Does anyone have an opinion of the new Hunter 216? I've seen it at boat shows and it looks promising. I see the posts about leaks around where the mast goes though the cabin top... How does the "Advanced Composite Process" hold up over time? Has anyone had one of the other Hunter ACP boats for a few years? Is the rigging strong enough to support the sail plan?
- Status
Answers/Frank Ladd you need to imput
Following the Chicago Boat Show, the National Marine Manufacturers Association sent a letter advising that the ACP boats were five times stronger than fiberglass. It was very positive. We had the first boat built by Hunter Composites last year and so far the boat itself has done fine without any cracks, etc. You can actually hit it with a hammer and it will not break. The only thing to remember is that you cannot use acetone. We have sailed the 216 in strong air and it is fast. It is also stable with the lead wing keel that is hydraulicly operated and a two year old child could pump that up before putting the boat onto the trailer. As for the rigging, We have not had one problem with that. The only thing I do not like is the front board on the tongue of the trailer. The very first boat did not have that on the trailer and guess what, the bow hit and I had to repair it. The repairs were simple compared to glass. We have the cure for that one problem I found with the boat trailer. You are correct about the leaking around the mast. There is a rubber boot that goes around the mast which should take care of most of that for now but what the heck, water cannnot hurt this boat. Frank Ladd sailed the boat and he can tell you his perspective. How about it Frank?
Following the Chicago Boat Show, the National Marine Manufacturers Association sent a letter advising that the ACP boats were five times stronger than fiberglass. It was very positive. We had the first boat built by Hunter Composites last year and so far the boat itself has done fine without any cracks, etc. You can actually hit it with a hammer and it will not break. The only thing to remember is that you cannot use acetone. We have sailed the 216 in strong air and it is fast. It is also stable with the lead wing keel that is hydraulicly operated and a two year old child could pump that up before putting the boat onto the trailer. As for the rigging, We have not had one problem with that. The only thing I do not like is the front board on the tongue of the trailer. The very first boat did not have that on the trailer and guess what, the bow hit and I had to repair it. The repairs were simple compared to glass. We have the cure for that one problem I found with the boat trailer. You are correct about the leaking around the mast. There is a rubber boot that goes around the mast which should take care of most of that for now but what the heck, water cannnot hurt this boat. Frank Ladd sailed the boat and he can tell you his perspective. How about it Frank?
Hunter 216 and ACP
Thanks for the response. One of the owner reviews said that the ACP scratches easily. Is this so? Is sanding the only way to remove scratches? Assuming Hunter acquired the ACP technology from another company, is there any track record of the ACP technology from boats from that other company? Or is ACP totally new and just in ists second year?
Thanks for the response. One of the owner reviews said that the ACP scratches easily. Is this so? Is sanding the only way to remove scratches? Assuming Hunter acquired the ACP technology from another company, is there any track record of the ACP technology from boats from that other company? Or is ACP totally new and just in ists second year?
My experience
I don't think it scratches easier than fiberglas. I think the boat sails like a dream. I sailed one last year a good bit and wanted to trade my Hunter 235 in for it but my wife wouldn't let me, because she likes the big cabin on our present boat for cruises that she goes on three times a year. The only bad thing was the trailer and they fixed most of that. The only thing you might need to add is the "goal post" poles to the trailers for launching in wind and current. If you want to ask me more about the boat you can email me at ladd333@aol.com. Maybe I can arrange for us to bum a ride on one.
I don't think it scratches easier than fiberglas. I think the boat sails like a dream. I sailed one last year a good bit and wanted to trade my Hunter 235 in for it but my wife wouldn't let me, because she likes the big cabin on our present boat for cruises that she goes on three times a year. The only bad thing was the trailer and they fixed most of that. The only thing you might need to add is the "goal post" poles to the trailers for launching in wind and current. If you want to ask me more about the boat you can email me at ladd333@aol.com. Maybe I can arrange for us to bum a ride on one.
ready to buy the 216
I have looked at a lot of older boats, some costing a lot less than the 216. I can only guess at what it costs to keep up an older 20 to 30 year old 30 foot boat. I would appreciate any feedback on this.
