We are considering the purchase of a 1993 42' Center Cockpit for bluewater cruising. I get a lot of input from people to purchase a more exspensive boat (stronger was the term that comes up), but I cannot find a reason through my personl inspections of these boats not to purchase a Hunter to do this. I an interested in hearing from people that have been offshore, or have traveled to the South Pacific from the West Coast in a Hunter and have expreianced foul weather. Hunter is in no question a great value, but am I thinking wrong in what the boat is desinged, or capable of?
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Hi Bill, two years ago I was where you are ...
today. After going through the same process we bought a 1991 P42 and have been very happy ever since. I've learned a great deal about our boat and can offer lots of tips and advice on its systems. The archives contain several articles about the P42 sailing in blue waters. There are a number of skippers who can relate their experiences; I got lots of positive comments. We have no regrets about our purchase and to whether she is blue water capable, I say yes, but others may say no. I think if you were to ask Hunter they would say she is capable, but not equipped. IMHO just a few things to consider specific to the P42 (keep in mind I've never been ouside protected waters in this boat): 1. Redesign and replace the shrouds, some of the swage fittings sit proud. Hunter says no failures that they know of. 2. Add a manual bilge pump. 3. Add an inner stay for heavy weather sails. 4. Tankage is adequate, others may disagree. 5. Add a wind vane. 6. Rig a berth for heavy weather. These are things I would add/change to our boat if/when we decide to head out for blue water. Terry S/V Belle-Vie
today. After going through the same process we bought a 1991 P42 and have been very happy ever since. I've learned a great deal about our boat and can offer lots of tips and advice on its systems. The archives contain several articles about the P42 sailing in blue waters. There are a number of skippers who can relate their experiences; I got lots of positive comments. We have no regrets about our purchase and to whether she is blue water capable, I say yes, but others may say no. I think if you were to ask Hunter they would say she is capable, but not equipped. IMHO just a few things to consider specific to the P42 (keep in mind I've never been ouside protected waters in this boat): 1. Redesign and replace the shrouds, some of the swage fittings sit proud. Hunter says no failures that they know of. 2. Add a manual bilge pump. 3. Add an inner stay for heavy weather sails. 4. Tankage is adequate, others may disagree. 5. Add a wind vane. 6. Rig a berth for heavy weather. These are things I would add/change to our boat if/when we decide to head out for blue water. Terry S/V Belle-Vie
Ask Henk Meuzelaar
He has sailed a 40+ foot Hunter is the South Pacific for years, and I think he is in the member's directory. We have a number of member in this class. As far as I know, the design hull, and rig of the modern 40+ Hunters is all you will need. There is an excellent recent post (search the archives under "blue water") describing a range of small improvements to ready a boat for extended blue water cruising. Most of them have to do with safety systems, keeping the water out, storage, autopilot/windvane, and electical/electronic systems. David Lady Lillie
He has sailed a 40+ foot Hunter is the South Pacific for years, and I think he is in the member's directory. We have a number of member in this class. As far as I know, the design hull, and rig of the modern 40+ Hunters is all you will need. There is an excellent recent post (search the archives under "blue water") describing a range of small improvements to ready a boat for extended blue water cruising. Most of them have to do with safety systems, keeping the water out, storage, autopilot/windvane, and electical/electronic systems. David Lady Lillie
What I Am Going To Do
I have no doubt that the P42 is capable of going offshore. The hull is extremely strong. Pull up the boards at the bottom of the companionway and look at the two main stringers that pass fore and aft. There is no noticable hull flex under full sail with 20 knots of wind. The only upgrade I want to do is to put a support grid under the large "windshield" at the front of the saloon. It holds me up when I walk on it (200#+) but I would want to strengthen it's support. You will like the boat!
I have no doubt that the P42 is capable of going offshore. The hull is extremely strong. Pull up the boards at the bottom of the companionway and look at the two main stringers that pass fore and aft. There is no noticable hull flex under full sail with 20 knots of wind. The only upgrade I want to do is to put a support grid under the large "windshield" at the front of the saloon. It holds me up when I walk on it (200#+) but I would want to strengthen it's support. You will like the boat!
Some relevant HOW archive links
Appreciate David's reference but am horribly tied down for the next 2 weeks or so. However, there are several relevant discussions in the HOW archives on exactly this topic (see the link). Also, Paul Cossman has hands-on experience with the P42 in the South Pacific (whereas we sail a 91 Legend 43 with the same hull as the P42 but aft cockpit configuration). My 5-minute advice: - the Channel Island coast is a great practice ground for the Pacific and becoming a capable coastal cruiser with a properly prepared boat for overnight passages to the various islands (San Miguel was our hands-down favorite) will get you 90 % ready for the South Pacific. - a few items need reinforcement (see the old discussions) but, most of all, you will need to make every critical on-board system or function REDUNDANT - finally, you need to get into the habit of replacing at least one major system every year. A good start might be to replace the standing rigging asap, and so on. Good Luck! Flying Dutchman
Appreciate David's reference but am horribly tied down for the next 2 weeks or so. However, there are several relevant discussions in the HOW archives on exactly this topic (see the link). Also, Paul Cossman has hands-on experience with the P42 in the South Pacific (whereas we sail a 91 Legend 43 with the same hull as the P42 but aft cockpit configuration). My 5-minute advice: - the Channel Island coast is a great practice ground for the Pacific and becoming a capable coastal cruiser with a properly prepared boat for overnight passages to the various islands (San Miguel was our hands-down favorite) will get you 90 % ready for the South Pacific. - a few items need reinforcement (see the old discussions) but, most of all, you will need to make every critical on-board system or function REDUNDANT - finally, you need to get into the habit of replacing at least one major system every year. A good start might be to replace the standing rigging asap, and so on. Good Luck! Flying Dutchman
If you decide to replace your standing rigging...
that Henk suggests be sure to have it redesigned. As I mentioned in my earlier post the P42 standing rigging has a design flaw (our rigger's opinion). Have your rigger take a close look at the shroud swage fittings. They will see that the shroud pin prevents the fitting from aligning with the stranded cable. This causes a slight pinch where the cable exits the fitting and over time can result in fatigue and may fail under load. Hunter told me they are not aware of any P42 rigging failures. So, to do it right would require some sort of swivel shackle connecting the swage fitting to the shroud pin. We plan to replace ours at some point in the future. For now it is suitable for the Puget Sound cruising grounds. Terry
that Henk suggests be sure to have it redesigned. As I mentioned in my earlier post the P42 standing rigging has a design flaw (our rigger's opinion). Have your rigger take a close look at the shroud swage fittings. They will see that the shroud pin prevents the fitting from aligning with the stranded cable. This causes a slight pinch where the cable exits the fitting and over time can result in fatigue and may fail under load. Hunter told me they are not aware of any P42 rigging failures. So, to do it right would require some sort of swivel shackle connecting the swage fitting to the shroud pin. We plan to replace ours at some point in the future. For now it is suitable for the Puget Sound cruising grounds. Terry
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