My wife and I are hunting (no pun on words) for a boat to do a circumnavigation over the next three years. I am 6'6" so our boat options are very limited. The 420 offers a wonderful amount of interior space and would seem ideal for a live aboard situation. In our search we hear a lot of Hunter bashing such as I wouldn’t go off shore in a Hunter, their boats are built for hobbyists, the keel fell off of one going around Cape Hope, the windows leak, they are not sea worthy. We are looking at a boat in the 1993 -94 range but also considering a new 420. I would appreciate any comments on the seaworthiness of the 420 and any actual experience with a 420 on a voyage - positive or negative. Thank you Scott C
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The P42 can be readied; what about the skipper?
The short answer is: Q1: can the Passage 42 (there were no 420s before 98) do it? A1: absolutely (properly prepared and avoiding higher latitudes) Q2: are skipper and crew ready to do it? A2: .........(if you answer is "yes" you should have skipped Q1) No, I have not circumnavigated nor do I have a P42. However, my Legend 43 has the same hull, has sailed over 30,000 offshore miles without mishap and was on her way to circumnavigate when my wife and I found something even more interesting to spend our time on. So, FWIW here is my long answer: This interesting topic comes up with great regularity, though with slight modifications. So, if it were my money, my adventure, my comfort and my safety I would not take any potluck responses you might happen to get here today (including mine) as definitive but carefully search the archives, not only the HOW but also the usenet archives (particularly rec.boats.cruising). At the end of this wonderful exercise you may well come to the conclusion that there are basically 2 types of more or less affordable bluewater cruising boats: those that take care of you (while probably boring you to death) and those that want you to take care of them (while probably providing a lot of fun and excitement in return). Which category does the P42 belong to? If you do have to ask: keep studying! Flying Dutchman PS If you were to ask the same question about the P420, instead of the P42, my answer would be a little more reserved since it will take quite a bit more preparation to get a P420 to the same level of offshore readiness. HM
The short answer is: Q1: can the Passage 42 (there were no 420s before 98) do it? A1: absolutely (properly prepared and avoiding higher latitudes) Q2: are skipper and crew ready to do it? A2: .........(if you answer is "yes" you should have skipped Q1) No, I have not circumnavigated nor do I have a P42. However, my Legend 43 has the same hull, has sailed over 30,000 offshore miles without mishap and was on her way to circumnavigate when my wife and I found something even more interesting to spend our time on. So, FWIW here is my long answer: This interesting topic comes up with great regularity, though with slight modifications. So, if it were my money, my adventure, my comfort and my safety I would not take any potluck responses you might happen to get here today (including mine) as definitive but carefully search the archives, not only the HOW but also the usenet archives (particularly rec.boats.cruising). At the end of this wonderful exercise you may well come to the conclusion that there are basically 2 types of more or less affordable bluewater cruising boats: those that take care of you (while probably boring you to death) and those that want you to take care of them (while probably providing a lot of fun and excitement in return). Which category does the P42 belong to? If you do have to ask: keep studying! Flying Dutchman PS If you were to ask the same question about the P420, instead of the P42, my answer would be a little more reserved since it will take quite a bit more preparation to get a P420 to the same level of offshore readiness. HM
Hunter Offshore
I own a Passage 450 and also have considerable sailing experience but would not feel totally comfortable on my boat in a long offshore passage. A passage to the caribean is no problem it is the pacific seas I would be concerned about. I consider the larger Hunter Boats well built and an excellent value. As far as blue water sailing and a long offshore voyage you need to evaluate the various non-dimensional numbers (the ratios D/L, SA/D Beam/LWL Comfort ratio etc.) as compared to other blue water boats to see how the 420 fits in. I would also recommend various upgrades such as deck hatch replacement and the addition of various systems that would be required. Good Luck Len Fagan Tale Winds
I own a Passage 450 and also have considerable sailing experience but would not feel totally comfortable on my boat in a long offshore passage. A passage to the caribean is no problem it is the pacific seas I would be concerned about. I consider the larger Hunter Boats well built and an excellent value. As far as blue water sailing and a long offshore voyage you need to evaluate the various non-dimensional numbers (the ratios D/L, SA/D Beam/LWL Comfort ratio etc.) as compared to other blue water boats to see how the 420 fits in. I would also recommend various upgrades such as deck hatch replacement and the addition of various systems that would be required. Good Luck Len Fagan Tale Winds
Looking at it right now
Because I may be out of work soon we are looking at doing the same thing ourselfs. We already liveaboard our (91) Hunter 42. I have made a list of things I would like to do before going offshore. Also any other boat we got unless it has just gotten back from a offshore trip we would do most of the same things for another boat. Yes there are better boats to do the trip in but we really like our 42. Don't think I could talk the wife into gettting a smaller boat. Since I will have this free time I plan on doing some offshore passages before going just to make sure I am up to the trip.
Because I may be out of work soon we are looking at doing the same thing ourselfs. We already liveaboard our (91) Hunter 42. I have made a list of things I would like to do before going offshore. Also any other boat we got unless it has just gotten back from a offshore trip we would do most of the same things for another boat. Yes there are better boats to do the trip in but we really like our 42. Don't think I could talk the wife into gettting a smaller boat. Since I will have this free time I plan on doing some offshore passages before going just to make sure I am up to the trip.
Look Around
If you look closely at what you want ot do, I would suggest that your choice of boat may not be approproiate. This is not, IMO, a quality or construction issue but more of a layout, comfort "at sea" issue. HUnters do have great interiors but the design is geared toward people that want more comfortable quarters on day or short cruises. I agree with an earlier poster who emphasized getting a boat prepared for such a journey. If Hunter were to build a true "bluewater cruiser" I would buy one in a flash but the cost would be prohibitive and a loss leader for the company. When you think about it, they use very common parts to the most expensive builders. They need to produce a viable product for their market niche.
If you look closely at what you want ot do, I would suggest that your choice of boat may not be approproiate. This is not, IMO, a quality or construction issue but more of a layout, comfort "at sea" issue. HUnters do have great interiors but the design is geared toward people that want more comfortable quarters on day or short cruises. I agree with an earlier poster who emphasized getting a boat prepared for such a journey. If Hunter were to build a true "bluewater cruiser" I would buy one in a flash but the cost would be prohibitive and a loss leader for the company. When you think about it, they use very common parts to the most expensive builders. They need to produce a viable product for their market niche.
Circumnavigating a H420
I have a 2001 H-420... just took it to Fla. (from Norfolk)... offshore about 1/2 of the trip, in some moderatly heavy conditions (20-25kt NE winds, 6' seas). Nothing too bad, as offshore conditions go, ... the boat did just fine. But, this was just overnight coastal cruising....... As far as circumnavigating... well... as was stated earlier, I would have no reluctance to take my boat to the Caribbean (and intend to do so next Fall; the Fla trip is a "shakedown" cruise). And properly equipped, and staying between 25N
I have a 2001 H-420... just took it to Fla. (from Norfolk)... offshore about 1/2 of the trip, in some moderatly heavy conditions (20-25kt NE winds, 6' seas). Nothing too bad, as offshore conditions go, ... the boat did just fine. But, this was just overnight coastal cruising....... As far as circumnavigating... well... as was stated earlier, I would have no reluctance to take my boat to the Caribbean (and intend to do so next Fall; the Fla trip is a "shakedown" cruise). And properly equipped, and staying between 25N
420
Scott, tend to agree with the previous posts. We have a 410, which is the same hull as the 420. We got caught in a squall off the coast of New England this summer and had winds in excess of 70 knots. Seeing the lower spreader 6-7 feet off the water isn't my idea of a leisurely day sail. I've been boating for over 35 years and sailing for 15 and I'll tell you the boat did better than my wife and myself did. We've also sailed in 8-10 foot seas and again the boat handles it well. The 420 and 410 fall in the category of a light cruiser, so although they're well built boats I don't think I'd do any curcumnavigation in any type of light cruiser. Call me conservative, but lifes too short. You should also be aware that Hunter's largest off shore dealer is in S. Africa, and the Cape Horn sailing conditions are notorious, so they're obviously capable of blue water cruising. Guess I'd also seriously question my motives if I was in your position. With the current political climate, I'm not sure I want to venture outside of the legal jurisdiction of the good ole US of A. Good luck in yur investigations. Bryce H410 S/V Spellbinder
Scott, tend to agree with the previous posts. We have a 410, which is the same hull as the 420. We got caught in a squall off the coast of New England this summer and had winds in excess of 70 knots. Seeing the lower spreader 6-7 feet off the water isn't my idea of a leisurely day sail. I've been boating for over 35 years and sailing for 15 and I'll tell you the boat did better than my wife and myself did. We've also sailed in 8-10 foot seas and again the boat handles it well. The 420 and 410 fall in the category of a light cruiser, so although they're well built boats I don't think I'd do any curcumnavigation in any type of light cruiser. Call me conservative, but lifes too short. You should also be aware that Hunter's largest off shore dealer is in S. Africa, and the Cape Horn sailing conditions are notorious, so they're obviously capable of blue water cruising. Guess I'd also seriously question my motives if I was in your position. With the current political climate, I'm not sure I want to venture outside of the legal jurisdiction of the good ole US of A. Good luck in yur investigations. Bryce H410 S/V Spellbinder
On second thought......
after reading all the excellent but clearly more cautious advice some of the HOW regulars have been giving you here my answer should probably have been: as long as you do have to ask this particular question, don't take the P42 but get one of those vessels "that can take care of you" instead. Compare this, if you will, to the age-old adage that says: when you THINK it is time to reef, it probably IS...." After a handful of years with your heavy bluewater boat you will either be sitting in the harbor, be cruising happily or be cruising while bored stiff with the sailing performance of your vessel. In the last case you may decide to jump ship to a light cruiser (Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, Jeanneau, etc) in order to have a bit more fun. Now, if you do happen to have 600 k$ (and up) to spend, you can have it all right off the bat; i.e. a bluewater cruiser that can take care of you AND is a lot of fun to sail (e.g. a used Deerfoot......!). See yah out there someday; Flying Dutchman
after reading all the excellent but clearly more cautious advice some of the HOW regulars have been giving you here my answer should probably have been: as long as you do have to ask this particular question, don't take the P42 but get one of those vessels "that can take care of you" instead. Compare this, if you will, to the age-old adage that says: when you THINK it is time to reef, it probably IS...." After a handful of years with your heavy bluewater boat you will either be sitting in the harbor, be cruising happily or be cruising while bored stiff with the sailing performance of your vessel. In the last case you may decide to jump ship to a light cruiser (Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, Jeanneau, etc) in order to have a bit more fun. Now, if you do happen to have 600 k$ (and up) to spend, you can have it all right off the bat; i.e. a bluewater cruiser that can take care of you AND is a lot of fun to sail (e.g. a used Deerfoot......!). See yah out there someday; Flying Dutchman
HUNTER 420
I WAS INVOLVED IN A STORY LAST WEEK. IF YOU WERE TO BUY A 420,MAKE SURE IT IS A CENTER COCKPIT FOR COMFORT. ALSO PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN DISCUSS A 1999 450 WITH YOU OR CHECK THE BOATS FOR SALE. PH I HOPE THIS IS OK
I WAS INVOLVED IN A STORY LAST WEEK. IF YOU WERE TO BUY A 420,MAKE SURE IT IS A CENTER COCKPIT FOR COMFORT. ALSO PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN DISCUSS A 1999 450 WITH YOU OR CHECK THE BOATS FOR SALE. PH I HOPE THIS IS OK
Email Address
Thank you for the response to my in quiry. I am not hearing much Hunter bashing - guess those guys didn't buy a Hunter. Serioulsy, I meant to leave my email address. It is sbc916@aol.com.
Thank you for the response to my in quiry. I am not hearing much Hunter bashing - guess those guys didn't buy a Hunter. Serioulsy, I meant to leave my email address. It is sbc916@aol.com.
What's better then, Henk?
Thanks for the all the great hypothesis' and especially thanks to Henk for taking the time away from mixing Fiji Colada's...all very informative. Although some will say that the sun has gotten to Henk - he seems to be a pillar of rhetoric and contemplation...my long lost brother...no doubt! Just one question for Henk: Since you're there and we're here...it makes sense to ask you - now that you are there - (there being where we all want to be) - what is the best way of getting there. Is it a giant Cat that you allude to in your first post. Please reveal. After crunching all the numbers - Cats are making a lot of Blue water sense! The FP's and Catana's. Is the P42 what I think it is(Prout)? And further to being there: Will you come back Henk? Not to be overly existentialistic - is paradise really paradise? Jason ps: I want to make the right choice too! And ofcourse, I will be ready!
Thanks for the all the great hypothesis' and especially thanks to Henk for taking the time away from mixing Fiji Colada's...all very informative. Although some will say that the sun has gotten to Henk - he seems to be a pillar of rhetoric and contemplation...my long lost brother...no doubt! Just one question for Henk: Since you're there and we're here...it makes sense to ask you - now that you are there - (there being where we all want to be) - what is the best way of getting there. Is it a giant Cat that you allude to in your first post. Please reveal. After crunching all the numbers - Cats are making a lot of Blue water sense! The FP's and Catana's. Is the P42 what I think it is(Prout)? And further to being there: Will you come back Henk? Not to be overly existentialistic - is paradise really paradise? Jason ps: I want to make the right choice too! And ofcourse, I will be ready!
What catamaran, Jason?
Jason, I'm afraid you lost me with the "giant catamaran" story. I sure did not bring that one up; at least not in the context of your circumnavigation question. Until you do get to the point where you need to become a bit more focused it will be difficult to provide you with additional useful input. Flying Dutchman BTW: Vuda Point or Port Vila are just Rivendel's new home ports. Until the wet season there ends next May, Nelleke and I are in the US Rocky Mountains. HM
Jason, I'm afraid you lost me with the "giant catamaran" story. I sure did not bring that one up; at least not in the context of your circumnavigation question. Until you do get to the point where you need to become a bit more focused it will be difficult to provide you with additional useful input. Flying Dutchman BTW: Vuda Point or Port Vila are just Rivendel's new home ports. Until the wet season there ends next May, Nelleke and I are in the US Rocky Mountains. HM
Island Packet ?
Island Packet Ihave owned Hunter boats (2) for a total os 10 years and love them. Caribbean and maybe the Atlatic the would be great. But for a really long voyage with minimal crew i would look fof a full keel boat that carries more weight. Think it would be comforta ble when the going really got tough.
Island Packet Ihave owned Hunter boats (2) for a total os 10 years and love them. Caribbean and maybe the Atlatic the would be great. But for a really long voyage with minimal crew i would look fof a full keel boat that carries more weight. Think it would be comforta ble when the going really got tough.
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