I bought a Hunter 340 in 2000 and I am very pleased with it. I am not a real experienced at sailing but I am learning as I go along. So far I have limited myself to cruising the Mississippi coast in the Gulfport and Biloxi area. My question is how far out can I take a Hunter 340? Is this boat up to sailing to the Bahamas or to Key West? Or should I keep it out of blue water? ajp
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Allan, your post has had 20 views this morning
but no replies. I'll take a shot at it. First and foremost, it's the skipper/crew that makes the boat a blue water ride. Their knowledge will have dealt with the boats shortcomings. (most have some) Make sense? And besides, IMHO, what you are doing is harder than blue water, for extended traveling.
but no replies. I'll take a shot at it. First and foremost, it's the skipper/crew that makes the boat a blue water ride. Their knowledge will have dealt with the boats shortcomings. (most have some) Make sense? And besides, IMHO, what you are doing is harder than blue water, for extended traveling.
How far out
That depends on your experience more than the boat. In good weather a coastal cruiser could sail around the world. In real bad weather a 100 foot steel Blue water boat could get into trouble. Knowing how to reef, heave to, how to handle your boat in a Varity of conditions, how to understand weather forecasts, the weather and pick sailing days to sail and when to head for shelter. If and when you know all this and more head on out and have fun. I have a 1981 Hunter 27 that I’m planning on sailing to Florida this fall and spend January February and March on. The boat will handle any conditions I am in because if it’s bad out there I won’t be.
That depends on your experience more than the boat. In good weather a coastal cruiser could sail around the world. In real bad weather a 100 foot steel Blue water boat could get into trouble. Knowing how to reef, heave to, how to handle your boat in a Varity of conditions, how to understand weather forecasts, the weather and pick sailing days to sail and when to head for shelter. If and when you know all this and more head on out and have fun. I have a 1981 Hunter 27 that I’m planning on sailing to Florida this fall and spend January February and March on. The boat will handle any conditions I am in because if it’s bad out there I won’t be.
I wouldn't think twice
In most situations I wouldn't consider the Bahamas or the Keys "blue water." Even crossing the gulf stream you are never that far from land and if you pick a good weather window you would have a very hard time getting into something that boat wouldn't handle. Once you get to the Bahamas, you won't find anything more challenging than the Gulfstream as far as "blue water." Send us pictures from your trip! Brian s/v CREW REST
In most situations I wouldn't consider the Bahamas or the Keys "blue water." Even crossing the gulf stream you are never that far from land and if you pick a good weather window you would have a very hard time getting into something that boat wouldn't handle. Once you get to the Bahamas, you won't find anything more challenging than the Gulfstream as far as "blue water." Send us pictures from your trip! Brian s/v CREW REST
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