Hello to all of the Hunter owners 'out there'. My first mate and I are starting to seriously plan for the years ahead when (hopefully) we will have a little more time, and be able to go sailing for a month or two (or four or five) at a time. We experienced a wonderful week sailing 'Let's Elope' (a 310), around the Fraser Island, Queensland area for our 25th, and this experience (apart from making us want to keep going) made us more aware of Hunters and what they have to offer. Having just returned from the Sydney International Boat show, where we fell in love with a 41, we are very interested to hear from owners who have had to endure severe weather in their Hunter. There is always the argument that the typical modern yacht is "designed for cocktail parties and sailing around the bay, but don't buy one if you want to cross oceans". We realise that the Hunters are not so typical, but how do they fare when it turns really nasty and how do they look after their crew? Would love to hear of those less than ideal experiences. In the meantime, we will continue to dream and plan for 'the day'. Regards to all, David
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An Atlantic Story
Here's a story from a Hunter HC50 owner, whose boat with the embarrassing name "Break’nWind" sailed in the 2002 NARC Rally (related link). My own experience is that I wouldn't sail my 336 far offshore, nor would I sail any Hunter offshore. The boats aren't set up for this kind of sailing, they are designed to be fast and nimble in relatively flat water. It doesn't mean you can't. People do it successfully all the time. I just think it would be uncomfortable.
Here's a story from a Hunter HC50 owner, whose boat with the embarrassing name "Break’nWind" sailed in the 2002 NARC Rally (related link). My own experience is that I wouldn't sail my 336 far offshore, nor would I sail any Hunter offshore. The boats aren't set up for this kind of sailing, they are designed to be fast and nimble in relatively flat water. It doesn't mean you can't. People do it successfully all the time. I just think it would be uncomfortable.
Flying Legend
MY experience is this ,whenever you exceed 17kts of wind you got to be ready to reef .This in my 37ft,boat is good but constant watching of windspeed would soon reduce you to rubble,get a 20 ton boat for what you want and apart from storm force winds you can forget your rig and enjoy life.To make your Hunter into a cruiser cut 10 ft off mast and off you go!!!
MY experience is this ,whenever you exceed 17kts of wind you got to be ready to reef .This in my 37ft,boat is good but constant watching of windspeed would soon reduce you to rubble,get a 20 ton boat for what you want and apart from storm force winds you can forget your rig and enjoy life.To make your Hunter into a cruiser cut 10 ft off mast and off you go!!!
h410
I ran downwind through a two-day gale offshore with steep 14' following seas and sustained winds of 40 knots. Was surprised at how well the boat handled the conditions, without ever once being pooped or broaching. We were actually able to let the autopilot do most of the work. I would gladly have traded for a smaller cockpit during that ordeal, but I must confess that I love that cockpit once we drop the hook. The boat is NOT designed as a passagemaker, but she held her own when things got tough. I wish I had more confidence in the rudder; losing it would be my biggest concern were I to stumble into another blow.
I ran downwind through a two-day gale offshore with steep 14' following seas and sustained winds of 40 knots. Was surprised at how well the boat handled the conditions, without ever once being pooped or broaching. We were actually able to let the autopilot do most of the work. I would gladly have traded for a smaller cockpit during that ordeal, but I must confess that I love that cockpit once we drop the hook. The boat is NOT designed as a passagemaker, but she held her own when things got tough. I wish I had more confidence in the rudder; losing it would be my biggest concern were I to stumble into another blow.
Modest trials
My wife and I have sailed 310's and 410's around the Whitsundays a few times. At first we were cautious about venturing out of a comfy anchorage when storms were up, but got bolder as we went. One particular adventure featured a 20-25 kt close reach wind-against-tide run down the length of the Whitsunday Channel, rocking and rolling in 10-12 ft seas. Poor 410 didn't like nosing into those very much, and often boat speed dropped to near zero. Finally had to concede the tack, which improved forward velocity and steering responsiveness, even though things got alot more rolly as we presented more beam to the waves. With the exception of minimal velocity-made-good, boat seemed to handle the conditions pretty well. I really don't think we were pushing the limits, but there are better ways to spend the afternoon.
