I'm interested in purchasing a Hunter 170, new or used because it's got a centerboard, is kind of beachable, can fit 4 or 5 adults for a cruise, or 1 or 2 for a sail as well. It looks well made and low maintainence. I'm not interested in racing it, and high performance fun can be had in virtually any sailboat given good conditions. I will sail in the bay of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, the latter being about 4 miles by 2 miles in size. I've got lots of experience on Hobie 16's and sunfish and an ensign 23 keelboat. Just looking for a fun family sailboat for 1-4 hours at a time. Are there any other boats (easy to come by) that I should consider before buying a 170? The Topaz Omega and the Laser stratos look nice, but I sense that they are not available in the US. Thanks for any and all opinions, Erik B
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Hunters are very low cost to maintain
I've got the 146 - opted for the smaller of the 2 for hauling reasons, (I like how very lightweight it is), sheer simplicity, and money. I know there are some fun small Capris - try searching the daysailor forum for Capri. I was on a 14' one last summer, which seemed fun to sail, though heavire, and lots more "stuff" to worry about - if you want very low ease and cost of maintenance, the Hunter 170 and 146 are tops!! Both boats ar ealso SUPER simple to rig/derig. (Especially if you replace those split rings with quick-release pins!!) Good luck - let us now what you decide.
I've got the 146 - opted for the smaller of the 2 for hauling reasons, (I like how very lightweight it is), sheer simplicity, and money. I know there are some fun small Capris - try searching the daysailor forum for Capri. I was on a 14' one last summer, which seemed fun to sail, though heavire, and lots more "stuff" to worry about - if you want very low ease and cost of maintenance, the Hunter 170 and 146 are tops!! Both boats ar ealso SUPER simple to rig/derig. (Especially if you replace those split rings with quick-release pins!!) Good luck - let us now what you decide.
E
Erik B
thanks
The bay is liquid as of one week ago. I looked at the Capri 16.5 online and that seems comparable but maybe a bit more high performance? Since my earlier post, I've found the Vanguard 17 Nomad which looks nice. I'm wondering if it's worth almost twice the price? 8' beam. Looks like a dry ride. As Hunter 170/146 owners, is there any more or less upkeep to a newer fiberglass dinghy like the Nomad or the Capri? Erik
The bay is liquid as of one week ago. I looked at the Capri 16.5 online and that seems comparable but maybe a bit more high performance? Since my earlier post, I've found the Vanguard 17 Nomad which looks nice. I'm wondering if it's worth almost twice the price? 8' beam. Looks like a dry ride. As Hunter 170/146 owners, is there any more or less upkeep to a newer fiberglass dinghy like the Nomad or the Capri? Erik
Hunter 146 easy maintenance
Owned a 1970 Rebel, the first fiberglass boat...only for one season, so can't speak to extended maintenance, but it was easy, as long as I didn't care about the small wondering crazings...kind of looked lik an antique porcelain vase! The 146 has been SO easy to maintain - cleans up very easily. I keep her in freshwater most of the season - 2x a season I just beach her and with a scrubby sponge, clean her bottom. No harsh soaps or chemicals needed. I have not had any cracks appearing, though I haven't inspected her yet after the winter storage. Hunter does not recommend storing the boat under a dark cover in the sun - some filks have gotten cracks, but luckilyy, none for me so far.
Owned a 1970 Rebel, the first fiberglass boat...only for one season, so can't speak to extended maintenance, but it was easy, as long as I didn't care about the small wondering crazings...kind of looked lik an antique porcelain vase! The 146 has been SO easy to maintain - cleans up very easily. I keep her in freshwater most of the season - 2x a season I just beach her and with a scrubby sponge, clean her bottom. No harsh soaps or chemicals needed. I have not had any cracks appearing, though I haven't inspected her yet after the winter storage. Hunter does not recommend storing the boat under a dark cover in the sun - some filks have gotten cracks, but luckilyy, none for me so far.
Not enough water!
Hey Glenn...Lake's finally thawed, but in spite of a LOT of snow to melt and help accelerate raising the level back up, but the docks aren't in yet. Plus, it still in the 20's and 30's during the day! Daffodils are afraid to appear - so even though the days are lengthening, I am NOT in the mindset to get out and ready the boat. Enough already - where is spring!!!
Hey Glenn...Lake's finally thawed, but in spite of a LOT of snow to melt and help accelerate raising the level back up, but the docks aren't in yet. Plus, it still in the 20's and 30's during the day! Daffodils are afraid to appear - so even though the days are lengthening, I am NOT in the mindset to get out and ready the boat. Enough already - where is spring!!!
H216
I went with the H216 to get a bit bigger boat. I view the H216 as the biggest Hunter model that I can set-up, launch, sail, and retreive all by myself. It does cost a bit more and is a bit heavier than the H170. Although, I can still tow it without getting a dedicated large truck. The H216 is still a day sailer, but there is small cuddy cabin that can be used for "camping-like" sleeping accomodations. I took my boat out last weekend by myself for the first time this year and used the cubby cabin for an hour nap while anchored out. It worked nice for that purpose. See link. I'm sure the H170 or H146 would be nice too. In general, the bigger the boat, the more it can handle. The smaller the boat, the easier it is to "mess with".
I went with the H216 to get a bit bigger boat. I view the H216 as the biggest Hunter model that I can set-up, launch, sail, and retreive all by myself. It does cost a bit more and is a bit heavier than the H170. Although, I can still tow it without getting a dedicated large truck. The H216 is still a day sailer, but there is small cuddy cabin that can be used for "camping-like" sleeping accomodations. I took my boat out last weekend by myself for the first time this year and used the cubby cabin for an hour nap while anchored out. It worked nice for that purpose. See link. I'm sure the H170 or H146 would be nice too. In general, the bigger the boat, the more it can handle. The smaller the boat, the easier it is to "mess with".
E
Edmonds
A few other options
We owned a 216; my only concern is the centerboard contraption for raising and lowering the centerboard. You might find life with the 170 more congenial in that regard. You might consider a West Wight Potter or a small Compac - they might suit your family sailing needs while still staying small. As with the 216, they have cuddy cabins. Some sort of cuddy cabin is really useful for a family - you can put a sleepy kid in there, get someone out of the sun, or stow a portapotty or bucket with a bag in it in case someone needs to go. On our 216, the cuddy cabin was crucial for naps and potty time. http://www.westwightpotter.com/ http://www.com-pacyachts.com/com-pacsuncat.php
We owned a 216; my only concern is the centerboard contraption for raising and lowering the centerboard. You might find life with the 170 more congenial in that regard. You might consider a West Wight Potter or a small Compac - they might suit your family sailing needs while still staying small. As with the 216, they have cuddy cabins. Some sort of cuddy cabin is really useful for a family - you can put a sleepy kid in there, get someone out of the sun, or stow a portapotty or bucket with a bag in it in case someone needs to go. On our 216, the cuddy cabin was crucial for naps and potty time. http://www.westwightpotter.com/ http://www.com-pacyachts.com/com-pacsuncat.php
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