Hi Everyone, I have a 2002 Hunter 356 with regular full mainsail. We used to be quite keen racers but in recent years have found ourselves really enjoying the cruising life. We are now kicking ourselves for not buying the in-mast furling option when we bought the boat and are now looking at options to convert our regular rig to in-mast and still participate in the odd club race. It seems we have 4 options: 1) buy a whole new in-mast rig from Seldon, 2) try to locate someone or a dealer that has a in-mast rig they would like to swap or sell, 3) install a in-mast retrofit "add-on" to our existing mast, or 4) buy a new boat. Option 1) is quite expensive and option 4) is even more expensive. Does anyone know where I might find or look for a used or spare in-mast rig? Does anyone have any experience with converting their regular rig with a retrofit add-on kit? My concern with the retrofit add-on option is that I lose at least 6" of sail area at the luff and I'm concerned about accomodating the mast bend we have with our B&R rig.
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Another option...in boom rolling system.
They are expensive, not perfect...but may be cheaper then buying a new mast. abe
They are expensive, not perfect...but may be cheaper then buying a new mast. abe
I went the new boat
I also looked into adding in-mast to my boat but all the options was a lot of $$$$. You will need to search around for some one that wants to trade which I once listen to some one complain about in-mast and wish that they had battens. Or try calling hunter or a lot of dealers or some one who had the boat damaged and the in-mast is still good,you never know unless you try searching around. It was a good excuse for me to order a new 36 with in-mast and the wife added all the options,good luck hope you find something good.
I also looked into adding in-mast to my boat but all the options was a lot of $$$$. You will need to search around for some one that wants to trade which I once listen to some one complain about in-mast and wish that they had battens. Or try calling hunter or a lot of dealers or some one who had the boat damaged and the in-mast is still good,you never know unless you try searching around. It was a good excuse for me to order a new 36 with in-mast and the wife added all the options,good luck hope you find something good.
sell/trade for one with in mast
You don't have to buy a NEW boat but there are several late model 356's in Yachworld available. Just sell yours or trade it in on a late model 356 with in mast.
You don't have to buy a NEW boat but there are several late model 356's in Yachworld available. Just sell yours or trade it in on a late model 356 with in mast.
Selden add-on
good luck with your search, John. I think Selden has discontinued the add-on system but you might find a dealer who still has one.
good luck with your search, John. I think Selden has discontinued the add-on system but you might find a dealer who still has one.
Don't forget to add
the cost of a new sail or the cost of getting yours modified. Just something else to put in the mix.
the cost of a new sail or the cost of getting yours modified. Just something else to put in the mix.
Best option is to look for a replacement boat
Jim, We had an in-mast rig on our 410. After about three years with the OEM sail suit, I switched and bought a complete set of UK's with a large roach vertical batten main and 125% genoa. I found that it greatly improved racing performance, however, she still was a great cruiser. It in-mast is much easier to use. Having said this, I think if you try to replace the mast, you're going to spend so much more money with shipping, rigging, sails, lines, haul out, re-installing electronics and commissioning, etc. that you would be better off looking for a replacement boat with the in-mast rig. Now is a definite buyers market. I know, 'cause it took me 418 days to sell our 410. Look for a Hunter dealer who will take your boat in trade so you don't have to hassle with the selling process. John Richard
Jim, We had an in-mast rig on our 410. After about three years with the OEM sail suit, I switched and bought a complete set of UK's with a large roach vertical batten main and 125% genoa. I found that it greatly improved racing performance, however, she still was a great cruiser. It in-mast is much easier to use. Having said this, I think if you try to replace the mast, you're going to spend so much more money with shipping, rigging, sails, lines, haul out, re-installing electronics and commissioning, etc. that you would be better off looking for a replacement boat with the in-mast rig. Now is a definite buyers market. I know, 'cause it took me 418 days to sell our 410. Look for a Hunter dealer who will take your boat in trade so you don't have to hassle with the selling process. John Richard
Call Selden
Jim, If your boat has a Selden mast, there is a furling add-on I saw at a boat show. Call Selden and see what they have to say.
Jim, If your boat has a Selden mast, there is a furling add-on I saw at a boat show. Call Selden and see what they have to say.
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