Hunter 170 - ease of launch

[Sky Cruiser]

Hello,
Looking at purchasing a used Hunter 170 as a light duty, easy to handle day sailor to teach my very enthusiastic son (11 yr old) some sailing basics, and have something for him to grow into. I need a boat that is easily trailerable, easy to step-up the mast and launch, is sloop (or gaff rigged) with a foresail, and has a retractable centerboard. Also, while I know there are many types of small boats or dinghies that would fit this bill and may even be better for the purpose, there is not much available locally and I don't want to travel far to get something. There is a 170 fairly close by and reasonably priced, however I'm not too familiar with this boat or its ease of set up and use

I've also heard there were some hull cracking issues on earlier models. Is that still the case? I would imagine that if one doesn't have cracks by now, it's probably going to be fine in our warmer Florida waters.

Thanks!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

send me your phone number and location and I will call you. I use to sell this boat as a former dealer and nearly 1/4 of the production line so I know it well.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Never heard from this fellow and no one else has responded. This fellow obviously does not know who I am and all I am trying is to help him. I refuse to write a dissertation on the subject either due o arthritis in my hands. I am a former dealer who advised when the boat was being designed, introduced this boat and nearly sold a quarter of the production line. I know this boatr. email is davecondon@mindspring.com

 

[Sky Cruiser]

Dave,
I apologize for not responding. It wasn't intentional. Following the original post, a family matter arose and I haven't had the time to check back on this forum until now. Thank you for your offer of assisting with info on the 170. For now, we're putting the small boat idea on the back burner. My son is getting set up to do a sailing camp/lessons this summer, and we're members on a Hunter 36 that we'll be sailing on much of the summer as well. After that, we'll see if we have an opportunity or logistics to purchase and keep a small daysailer (which really means, if my wife will let me!), and if so, I will research this lovely boat again!

I'll also copy this to your email, so you'll have mine as well. Sorry for the initial lack of response!

Cheers!
Chris

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Check your personal email as I have responded back with my contact information.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

This fellow has my contact information now but not sure why he posted at this point as he is not searching for a daysailor. Anyway, I will be glad to help him.