Buy new or old....?

[Tony Murray]

I am a proud owner of a 78 Hunter 25. This boat is incredibly solid (Hull and Deck). She is very stable in bay sailing. You hear all the time, "they don't make them the way they use too". Which is true (thickness and strenth of fiberglass...really integrity of the whole boat) But now the time has come and I want to pilot a bigger and more roomy vessel. Hunter models 31, 33 and 34 seem to grab me. I especially like their hull and stern lines (the more traditional look). I like the graceful lines of the cabin top too. Do the newer models match up to these as for structual integrity? I know there are trade offs but I'm not real fond of the newer designs...though I think the interior layouts are nice. thanks for any advise.

 

[Jim]

to each his own

I have an 1985 H31 and love it, it does have issues, mast compression post problem. But I love the boat. check out the link below for some help at comparing boats.

 

[David Foster]

Newer boats are less overbuilt

As designers learned more about fiberglass, they lowered cost and increased performance by reducing the thickness of lay-up, the grid, and the number of keel attachment points.I am not aware that any of these changes reduced the quality or safety of the hulls. They are just less "overbuilt." Newer boats also carry more width aft (for more room inside, and more initial stability, and have lots more systems, adding to convenience, features, and maintenance. (There are _no_ electric pumps on our '77 h27.)Older boats have simpler systems, more seakindly rides, and a more classic look.We have sailed modern Hunters and Catalinas on charter, and visit the shows each year to get an idea of what's new. I have not seen or heard anything (other than occasional defects that manufacturers quickly correct) that threatens the structural integrity of the newer models.But I still recommend that you find a look at, explore, and try out (that is sail) any boat that interests you and fits your (realistic) intended use. When you find one you like, make an offer, including a contingency for the survey. Really work the references of the surveyor - their role is critical. Then enjoy your boat!All boats are trade-offs, but there don't seem to be any consistent lemons in the boats on this family of sites.Good luck and enjoy the looking!DavidLady Lillie

 

[Pops Landing]

I don't own the same boat.

I own a 1975 Hunter 25. I have no head room, and I have no opening ports. My companionway is dificult and awkward, there is no easy access if I fall off. I love this boat. The old ones were built "good". You are lucky to have one of the "new" ones. The 75 was built for offshore racing, go figure.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Older vs. newer.

We love the fact that our H37C has the classic lines and can go offshore. But as "older" sailors there are tradeoffs. We would really like a large aft cabin and a walk-through transom. Climbing in/out of the dinghy and v-berth is only going to get harder.If we did not have offshore plans(and had money) then the Legend series would be high on my list, 28.5 up through the 37.5.

 

[Mike]

My choice between a 1978 and a 2002

Before I bought my H 306 a year and a half ago, I sailed a Pearson 35, 1978 model. Leading up the the purchase of the Hunter I asked the same question: new or old. These two boats make a good basis for comparison. The Pearson was a heavy, solid and seaworthy boat and the Hunter much lighter, yet just as seaworthy and as solid. I've taken both offshore and in all kinds of seas and except for the effect of weight on the ride, the new Hunter never flexed or groaned or even complained in pounding waves. The 306 sailed more easily and behaved well in 22 kts of wind without any reefing or headsail reduction. Here's where the technology of new comes to the rescue. I wouldn't have done it any other way, now looking back at it. New means I am focused on sailing, not fixing.