Generators, Watermakers & Stuff

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Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Considering a larger Hunter (with some angst because my V32 is so good). Anyway, it doesn't make sense to me to move up without going full boat- :) -on equipment. Specifically, a genset and watermaker. Seems that a small genset (no A/C needed) weighs no more than an 8D battery. So, those with 40.5's: do you have one? Where? Would you put it there again? Would you consider doing without? How about a watermaker? (Great Lakes sailors need not apply.) Carol D.: where did you get your berth mattress?
 
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Rich Stidger

Question your motives

Rick, We have a 40.5 with a 5KW genset located in the starboard aft cockpit locker. We installed it ourselves because we are on a mooring all summer and we always anchor when cruising. We wanted the capability to heat water, recharge batteries, and run the reversible A/C cooling/heating units. If we didn't need AC power, we would not have a genset. I suppose that a small 12V generator could be useful, but why put in such a unit when you still would have to run the main engine to make hot water? We don't have a watermaker but would consider one if cruising to places that water is hard to find or expensive. I have heard (heresay alert!!) that watermakers should be run everyday in order to keep them in good condition and to reduce the problems of bacteria and fungus. I may have stated this wrong, but there is some operating problem that attacks the membrane and requires constant maintenance and attention. Bottom line - a watermaker would not be a good choice for a weekender and/or summer cruise person, but would be best suited for a long-term live-aboard in the islands where water supplies are far between. Everything requires maintenance. Lots, unfortunately. I would only install equipment that I really needed, not just to have it. I would install the generator, windlass, electric halyard winch, big batteries, and all the other 'stuff' again without hesitation. BTW, we replaced our factory original cushion material with a high resiliency foam and are much happier. About 25% of the cost of a custom mattress. Also, the 40.5 is an awesome boat! It charges to windward! Great choice for moving up, IMO. There. Was that worth 2 cents? Rich SYBARIS Westerly, RI
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Well Worth 2 cents, Rich...

...and exactly the kind of feedback I am interested in. Since we have done well without generators and watermakers, I am trying to put things in perspective and other's opinions help. It isn't the money really, since retail recovery on these additions for this nature of boat is pretty good. We can always add them later rather than dragging them around the Pacific if the truth is that we will use them only rarely. By the way, we also went to 5" higher-density foam on the V32 and it made a huge difference. Just curious about the merits of a mattress since the cushions are made up all the time anyway, the way we use the boat. (most weekends) Thanks again. One more reason for Hunter to encourage
 
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Ron Hughes

All the toys(herbie!)

Rick, if you don't want air and could live without a watermaker, you should get a diesel boiler/type furnace to keep you and your water hot. A 100 amp alternator with around 800 amp hours of battery should keep you in microwaves, cold and frozen food, tunes, lights, etc. for 2-3 days-more if you're frugal, of really decadent life aboard before you should have to charge again. This is our set-up. But if you choose either air or a watermaker, figure on the generator. Steve Dashew's tome: "The offshore cruising encyclopedia" has all of the facts and figures that you need to figure out what 'toys' you want and ways to support them. Find me in the owner's directory and write me an e-mail if you like. Ron Hughes, Commodore, Hunter Sailing Assn. of Oregon and 40.5 owner(S/Y Best Revenge).
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Jeff Would Do What, Carol?

See your post. I'm waiting to hear what Jeff really would do. I suspect that covers a lot of territory and could prove entertaining to those of us on HOW :)
 
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carol donovan

seems like the message got truncated....

Hi Rick: Let's try this again. Jeff and I would strongly encourage you to upgrade to mattresses for a couple of reasons, especially since you and Marlyn spend so much time on your boat and will most likely keep this boat for a good long time: 1 - Your back will begin to ache on cushions after 2-3 days, but mattresses 'go the distance' - no aches, pains, etc. 2 - No condensation problems with mattresses 3 - Sheets fit and stay put We also polled our friends and neighbors about this subject and they all agreed that upgrading to mattresses made cruising longer than 3 days enjoyable and worth the expense - crew was well rested and no sore bones. If you don't go with mattresses, consider using closed cell foam for the cushions. You'll get better support and less condensation with closed cell foam. /c s/v Twilight
 
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Jeff Walker

I'm not sure what I would do!!

Hi Rick, Looks like most of Carol's message was lost in the transfer. My own opinion is that the mattresses supplied on the newer boats are great. I know after 3 days of sleeping on the pads supplied with my Catalina 30, the old back really starts to hurt. I think the aft cabin berth in the 40.5 is the same size as the 410 so you could probably get one from Hunter if you'd like. Of course I'm assuming that is what Carol was going to say in her post. What else would you do on a mattress but sleep???? I'm excited about your 40.5 and I'm sure you'll love it. They're a great live-aboard boat as well. See ya in Catalina. Jeff s/v's Twilight
 
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Debbie Mchugh

Pillow top works great

We purchased a pillow top mattress from Bed Bath and Beyond for $99, and use it on top of the cushions that came with the boat. The queen size is perfect for the aft cabin and sheets stay on it nicely. The mattress is about 2 inches thick with baffles so it does not loose its shape. Ours is now two years old and has held up great (we live aboard). Also when we were in California we discovered Dry-Bunk @ West Marine for underneath the cushions to prevent mildew. It costs $14 a roll and it takes two rolls for the aft cabin. All you have to do is air the dry-bunk out occasionally and it will last a year.
 
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Debbie Mchugh

Pillow top works great

We purchased a pillow top mattress from Bed Bath and Beyond for $99, and use it on top of the cushions that came with the boat. The queen size is perfect for the aft cabin and sheets stay on it nicely. The mattress is about 2 inches thick with baffles so it does not loose its shape. Ours is now two years old and has held up great (we live aboard). Also when we were in California we discovered Dry-Bunk @ West Marine for underneath the cushions to prevent mildew. It costs $14 a roll and it takes two rolls for the aft cabin. All you have to do is air the dry-bunk out occasionally and it will last a year.
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,187
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Thanks; Did the Deal..

...and am purchasing the 40.5. This site is largely the reason I went with another Hunter and felt comfortable with the broker. In other words, this site is well worth Hunter's support. We just all have to agree to buy one shirt each from the on-line store before thanksgiving to give Phil a little holiday cash and keep him motivated to keep it going. Anybody game? PS: thanks for all your input regarding equipment. RD
 
Phil Herring

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,923
- - Bainbridge Island
WTG Rick!

Rick, maybe I'll use some of that holiday cash ;) to see if i can get posts to quit truncating in this thread... But trancation aside, congratulations on your new boat! I';ve always thought the 40.5 was one of the great models! ph.
 
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carol donovan

test of ph fix

Two CRs entered in this field prior to text. /c
 
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