Hi all. I'm considering the possibility of buying a preowned Hunter 34 (from the 1986 or so) but I have read some disappointing 'marks' on several ads. The say that these boats are for 'fresh water only' Does it mean that they are not designed for sailing in the open seas? Should they sail only in protected waters? Whats the reason for that? In addition I have seen that many of the hunter owners have their boats in rivers or lakes. Should you recomend this boat for a trasatlantic sailing wich is the one I have in mind? I am thinking in taking her from the US to Europe via Azores. I would really appreciate yours comments and sugestions. Thanks.
Fresh water only?
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Better boat anywhere - only need to post once
The salt water environment causes higher rates of corrosion, so a fresh water boat is less likely to have issues with the standing rigging. However, you would want to replace the standing rigging on a boat as old as the 34 for blue water cruising, and there are known prevention and remediation actions for corrosion if it is present, so I don't see salt water history as a deal breaker. I have heard a price differential of 10% higher for fresh water boats, so the market recognizes the issue. Also, you only need to post your question on one forum - most of us use the time based pages for the whole site, so we will find your question. And posting on two forums reduces your chance for a rich discussion in response to your query. Welsome to the site, and to owning a great sailboat. David Lady Lillie
The salt water environment causes higher rates of corrosion, so a fresh water boat is less likely to have issues with the standing rigging. However, you would want to replace the standing rigging on a boat as old as the 34 for blue water cruising, and there are known prevention and remediation actions for corrosion if it is present, so I don't see salt water history as a deal breaker. I have heard a price differential of 10% higher for fresh water boats, so the market recognizes the issue. Also, you only need to post your question on one forum - most of us use the time based pages for the whole site, so we will find your question. And posting on two forums reduces your chance for a rich discussion in response to your query. Welsome to the site, and to owning a great sailboat. David Lady Lillie
Fresh water only means the boat has never been
in salt water. Because a salt water/salt air environment is more damaging to any boat than a fresh water/fresh air environment, "fresh water only" is a selling point, not a limitation on where the boat should be used.
in salt water. Because a salt water/salt air environment is more damaging to any boat than a fresh water/fresh air environment, "fresh water only" is a selling point, not a limitation on where the boat should be used.
How silly of me !
English is not my mother language, that is why I make these silly mistakes. All clear now about the meaning of 'fresh water only'. I couldnt have solved it without your help. This was my first entrance in the forum, that is why I posted it twice, but it will not happen again. (I agree with you David). Thanks all.
English is not my mother language, that is why I make these silly mistakes. All clear now about the meaning of 'fresh water only'. I couldnt have solved it without your help. This was my first entrance in the forum, that is why I posted it twice, but it will not happen again. (I agree with you David). Thanks all.
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