H27 vs H30

[John6061]

Need to know which boat would be better to go off shore some distance , 1982 H27 or a 1990 H30. Which is more seaworthy and which in your opinion handles the best single handed or just plain why would you choose one over the other
Thanks,
John

 

[higgs]

I would consider both these boats to be costal cruisers. I doubt Hunter intended either to be an offshore yacht.

 

[teucer]

I have to agree

Neither of those some be considered off shore, even if very experienced. Not to say on a sunny, calm day, if watching the weather is not possible to venture but I would keep both of those craft as a coastal cruiser. I have a 2009 H33 and even in the straight (PNW) on a windy day 20-30 knots, it can get pretty rough. I can only image off shore with bifgger swales.

 

[Deadline2]

Agree with both replies

That said, size matters.
Bigger is better offshore.

 

[Cpt. Jon]

At risk of sounding dumb, what's is the main consideration to classify between "Costal Cruising" and "Off shore sailing". Obviously going to Bermuda or circumnavigation are off shore trips, but at what point is it considered coastal cruising? Many non-blue water boats (shoal draft etc) go to and seem to be preferred in the bahamas from my understanding, part of this may be the trip down the ICW though I suppose.

So is it coastal cruising if I am within a reasonable distance and can see the coast or within about 25 miles? Or as long as I am on the continental shelf? Within radio distance? Just curious, all my sailing so far stays well within the Chesapeake Bay and there is more than enough to see and do, and as far as I can tell not much to do on the outside here. I would love to be able to go to Chincoteague Island sometime, I was looking at the charts and it looks doable, but I'm not sure if people sail there or not, the channel looks kinda hairy to me.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Think of this.......The Bahamas is a do-able cruise for a coastal cruiser because each island is spaced in such a way that you never have very long passages. Most of the coastal boats go down through the ditch and then pop out at Flordia. They make a hop to the bahamas from there and they leave very early in the morning to arrive in the Bahamas in the afternoon.

Coastal Cruisers tend to have more sail area and less weight. This means that they are lively in coastal conditions. Blue water cruisers are heavier, have less sail area, more versital sail plans (such as a cutter or a catch), and they are built stronger for the more demanding conditions.

A lot of coastal cruisers do the Delmarva circumnatigation in the Chesapeake bay. They go up through the canal, pop out in the ocean, and sail around the eastern shore and come back in at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay.

To the original poster....If you are dead set on a Hunter, look at the Hunter 37 Cutter. They are very affordable, built descently, and are capable cruisers.

 

[BobM]

In my opinon, a good definition of "coastal cruiser" is practically defined by the range (round trip) of a Coast Guard helicopter. But I still am amazed by the idiots who "push the panic button" risking the lives of the CG so that they can get home in time to watch American Idol and collect their insurance.

Beyond that you might very well be on your own. My friend was rescued halfway back from Bermuda (~400 miles off the coast) with a highly experienced Captain who died on that trip. The Coast Guard landed a helicopter on a destroyer that took them out far enough so they could be rescued (climbing up a net onto an Argentinian freighter proved impossible in 20+ foot seas) and flow (on fumes) to Martha's Vineyard.

 

[BobM]

H37 Cutter

To the original poster....If you are dead set on a Hunter, look at the Hunter 37 Cutter. They are very affordable, built descently, and are capable cruisers.

The early Cherubini designed boats are different beasts than their bretheren. They are much heavier without the sacrafices Hunter since made to keep rigging out of the cockpit and maximize space below.

My friend has a H37 Cutter and it appears suitable, from a design perspective, for more challenging waters. What am I talking about? Small companionway...relatively small cockpit for its size...small opening ports (should likely be replaced with offshore grade) rather than big living room windows...cutter rigged for flexibililty...medium heavy displacement 18000 lbs with 7100lbs of ballast.

It is also pretty comfy below with standing headroom, a separate shower and two separate cabins.