The current thread about buying boats has given me the bug. Here's my predicament. I'm currently a Hunter 26 owner, and have had my boat for several years now. Bought it with 3 kids (5, 3, & 1), now up to 4 (10, 8, 6 & 4). Sailing is a family thing, and we are still able to do long weekends on the 26 without killing each other, but those darn kids keep growing and taking up more space. I've considered, off and on, about moving up to a bigger boat, but to be honest, money is a serious consideration. I've seen a few listings for Hunter 54's recently, at prices close to much newer boats 20 feet shorter. I figure if I'm going to move up, why not do so with gusto! I guess what I'm posting here for is to get some feedback on a stack of questions: I'm crazy to consider a 21-23 year old boat? Is it even possible to get long-term financing on an older boat? Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, relative to the Hunter 54? Should I just get something in the 29-31 foot range, and likely look at moving up again in a few years? As a frequent lurker here on the site, I appreciate the insight and knowledge of those that post here, so thank you in advance for your input. Tom
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The 54
We need some current or prior 54 owners to weigh in here, but the 54 ins't really what you'd expect to see from Hunter. It was designed to be an ocean-crossing, go-fast boat as opposed to the modern family cruisers we think of now. It's got a relatively small beam so it doesn't have the volume you'd expect. I also expect it's something of a handful to sail, at least, compared to the Legends and the arch generation. Also consider the cost of moorage (and how tough it can be to even find weekend dock space for 54' of boat), bottom paint, huge winches, huge sails, long runs of cordage, etc. Those boats are not cheap to maintain. If you want to swing out there and save some bucks, get a 37-cutter (great boat), a Vision 36, maybe a 40. I think you'll be a lot happier in the long run. Fun to think about a 54-footer, though...
We need some current or prior 54 owners to weigh in here, but the 54 ins't really what you'd expect to see from Hunter. It was designed to be an ocean-crossing, go-fast boat as opposed to the modern family cruisers we think of now. It's got a relatively small beam so it doesn't have the volume you'd expect. I also expect it's something of a handful to sail, at least, compared to the Legends and the arch generation. Also consider the cost of moorage (and how tough it can be to even find weekend dock space for 54' of boat), bottom paint, huge winches, huge sails, long runs of cordage, etc. Those boats are not cheap to maintain. If you want to swing out there and save some bucks, get a 37-cutter (great boat), a Vision 36, maybe a 40. I think you'll be a lot happier in the long run. Fun to think about a 54-footer, though...
Older boats
I've got a 1981 Hunter. Its in real good shape and made better than some of the new stuff out there. Sure older boats that have not been taken care of can be a money drain, but not everybody treats their boat like its something to use and throw away. There are a lot of good older boats out there. It just takes some care when looking.
I've got a 1981 Hunter. Its in real good shape and made better than some of the new stuff out there. Sure older boats that have not been taken care of can be a money drain, but not everybody treats their boat like its something to use and throw away. There are a lot of good older boats out there. It just takes some care when looking.
trying to move my 31 fast
I have a 1984 Hunter 31 that sleeps 7 and I'm trying to move it fast. Don't want two boat payments. If interested I can be contacted at artfuldodgers@comcast.net
I have a 1984 Hunter 31 that sleeps 7 and I'm trying to move it fast. Don't want two boat payments. If interested I can be contacted at artfuldodgers@comcast.net
I've Got a slip mate who is going to sellin his 54
If Interested email at jseam "at" speakeasy.net Jim S/V Java
If Interested email at jseam "at" speakeasy.net Jim S/V Java
Something To Consider
I usually avoid suggesting what boat someone else should buy. It is a little like trying to pick out a wife for your best friend.....he won't be for long. At the risk of the afore mentioned, one of the best bargins in the boating world are the Hunter 34's. They will sleep 7 and they can be had for around thirty thousand. They are a significant step up from the smaller boats, sail reasonably well, are fairly easy to find dockage for, and if well maintained, sell for about what you bought them for in the first place. I sold mine last spring (went to a Passage 42) and I am still wondering if I made the right decision. I really like the bigger boat but it sure does come with a whole new level of expense.
I usually avoid suggesting what boat someone else should buy. It is a little like trying to pick out a wife for your best friend.....he won't be for long. At the risk of the afore mentioned, one of the best bargins in the boating world are the Hunter 34's. They will sleep 7 and they can be had for around thirty thousand. They are a significant step up from the smaller boats, sail reasonably well, are fairly easy to find dockage for, and if well maintained, sell for about what you bought them for in the first place. I sold mine last spring (went to a Passage 42) and I am still wondering if I made the right decision. I really like the bigger boat but it sure does come with a whole new level of expense.
I Love Mine (Hunter 54)
Hi Tom, Enclosed are some of the best features that I love about my Hunter 54. 1) It's Built light but like a tank. It has an aluminum-triangulated mast support structure that would hold up the world, it's that strong. 2) It has a fiberglass ladder hull stringer system. This allows the boat to be both light and very strong, it only weighs 20,000 lbs, 8500 of that is the lead keel. 3) The arc of the boom is just in front of the main companionway. This is a huge safety feature as the cockpit and companionway is clear of a *yks swinging boom. 4) The water tankage is 150 gals, diesel 70gals. Not great but not bad. 5) Since there is a sail locker forward, the V-berth is huge, *pop King size. 6) Forward there is a separate shower and head. 7) Aft is another head, that we are converting into an office. 8) Has a dingy garage that we plan of storing either our dingy in or a bunch of scuba tanks. 9) The sail area isn't that big. The mainsail is only 367 sq ft. So "Huge winches" aren't needed. 10)*pop The engine housing can be lifted off giving full access to the engine on three sides with an access port of the remaining back wall. 11) Since the hunter 54's were built +20 years ago the asking price has come down since it is harder to finance a +20 year old boat than a <20 year old boat.
Hi Tom, Enclosed are some of the best features that I love about my Hunter 54. 1) It's Built light but like a tank. It has an aluminum-triangulated mast support structure that would hold up the world, it's that strong. 2) It has a fiberglass ladder hull stringer system. This allows the boat to be both light and very strong, it only weighs 20,000 lbs, 8500 of that is the lead keel. 3) The arc of the boom is just in front of the main companionway. This is a huge safety feature as the cockpit and companionway is clear of a *yks swinging boom. 4) The water tankage is 150 gals, diesel 70gals. Not great but not bad. 5) Since there is a sail locker forward, the V-berth is huge, *pop King size. 6) Forward there is a separate shower and head. 7) Aft is another head, that we are converting into an office. 8) Has a dingy garage that we plan of storing either our dingy in or a bunch of scuba tanks. 9) The sail area isn't that big. The mainsail is only 367 sq ft. So "Huge winches" aren't needed. 10)*pop The engine housing can be lifted off giving full access to the engine on three sides with an access port of the remaining back wall. 11) Since the hunter 54's were built +20 years ago the asking price has come down since it is harder to finance a +20 year old boat than a <20 year old boat.
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