all Hunters still have all sheets lead back to the cockpit form what I can remember from recent boat shows. Very convenient.

Tally Ho said:
but the boom can be noisy if slapping back and forth.
Click to expand
Tell the owner to snug up the the main sheet to stop the boom from slapping when the main is furled :facepalm:.
 
G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
Thanks Tally Ho. Those look nice but trying to stay to the smaller end LOA of the spectrum... 27-33ish foot.

Thanks as well Ralph. Lines “lead to cockpit” doesn’t always get what I’m looking for; all sail controls area lead all the way back to the helm... so that once the sails are unfurled, I can trim the sails without disturbing the rest of the passengers in the cockpit. Unfortunately the new Marlow Hunter 31 has a really weird cockpit layout... seems wider than it is long, with the jib winches up near the front of the cockpit.
 
Hunter216

Hunter216

.
Sep 22, 2018
1,869
Hunter 216 Kingston
Grip said:
Hello friends. I’m dreaming about upgrading my older Catalina 30. Definitely want something I can control the all sheets and traveler from the helm position. Cue the Hunter arch!! However it seems many of the midsize models over the years do not have jib sheet winches back at the helm position.

The newest Marlow-Hunter 33, pre-2013 H33, and pre-2013 H31 have this layout and a really nice looking cockpit otherwise. Which other models should I be looking for, and which sail the best? I’d be happy with a smaller, easier to handle boat for short coastal cruising and daysailing.
Click to expand
Have you considered a boat that you could add winches in the locations you want?
 
G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
At this point I’m just looking for stock configuration boats. I understand you can add, and am considering relocating the winches on my current boat, but there are other factors to consider like where other stuff is mounted, width of the comings etc
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

.
Jan 4, 2006
7,150
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Grip said:
once the sails are unfurled, I can trim the sails without disturbing the rest of the passengers in the cockpit.
Click to expand
Gotta get used to controlling the pax. MOVE YOUR #%@$^& ARSESS NOW!

Better still, get the pax to control the sheets ................. very few I've met that don't want to get involved. Lots more work for you but they really enjoy it. If they're not interested, give 'em a drink and send 'em below.
 
  • Like
Likes: jon hansen
G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
Yup I get that, and I do that when its me and the fellas out. But if I want to get the family on the water, that means my wife controlling the kids and me controlling the boat.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

.
Feb 26, 2004
22,979
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
You might want to consider not being a slave behind the wheel. Having jib sheet winches next to the helm is not a limiting factor, IMHO. I run my boat from in front of the wheel.
In your case, you get to hang out with your family and help your wife control the kids. Let somebody else play skipper back there! :cool:
 
  • Like
Likes: mnmpizza and jon hansen
G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
You’re missing the point. “Babe you deal with the kids. I’be got my hands full with the sheets and my frosty beer back here”
 
Joe

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,158
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Find the boat you love and if the winches need moving.... move 'em. Take stu's advice and try steering from the side. It'll make sense and you'll be able to enjoy sailing while looking for that perfect boat.
 
  • Like
Likes: jon hansen
jon hansen

jon hansen

.
May 25, 2012
4,338
john alden caravelle 42 sturgeon bay, wis
Grip said:
You’re missing the point. “Babe you deal with the kids. I’be got my hands full with the sheets and my frosty beer back here”
Click to expand
that is the most incredible statement i've read on this forum. i've herd about you guys. don't know any. Soooooooooo in five years when the wifey and kids say they signed up for the baseball team and the dance class for the entire summer and refuse to go sailing with dad. we will know why. enjoy your time in the bleachers watching others have fun.

sailing with the family can be loads of fun. we all love doing just that. my kids all started in diapers. they still show up wanting to sail with me. i'm great taking all age kids sailing. keep em happy on long cruises. they come back for more. for kids, a boat is just a big jungle gym. they don't need to be controlled. no one likes being controlled. ever.
wife might like reading a book while sailing. get a few 2' tow boats to drag behind the vessel.

but most of all. single handed sailing is for the expert. your page says your a novice. helming, trimming, navigating, weather, safety, is way to many hats for a novice to do well. and then drinking?
dude, pick up a copy of 'the complete cruiser' by herreshoff.

you have a lot to learn besides winch placement

no one likes a captain bligh. only thinking of themselves.

that's right, i said it.
 
sailme88

sailme88

.
Jan 19, 2010
1,271
Catalina 34 Casco Bay
I guess what you need to establish is: Do I have a case of 2 footitis ? If all that you want can be done on your current boat than why move up unless a bigger boat is what you really want..
 
G

Grip

.
Dec 2, 2020
18
Catalina Catalina 30 Portland, Maine
Yah yah I get it. I don’t think my sarcasm came across in my quote. Either way I certainly didn’t come here for a parenting lesson. Last time my 5 year old was out she split her cheek open and got 5 stitches using the boat as a “jungle gym”. She still loves the boat and can’t wait to go out again.

Anyway... I understand and appreciate the collective wisdom above. Doesn’t change my opinion on ergonomics and cockpit layout for my next boat. There are dozens of boats with the layout I’m talking about including ALL of the current Hunters. I’m just asking which other models have this layout.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom