Can any one help me

[David Frick]

I am looking at a Hunter 46-2000 build, and now everyone is an expert, and they are putting the wind up me.
1- The rudder is poorly made and breaks?? is that why there is an emergency rudder on board.?
2- They are porly made, not strong, and liable for osmosis.?
3- No backstays- Do I need them, and if i do, can they be added.
4- Not a blue water boat?- who wants to go out in 40knots?, not me, I will spill my beer, but i do want to go to Pacific and tasmania from South Australia.
This boat was not a charter boat, and has come across to Australia from USA. Looks a credit to her current owners, but as i said, some people (who say they know) are getting to me. HELP

 

[Steve Dion]

I believe that Mike Harker had one of these prior to his newest Hunter. Maybe you can ask him about any shortcommings.

http://www.sail-world.com/USA/index.cfm?SEID=0&Nid=36287&SRCID=0&ntid=0&tickeruid=0&tickerCID=0

 

[David in Sandusky]

Read the 18 reviews of this model on this site.

I think the rudder is made by the same outfit that makes most of the rudders in the US. A modern, balanced, high aspect rudder without a big skeg is more exposed to stuff in the water, but this is the preferred design on many boats today.

Check the archives on this site, but I don't remember any reports of osmosis or blisters from this vintage of Hunters. Inspection and a survey should show you how well your prospect is built.

B&R rig (no backstays) is engineered stronger than rigs with a backstay. There has been no evidence to the contrary on this site.

Lot's of Hunters over 40 feet (and some under) have sailed the Pacific islands. Check the threads and photo essays on Henk Meuzelaar's Hunter 42.

I'd argue the arch is clearly the best solution to the mainsheet/boom problem.

All IMHO.