I have looked at a lot of older boats, some costing a lot less than the 216. I can only guess at what it costs to keep up an older 20 to 30 year old 30 foot boat. I would appreciate any feedback on this.
older bigger boats
If your boat is closer to 30', you will probably keep it moored in the water. Expect to pay about $100 per month mooring fee. You will need to "hall" it once a year to clean the growth off the bottom. Another few hundred dollars. The more amenities/appliances you have, the more things that can go wrong and need repair....
If your boat is closer to 30', you will probably keep it moored in the water. Expect to pay about $100 per month mooring fee. You will need to "hall" it once a year to clean the growth off the bottom. Another few hundred dollars. The more amenities/appliances you have, the more things that can go wrong and need repair....
Going with the 216
I have to say the wife has been the one to point out that the 216 will probably be the best boat for us. She listens patiently to my talk of sailing off across the ocean, but she knows that at least for now the boat that I need is one that doesn't pull my back out launching and rigging and doesn't limit me to sailing the same area because it is on a slip. With the family I need a boat that can sail the kids and grandkids, but I don't really need a boat that can sleep the kids and grandkids. So I think I will get the 216.
I have to say the wife has been the one to point out that the 216 will probably be the best boat for us. She listens patiently to my talk of sailing off across the ocean, but she knows that at least for now the boat that I need is one that doesn't pull my back out launching and rigging and doesn't limit me to sailing the same area because it is on a slip. With the family I need a boat that can sail the kids and grandkids, but I don't really need a boat that can sleep the kids and grandkids. So I think I will get the 216.
Nomad Vanguard
Jeff: If you have not looked at them yet, go see the Vanguard Nomad. Its a fairly new design and a little less clunky than the 216. We demo'd one at the Annapolis Boat Show back in October. It was easy to sail (even the little assym spinnaker pops up and down easily) although a little wet. We were reaching across the harbor when I saw a 216 going the same way. When that assym popped up, we caught the 216 and blew on by. See link below. Mark
Jeff: If you have not looked at them yet, go see the Vanguard Nomad. Its a fairly new design and a little less clunky than the 216. We demo'd one at the Annapolis Boat Show back in October. It was easy to sail (even the little assym spinnaker pops up and down easily) although a little wet. We were reaching across the harbor when I saw a 216 going the same way. When that assym popped up, we caught the 216 and blew on by. See link below. Mark
Oh yeah.. I forgot
A 216 unofficially came in 3rd at the Hunter Cup Chesapeake. They got a late start and flew past most of the big boats (biminis up, grills out, tanks full). Mark
A 216 unofficially came in 3rd at the Hunter Cup Chesapeake. They got a late start and flew past most of the big boats (biminis up, grills out, tanks full). Mark
considered the Nomad
I looked over the Nomad and the Precision 185, but the wife would be even more unlikely to go out with me on one of these. At least the 216 has a useable cuddy, and a place for a portapotty and a place to take a nap and get out of the weather. The 216 also is designed with a lead balast centerboard, and in all should be a good boat for me with my limited experience.
I looked over the Nomad and the Precision 185, but the wife would be even more unlikely to go out with me on one of these. At least the 216 has a useable cuddy, and a place for a portapotty and a place to take a nap and get out of the weather. The 216 also is designed with a lead balast centerboard, and in all should be a good boat for me with my limited experience.
Vanguard Nomad
When you say that the Vanguard Nomad (with spinnaker flying) sailed past the Hunter 216, did the 216 also have a spinnaker flying? I see (from www.yachtworld.com) that the Vanguard Nomad costs about the same as the Hunter 216. You can find a link for a vanguard Nomad at Yachtworld if you search for sailboats between 17 and 18 feet with brand Vanguard.
When you say that the Vanguard Nomad (with spinnaker flying) sailed past the Hunter 216, did the 216 also have a spinnaker flying? I see (from www.yachtworld.com) that the Vanguard Nomad costs about the same as the Hunter 216. You can find a link for a vanguard Nomad at Yachtworld if you search for sailboats between 17 and 18 feet with brand Vanguard.