My wife and I have sailed 310's and 410's around the Whitsundays a few times. At first we were cautious about venturing out of a comfy anchorage when storms were up, but got bolder as we went. One particular adventure featured a 20-25 kt close reach wind-against-tide run down the length of the Whitsunday Channel, rocking and rolling in 10-12 ft seas. Poor 410 didn't like nosing into those very much, and often boat speed dropped to near zero. Finally had to concede the tack, which improved forward velocity and steering responsiveness, even though things got alot more rolly as we presented more beam to the waves. With the exception of minimal velocity-made-good, boat seemed to handle the conditions pretty well. I really don't think we were pushing the limits, but there are better ways to spend the afternoon.
Miami to Sweden on a 456
I just completed a trip from Miami to Sweden on a 2004 Hunter 456. The trip took 2 months and along the way we experienced at least four very strong storms. The most severe had winds in excess of 70 knots with waves taller than the boat was long. It lasted 36 hours and pushed our 456 beyond the limit that any blue water sailboat should ever be pushed. I am very happy to report that after the storm passed and we cleaned up the mess down bellow, our Hunter was no worse for ware and tear. As a matter of fact two other boats in our general vicinity (a 40’ trawler and a 55’ ketch) were all but destroyed and limped into Horta like ghost ships days after us. Hunters are well built boats, but the time you spend preparing for your offshore trip and the equipment you put on board is key. Make sure you have an inner forestay and a storm sail. This was the most valuable equipment we had during really sever conditions. Also, take your time and perform a long and thorough shakedown before going offshore. That being said, from my personal experience a well-equipped Hunter that is properly shaken down will keep her crew safe in very severe conditions.
I just completed a trip from Miami to Sweden on a 2004 Hunter 456. The trip took 2 months and along the way we experienced at least four very strong storms. The most severe had winds in excess of 70 knots with waves taller than the boat was long. It lasted 36 hours and pushed our 456 beyond the limit that any blue water sailboat should ever be pushed. I am very happy to report that after the storm passed and we cleaned up the mess down bellow, our Hunter was no worse for ware and tear. As a matter of fact two other boats in our general vicinity (a 40’ trawler and a 55’ ketch) were all but destroyed and limped into Horta like ghost ships days after us. Hunters are well built boats, but the time you spend preparing for your offshore trip and the equipment you put on board is key. Make sure you have an inner forestay and a storm sail. This was the most valuable equipment we had during really sever conditions. Also, take your time and perform a long and thorough shakedown before going offshore. That being said, from my personal experience a well-equipped Hunter that is properly shaken down will keep her crew safe in very severe conditions.
Hunters in Severe Conditions - Thank you !
To all those who responded to my post - a big thank you. My First Mate Karen and I enjoyed reading through the replies and links we were directed to. The information provided was most interesting and in some cases very entertaining. It seems there is a wonderful community of Hunter owners out there - we hope to become legitimate members one day. As a point of interest, the 'front page' of the forum indicates there were 6 replies, however once into the forum, it indicated there were 2,996 replies ! As a total novice to an on-line forum, am I missing something, or it this just a glitch? Again, thanks to all. David (davidb@abs-pl.com.au)
To all those who responded to my post - a big thank you. My First Mate Karen and I enjoyed reading through the replies and links we were directed to. The information provided was most interesting and in some cases very entertaining. It seems there is a wonderful community of Hunter owners out there - we hope to become legitimate members one day. As a point of interest, the 'front page' of the forum indicates there were 6 replies, however once into the forum, it indicated there were 2,996 replies ! As a total novice to an on-line forum, am I missing something, or it this just a glitch? Again, thanks to all. David (davidb@abs-pl.com.au)
2,996 visits, not replies
Anyway, check the archives for posts by Henk Meuzelaar. Like all of us, he has an opinion, but his opinion is backed up by years of experience on a modern, 41 or 42 foot Hunter in the Pacific. David Lady Lillie
Anyway, check the archives for posts by Henk Meuzelaar. Like all of us, he has an opinion, but his opinion is backed up by years of experience on a modern, 41 or 42 foot Hunter in the Pacific. David Lady Lillie
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