Hunter 29.5 (1994) Request for Info

[I-Lean]

I'm looking at purchasing a 1994 Hunter 29.5. I've never owed a Hunter, much less a Hunter 29.5 (I currently own an O'Day). I would like feedback regarding what items to be sure to review/investigate prior to any purchase.

Thanks,

I-Lean

 

[Clark]

We have a 1996 280 which is very similar to that generation 29.5. I can think of nothing outside of the usual considerations that might be of concern for that boat. Major differences from your O'Day will be in the sail plan and how it is managed. These boats are fraction rigs with no backstay; have a large main and a smaller jib. For cruising and daysailing, this is a real plus as the main is the primary driver and is easily controlled with reefing, traveler and mainsheet. The jib is easily managed with the furler. Otherwise, check out the condition of the rigging, engine, electrical, plumbing and hull/bottom just as you would any other mid-sized cruiser - probably with a good survey. This site has a lot of information in owner reviews so check those out as well and see what other owners think.
Good Luck!

 

[Deadline]

I liked mine

I moved up from a 29.5 to a 320 and I miss my old boat. The roach main had spectacular power compared to the concave 320 (smaller because it's in-mast).

The only problem that vexed me was leaks. I spent considerable time accomplishing the following, which could have been negated simply by reglazing the rubrail with a thin line of clear LifeSeal.

Remove water heater and test for leaks
Clean up water heater deck, Bondo, spray paint
Order new water heater and replace.
Probe water tank for leaks at water heater
Remove rubrail caulk with grout remover, sharp knife x 2
Remove interior boards to water tank and tighten fittings
Reglue and paint V-berth headboard
Remove bimini hooks at aft, replace screws
Remove port stanchions and Bondo holes, then Lifeseal
Remove starboard stanchions and Lifeseal them
Screw down stanchions lightly to set, come back several hours
When rescrewing stanchions, use 3M remover to clean up now
Remove anchor locker hatch to take home.
White putting 3 holes of anchor locker opening
Bondo anchor latch hole for tighter seal
Clear caulk 15 holes of anchor locker hinge, screws
Clear caulk freshwater seal and anchor hatch metal
Unscrew 2 U-bolts anchor locker & bow, clear caulk and tighten
Put cork in air vent to partially block backspray of water
Clear caulk around mid-ship hatch, screw too
Examine 2 hatches to re-calk and re-rim calk into screws
Recalk rubrail with clear LifeSeal • clean as you go paper towels • leave fine smear
Clean up white Lifeseal overspill at starboard windows
Recaulk windshield & port window clean MEK • tape off • LifeSeal clear • red guide stick
Recaulk all 3 plastic water exits when re-attaching
Grout out and recalk bowsprit plate

 

[Andy1237]

Re: I liked mine

WOW Good list from Deadline. I thought I knew the boat well after sailing her for 10 years. I think Deadline covered my list and then some. What about aft winches? We had those and I miss them on our 340. Aft winches are not essential unless you plan to use a spinnaker but it makes single handing easier.
Two things I did think about:
Where is the traveler? coachtop or at the helm, or is there even a traveler on the boat? Personal preference mainly. Short traveler at helm works fine and releases quick in puff.
Secondly, is there a skeg on aft of hull up to rudder? I was told on later models they removed the skeg so it would tack and turn quicker. Ours was no skeg.
One guy I know thought it was a tender boat but I did not agree. We sailed often with 150 genoa (see photo forum).

 

[I-Lean]

Re: I liked mine

Deadline, Many thaks for the great detailed information.

A couple of follow up questions: I'm a little confused by your statement 'which could have been negated simply by reglazing the rubrail with a thin line of clear LifeSeal'. Does that mean that if you had reglazed the rubrail you would not have needed to do all the other items in the list? My guess is not, but since it is quite a difference of approach to any leaks, I want to be sure I understand. Also, and assuming my guess is correct, is the list of items a list you would complete if you purchased a 29.5, or is it a list of items you completed on your boat out of necessity, or both?

Thanks,

I-Lean