I'm looking at purchasing a new 320 soon and would like to get any feedback from present owners of the 320 or the late model 310 which i understand is basically the same boat. Mine will have the furling main but I am thinking of upgrading to a 130% headsail from the 110, any comments there? I will pass on the electric windlass, the heating system, a 4400.00 option as well as the dodger and bimini in order to keep the payments down. I am thinking of installing an inverter though, do I really need one? Another question I have is in regards to the purchase price of the boat, how negotiable are the dealers of new boats. Is it like dealing with a car dealer?, if so then i think i doomed. Any comments would be appreciated.
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Go get 'em
If your up north, the dealers season is near it's end, time to wheel and deal! Why do you think they call them "Dealers", although you never feel that you got a deal. tv
If your up north, the dealers season is near it's end, time to wheel and deal! Why do you think they call them "Dealers", although you never feel that you got a deal. tv
Advice
I have an older h34, so other's might be more specific to your model, but.. Skip the inverter. It can be added later, when/if you know better your power needs. If you use the inverter alot, you will also probably have to upgrade batteries, alternator, etc., so wait on it. I agree with the bimini. In the sun and light rain, it makes the cockpit much more enjoyable. That's before we even talk about the cancer problems of sun exposure. When anchored or at dock, the bimini "expands" the cabin area. "Upgrade" on the genoa? A 135 really isn't an upgrade over a 110. It really depends on your wind conditions. In heavier winds, the 110 is better. The newer Hunters, being fractional rigs, carry most of their power in the mainsail, so this might not be worth any additional expense. Hopefully someone with more experience with your boat will let you know if it is worth it. The suggestion for an Auto-pilot is one I second. Probably a Raytheon Autohelm 4000. Makes sailing more relaxing and allows you to singlehand, even if the "crew" is in the cabin preparing dinner. I don't know what the amperage output of the alternator is on a stock 320, but if it is down below 40 amps, I'd see if the dealer can upgrade to higher output now. You'll find that, over time, your power needs seem to keep inceasing, and having to run the motor for hours a day to recharge when sailing, is frustrating. Of course, if you only plan to day sail, you can let it charge at the dock. Just a few suggestions, to help you get started.
I have an older h34, so other's might be more specific to your model, but.. Skip the inverter. It can be added later, when/if you know better your power needs. If you use the inverter alot, you will also probably have to upgrade batteries, alternator, etc., so wait on it. I agree with the bimini. In the sun and light rain, it makes the cockpit much more enjoyable. That's before we even talk about the cancer problems of sun exposure. When anchored or at dock, the bimini "expands" the cabin area. "Upgrade" on the genoa? A 135 really isn't an upgrade over a 110. It really depends on your wind conditions. In heavier winds, the 110 is better. The newer Hunters, being fractional rigs, carry most of their power in the mainsail, so this might not be worth any additional expense. Hopefully someone with more experience with your boat will let you know if it is worth it. The suggestion for an Auto-pilot is one I second. Probably a Raytheon Autohelm 4000. Makes sailing more relaxing and allows you to singlehand, even if the "crew" is in the cabin preparing dinner. I don't know what the amperage output of the alternator is on a stock 320, but if it is down below 40 amps, I'd see if the dealer can upgrade to higher output now. You'll find that, over time, your power needs seem to keep inceasing, and having to run the motor for hours a day to recharge when sailing, is frustrating. Of course, if you only plan to day sail, you can let it charge at the dock. Just a few suggestions, to help you get started.
What I would do
If I were you this is what I'd do. 1.Keep the 110 and get a crusing shute. There is a guy in Sumner at The Sailmakers Loft that can make you a good one at a really good price. 2.Get the inverter along with up grading the Alt. Do you need it I don't know. You can also use the Heart as a battery charger and along with the Link 2000 it's great. 3.Get the dodger we live in Seattle. I know we have had nice weather lately but it does rain alot. 4.Get the heat if the price is not alot. 5.Yes thats why they are dealers. Don't think that you will get any breaks just because it's at the end of the year. Around boat show time you may be able to work something out. The time to get a break is when they have a new boat coming in and have to move yours. The dealer in Seattle likes to load their boats that they have in stock up with alot of extras. If you don't want the extras you may have to order from the factory. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Also have you heard of HAPS group that meets in Seattle?
If I were you this is what I'd do. 1.Keep the 110 and get a crusing shute. There is a guy in Sumner at The Sailmakers Loft that can make you a good one at a really good price. 2.Get the inverter along with up grading the Alt. Do you need it I don't know. You can also use the Heart as a battery charger and along with the Link 2000 it's great. 3.Get the dodger we live in Seattle. I know we have had nice weather lately but it does rain alot. 4.Get the heat if the price is not alot. 5.Yes thats why they are dealers. Don't think that you will get any breaks just because it's at the end of the year. Around boat show time you may be able to work something out. The time to get a break is when they have a new boat coming in and have to move yours. The dealer in Seattle likes to load their boats that they have in stock up with alot of extras. If you don't want the extras you may have to order from the factory. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Also have you heard of HAPS group that meets in Seattle?
Get options free from dealer
The dealer has plenty of price room but you have to dig it out of them. Most of the time, you get a discount by trading in a boat at a higher price than you could sell it yourself. Otherwise, I have always added options to get a break. For instance, let's say the bimini is $1500 - if you order it, that's what you pay but if you can get the dealer to throw it in, it probably only cost him $1000. I ordered mine with the standard mainsail (which I think may have been a mistake), the new bimini (which was definitely a good idea) and the heat/AC to extend my season. I consider a good autopilot a necessity, not an option. Did not need an inverter. Watch out for some hidden costs - I almost ordered the window shades until I saw they were $400!!!! Cockpit cushions from Hunter are overpriced and not as nice as you can get elsewhere. On the jib, I am divided. The full rig is beautifully balanced and a 130 would be inappropriate. However, if you sail much on jib alone (which I often do because of short crew, windy conditions and plain laziness() then the 130 would be great BUT since you have the furling main, I can see no reason why you would be sailing under jib alone. The main is the way to go if you can reef it to any size AND you do not have to deal with the ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY MORONIC sail cover that Hunter supplies with the standard rig. The sail cover alone has significantly reduced my enjoyment of the boat because it is such a hassle to use. Good call on the furling main (just don't call me if it jams
)
The dealer has plenty of price room but you have to dig it out of them. Most of the time, you get a discount by trading in a boat at a higher price than you could sell it yourself. Otherwise, I have always added options to get a break. For instance, let's say the bimini is $1500 - if you order it, that's what you pay but if you can get the dealer to throw it in, it probably only cost him $1000. I ordered mine with the standard mainsail (which I think may have been a mistake), the new bimini (which was definitely a good idea) and the heat/AC to extend my season. I consider a good autopilot a necessity, not an option. Did not need an inverter. Watch out for some hidden costs - I almost ordered the window shades until I saw they were $400!!!! Cockpit cushions from Hunter are overpriced and not as nice as you can get elsewhere. On the jib, I am divided. The full rig is beautifully balanced and a 130 would be inappropriate. However, if you sail much on jib alone (which I often do because of short crew, windy conditions and plain laziness() then the 130 would be great BUT since you have the furling main, I can see no reason why you would be sailing under jib alone. The main is the way to go if you can reef it to any size AND you do not have to deal with the ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY MORONIC sail cover that Hunter supplies with the standard rig. The sail cover alone has significantly reduced my enjoyment of the boat because it is such a hassle to use. Good call on the furling main (just don't call me if it jams
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