I haven't been sailing in about 10 years but I'm dieing to get back on the water. I don't have a lot of spare time so I'm not looking for a huge boat just something small to satisfy my needs. Right now I am looking at 2 different 170's (a 92 and an 06). Obviously the 92 is cheaper (by about $2500.00) however the 06 has barely been used since purchased new and is in much better shape. Here's my dilemma. .. after browsing through here a bit, I've noticed a lot of conversations about "hull cracking". I'm not looking to get into a project boat but I know buying used is going to need something. If anyone can help with what and where specificly are prone to damage with the 170 I would greatly appreciate it. Is one hull better than the other when it comes to damage and/or repair. The 06 has been SLIGHTLY used since new. Seems like it has been trailered more than its seen sunlight. Looks to be in near new condition and for about 1/2 the price of new. It has never had a motor on it because there is no mount. The 92 is just that, a 21 year old hull that has been used. I am worried that there is cracking especially with this one because he has a 4hp Suzuki on a mount only rated for a 2.5hp if I understand the specs correctly. Don't mean to go on and on. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Also I have not yet laid eyes on either of these boats. Just pics on Internet. Thank you again.
Hopefully a little help please?
- Thread starter WCW87
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Don't mean to be a bummer but you may want to look at some other boats. Im no expert on the issue but if Im not mistaken Hunter is back to making smaller boats in fiberglass. Personally I would not want to deal with issues of a discontinued model with issues like they had with those hulls.
Not to fear though, there are a lot of nice used day sailors on the market which will offer a great ride and lots of support. I have owned a Precision 15. Great boat in CB or fixed keel. Capri 16.5 would be another good choice. Oday daysailors and other small boats are still giving good service to their owners. A lot of small cabin daysaillors as well if you choose. Everything from older Sirens to Montgomery & West wight Potter 15's, and although biased because I own one, the Precision 165 is a fantastic boat.
Good luck with your purchase and glad you will be getting back to sailing. Im sure others will contribute more on the Hunter hull issues an offer advise
jimmyb
Not to fear though, there are a lot of nice used day sailors on the market which will offer a great ride and lots of support. I have owned a Precision 15. Great boat in CB or fixed keel. Capri 16.5 would be another good choice. Oday daysailors and other small boats are still giving good service to their owners. A lot of small cabin daysaillors as well if you choose. Everything from older Sirens to Montgomery & West wight Potter 15's, and although biased because I own one, the Precision 165 is a fantastic boat.
Good luck with your purchase and glad you will be getting back to sailing. Im sure others will contribute more on the Hunter hull issues an offer advise
jimmyb
I bought a used '08 170 and haven't had any hull problems with it. From my casual reading here, I'm under the impression that it was some earlier 170's that had hull problems.
My boat has the Hunter outboard bracket on it with a Honda 2 HP motor. Seems to be a good combination for me as I need a motor to get off my mooring and even more importantly, back on the mooring where there are several other boats is close quarters.
If you got a 170, are you planning on "stepping" the mast every time you use it? While I've never had another boat where I had to step the mast, I find the Hunter to be time consuming. At best, going both ways, I doubt I could do it in under 1 1/2 hours. I step mine in the spring and take it down in the fall.
My boat has the Hunter outboard bracket on it with a Honda 2 HP motor. Seems to be a good combination for me as I need a motor to get off my mooring and even more importantly, back on the mooring where there are several other boats is close quarters.
If you got a 170, are you planning on "stepping" the mast every time you use it? While I've never had another boat where I had to step the mast, I find the Hunter to be time consuming. At best, going both ways, I doubt I could do it in under 1 1/2 hours. I step mine in the spring and take it down in the fall.
There was an issue with the motor mount but im not sure of the years. It was a very weak and improper design. Not sure if making sailboats from plastic was a great idea, only time will tell. But the 170 is definetly a sharp looking boat. If some of its problems have brought its price down far enough, the issues can be overlooked and most can be corrected before they even occur.
Catalina, Precision and Hunter all make good daysailers. I chose the Hunter H15(the fibreglass H146) for my own reasons (mainly design and how easy the local dealer made it to import direct to Australia) over the competition and am very happy with the choice. As I 'moor' my boat in my driveway I step the mast every time I go sailing. I put together some blocks and tackle to make that task quite easy.
Re hull cracking problem, from what i have read, it was most common for certain early year hulls and for those that were keep outdoor in very cold climates.
IMHO, I would spend the extra for the 2006 hull if I was planning on keeping the boat for any length of time.
Good luck and happy sailing with whatever you end up purchasing.
Re hull cracking problem, from what i have read, it was most common for certain early year hulls and for those that were keep outdoor in very cold climates.
IMHO, I would spend the extra for the 2006 hull if I was planning on keeping the boat for any length of time.
Good luck and happy sailing with whatever you end up purchasing.
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