Cutting 80" of the mast

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fredrik wortman

I can buy a Hunter 30 1989 in very good condition and with many extras. However the mast has been shortened by 80" from 50' to 43'6" by the present owner, to clear the bridges. Would this affect the performance of the boat? Any answers would be much appreciated. Thank you
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
For sure it will affect performance, particularly in light air. As you know, wind speed slows down as it gets closer to the water. The taller mast is able to reach higher to take advantage of the higher wind speeds further away from the water. This will also greatly affect the value of the boat and greatly limit the number of potential buyers who might otherwise be interested. Personally I wouldn't go near it.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
ditto Alans comment

These are not the fastest boats to begin with. Cutting off that much of the mast is going to make this boat almost worthless. The previous owner should have sold the boat and purchased something that was designed with a shorter stick. The boat market is already in the toilet and maybe this prospective vessel should be too. If you are really interested anyway, find out what an all new rig would cost and deduct it from the asking price. My guess is that you would be taking about $15k off of the asking price.
 
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fredrik wortman

80" of mast

Hi Steve, Thank you so much for your quick reply. Very much apreciated. I had my doubts, but liked the boat. Now I will look further. Regards, Fredrik Wortman
 
Aug 9, 2005
772
Hunter 28.5 Palm Coast, FL
The boat is ruined...don't touch it.

this will radically reduce the speed under sail.
 
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fredrik wortman

cutting 80" of mast

Hi Alan, Thank you so much for your quick reply. I already had my doubts, but liked the boat with all her extras. You saved me from making a mistake. I will keep on searching for a Hunter, since I like the outlay and performance. Thanks again, Regards, Fredrik Wortman
 
Apr 13, 2008
7
Hunter 30_88-94 -
mast

Hi Landsend, Also to you thank you very much for your quick response. You helped and probaly saved me making a mistake. I will keep on looking Regards, Fredrik Wortman
 
E

ED

The numbers dont sound right.

50 feet sounds like a big mast for a hunter 30.
 
Jun 4, 2004
844
Hunter 28.5 Tolchester, MD
Mast Height

The 50' mast height appears correct for the 1988-94 fractional rigged Hunter 30; however, the previous 1974-83 version was a mast head rig with a 45'-6" mast (both measured from the waterline. Check out the specs on this site when comparing specs of various models. FYI, the mid 80's Hunter 28.5 has a 41'-3" masthead rig; would clear those bridges and is faster than both 30's by PHRF and personal experience.
 
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