Oooh... you want a potty
That's very different. Then think about an 1995 H19. It has a little cuddy, potty, etch. Jim Seaman (now of the H356) had one of these for years. He and his wife loved it. Its easy to sail and wife friendly, Especially if you get a little bimini for it. Its simple and dry. As for Spinakers flying, the H216 in Annapolis did not have one. It would be fun to see the two race. Waterline of the 216 might get the Nomad though. Mark
That's very different. Then think about an 1995 H19. It has a little cuddy, potty, etch. Jim Seaman (now of the H356) had one of these for years. He and his wife loved it. Its easy to sail and wife friendly, Especially if you get a little bimini for it. Its simple and dry. As for Spinakers flying, the H216 in Annapolis did not have one. It would be fun to see the two race. Waterline of the 216 might get the Nomad though. Mark
Hunter 216? I'm In!
My first sailboat purchase was made @ Strictly Sail (CHI). Can't wait for ice to melt now. Plan to moor it for season. Need to know if the mast boot is effective enough to prevent worrisome rainwater accumulaiton, and any concerns over mooring. What sold me is ACP, as I am very familiar with F/G strength and weakness (worked in FRP industry for 15 years). Looks like simpler maintenance plan. I can act like a European as far as boat maintencne! I wangled the mfg. rep to throw in the cuddy floor @ N/C ($700 option). The whole thing is small enough to store in my garage over winter. I did pop for the assym. spin and pole ($1500 option WOW). Rick
My first sailboat purchase was made @ Strictly Sail (CHI). Can't wait for ice to melt now. Plan to moor it for season. Need to know if the mast boot is effective enough to prevent worrisome rainwater accumulaiton, and any concerns over mooring. What sold me is ACP, as I am very familiar with F/G strength and weakness (worked in FRP industry for 15 years). Looks like simpler maintenance plan. I can act like a European as far as boat maintencne! I wangled the mfg. rep to throw in the cuddy floor @ N/C ($700 option). The whole thing is small enough to store in my garage over winter. I did pop for the assym. spin and pole ($1500 option WOW). Rick
Looking forward to Spring
Hunter has a good boat with the 216. Hunter lists the 216 as a "daysailor" and has not claimed the 216 to be anything but a "daysailor". No electrical system. Just a big comfortable boat. I looked at several small sailboats that fit my needs and the 216 came out on top. I guess it sounds kind of funny that I considered it a plus that it had room for a porta potti, but daysailors generally don't have this capacity. And yes I did look at the mini cruisers like the H19 and the Mariner 19 and the West Wight Potter and, for me, I like the 216. 99% of my sailing will be daysailing. My Toyota, T100, four cylinder truck will tow the 216 without any complaint, and it should be a snap to launch and rig. I am really looking forward to taking it to a bunch of different places. I appreciated the replies and information from the forum here. Actually looking over and in the boat was what really sold me on it. I hope to have a good time with this boat.
Hunter has a good boat with the 216. Hunter lists the 216 as a "daysailor" and has not claimed the 216 to be anything but a "daysailor". No electrical system. Just a big comfortable boat. I looked at several small sailboats that fit my needs and the 216 came out on top. I guess it sounds kind of funny that I considered it a plus that it had room for a porta potti, but daysailors generally don't have this capacity. And yes I did look at the mini cruisers like the H19 and the Mariner 19 and the West Wight Potter and, for me, I like the 216. 99% of my sailing will be daysailing. My Toyota, T100, four cylinder truck will tow the 216 without any complaint, and it should be a snap to launch and rig. I am really looking forward to taking it to a bunch of different places. I appreciated the replies and information from the forum here. Actually looking over and in the boat was what really sold me on it. I hope to have a good time with this boat.
216 towing
I'm leaning towards the Hunter 216. I figure the water through the mast hole is the price one pays for better leverage on raising the mast. I need to figure out if either a Plymouth Voyager or a Volvo station wagon can pull the boat up the ramp. I have trailor hitches on both of those vehicles. I would probalby also either get a second rudder (or make a temporary spare rudder out of plywood) in case the rudder snaps if I hit ground. I wouldn't want to be out sailing with no stearage.
I'm leaning towards the Hunter 216. I figure the water through the mast hole is the price one pays for better leverage on raising the mast. I need to figure out if either a Plymouth Voyager or a Volvo station wagon can pull the boat up the ramp. I have trailor hitches on both of those vehicles. I would probalby also either get a second rudder (or make a temporary spare rudder out of plywood) in case the rudder snaps if I hit ground. I wouldn't want to be out sailing with no stearage.
216 towing
I can only relate from my experiences towing a Catalina Capri 18. The Capri weighed 1500 pounds and it was generally felt that the weight was underestimated. With the trailer and various gear I figured I was towing 2500 pounds. I towed this with a Toyota, T100, pickup two wheel drive, four cylinder motor, and I had no problems, but I was at the max for this vehicle. The ramps I used were designed with sailboats in mind and were steep. If the ramps were wet or I got into the water with the rear wheel drive the pull out was sometimes tough with some tire spinning. So for me the 216 will pull and launch easily with my Toyota. Your front wheel drive should do well at the ramp and automatics also help with the launch and pull out, but you should make sure to have extra cooling for your transmission. You may have to slow down on hills and not drive as fast towing, but this doesn't seem to make much difference in getting someplace and sure does make it safer when towing.
I can only relate from my experiences towing a Catalina Capri 18. The Capri weighed 1500 pounds and it was generally felt that the weight was underestimated. With the trailer and various gear I figured I was towing 2500 pounds. I towed this with a Toyota, T100, pickup two wheel drive, four cylinder motor, and I had no problems, but I was at the max for this vehicle. The ramps I used were designed with sailboats in mind and were steep. If the ramps were wet or I got into the water with the rear wheel drive the pull out was sometimes tough with some tire spinning. So for me the 216 will pull and launch easily with my Toyota. Your front wheel drive should do well at the ramp and automatics also help with the launch and pull out, but you should make sure to have extra cooling for your transmission. You may have to slow down on hills and not drive as fast towing, but this doesn't seem to make much difference in getting someplace and sure does make it safer when towing.
Rudder not an issue
Jeff, The rudder isn't an issue. I slides in and out of the rudder assembly (drum). You probably wouldn't put in until you have the boat in the water. When I'm on my mooring, I take the rudder right out and store it in the cuddy. /Ernie
Jeff, The rudder isn't an issue. I slides in and out of the rudder assembly (drum). You probably wouldn't put in until you have the boat in the water. When I'm on my mooring, I take the rudder right out and store it in the cuddy. /Ernie
Mooring a 216
Rick, I moored my 216 last summer with no difficulty. I used the bow eye as my main mooring connection (per Hunter's recommendation) and attached the second line from the pennant to one of the mooring cleats as a safety. Remove the rudder and store it. You'll want to lower the centerboard a bit to keep the boat from moving a lot on its mooring. As far as the effectiveness of the mast boot goes, Hunter didn't have it when I purchased my boat last year (I have one on the way). So, I can't tell how well it works. /Ernie
Rick, I moored my 216 last summer with no difficulty. I used the bow eye as my main mooring connection (per Hunter's recommendation) and attached the second line from the pennant to one of the mooring cleats as a safety. Remove the rudder and store it. You'll want to lower the centerboard a bit to keep the boat from moving a lot on its mooring. As far as the effectiveness of the mast boot goes, Hunter didn't have it when I purchased my boat last year (I have one on the way). So, I can't tell how well it works. /Ernie
Adding Electrical System to 216
Got a new 216 and anticipate sailing into tht sunset. Literally. Adding Nav lights, does anyone have experience? I think a battery that can be trickle charged by simple solar panel would do the trick. Also consider I may have to install a simple electriical panel. Suggestions anybody?
Got a new 216 and anticipate sailing into tht sunset. Literally. Adding Nav lights, does anyone have experience? I think a battery that can be trickle charged by simple solar panel would do the trick. Also consider I may have to install a simple electriical panel. Suggestions anybody?
- Status