I am finally going to be moving up from my venerable Hunter 23. Looking seriously at a new (Wow!) Hunter 306. Does anybody have any experience with the 306, or it's sister, the 290? How does it sail? Any idea what the PHRF rating is? Thanks.
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Bill O'Donovan
Hunter 29.5
Our 29.5 is spacious for guests, fun to sail, and the right size for both functions. Reckon you'll be better off with a newer boat slightly larger. Congrats!
Our 29.5 is spacious for guests, fun to sail, and the right size for both functions. Reckon you'll be better off with a newer boat slightly larger. Congrats!
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Mike Putegnat
Sailing a 306
Jim: I have just bought a Hunter 306 and have sailed it in a trial and have this to report. (By contrast, my previous boat was a Pearson 35) The 306 handles amazingly well. The conditions were 18kts gusting to 24kts, choppy on Galveston Bay. I did tacks, gybes, and even 360's and was struck by the lack of weather helm. We had a full main up with a shortened headsail. It is easily single handled. It has no problem with stiff breezes and gusts. In comparison to my previous boat, which handled like a lumbering sedan, the 306 feels more like a sportscar. Also, having the strong breeze, I decided to see if the engine was up to par in taking a slow turn from beam to windward, with sails still up. It did it easily, even with the heavy pressure on the bow. All in all, very nice. I still don't know how fast this boat is yet, though. I need to get it out again to do some timings.
Jim: I have just bought a Hunter 306 and have sailed it in a trial and have this to report. (By contrast, my previous boat was a Pearson 35) The 306 handles amazingly well. The conditions were 18kts gusting to 24kts, choppy on Galveston Bay. I did tacks, gybes, and even 360's and was struck by the lack of weather helm. We had a full main up with a shortened headsail. It is easily single handled. It has no problem with stiff breezes and gusts. In comparison to my previous boat, which handled like a lumbering sedan, the 306 feels more like a sportscar. Also, having the strong breeze, I decided to see if the engine was up to par in taking a slow turn from beam to windward, with sails still up. It did it easily, even with the heavy pressure on the bow. All in all, very nice. I still don't know how fast this boat is yet, though. I need to get it out again to do some timings.
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Gregg
Go for it!
Just took delivery of my 2000 290. I had been looking at the new 306, which I really wanted, but my 290 has the same exact specs as a 2002 306 (except LOA - 290 is just a few inches shorter), and the one I found is equipped as I would have ordered new, including in mast furling, which I love! And it was in as-new condition. I took 2 days to sail it home from the east end of Long Island to my home port, and it handled great. The first day's wind was a steady 15 knots out of the west, and she handled beautifully. Slept on the boat that night, and after a dawn breakfast in the cockpit, we set sail for home. We motorsailed for a few hours due to light winds. That Yanmar is one economical engine (4 gallons over 10.5 hours of use)! By noon, the wind suddenly (and I do mean suddenly) picked up to 25 gusting to 30 knots, which was a bit much for me. Again, the boat did well, and I was thankful I didn't have to go forward to drop sails. We motored the rest of the way in. The boat will comfortably eat/sleep 4 adults(pack lightly; storage is at a minimum) or maybe 2 adults/3 small kids. This is my first boat, and I can see it will be a joy to own and sail. Go for it, and good luck!
Just took delivery of my 2000 290. I had been looking at the new 306, which I really wanted, but my 290 has the same exact specs as a 2002 306 (except LOA - 290 is just a few inches shorter), and the one I found is equipped as I would have ordered new, including in mast furling, which I love! And it was in as-new condition. I took 2 days to sail it home from the east end of Long Island to my home port, and it handled great. The first day's wind was a steady 15 knots out of the west, and she handled beautifully. Slept on the boat that night, and after a dawn breakfast in the cockpit, we set sail for home. We motorsailed for a few hours due to light winds. That Yanmar is one economical engine (4 gallons over 10.5 hours of use)! By noon, the wind suddenly (and I do mean suddenly) picked up to 25 gusting to 30 knots, which was a bit much for me. Again, the boat did well, and I was thankful I didn't have to go forward to drop sails. We motored the rest of the way in. The boat will comfortably eat/sleep 4 adults(pack lightly; storage is at a minimum) or maybe 2 adults/3 small kids. This is my first boat, and I can see it will be a joy to own and sail. Go for it, and good luck!
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Rob Anderson
I chose a new 306
After looking at many used and a few new boats for 5/6 months we ordered a new 306 and take delivery of it next month. Have read good things about the 290/306 for the past 12 months. I had an opportunity to buy a 2000 290 that was in pretty good shape but decided to go for the 306 because of the many enhancements made for the 2002 model year. The interior is MUCH nicer. I like the Kelvar reinforced hull, new Lewmar ports, improved hardware etc. I know I payed more but I hope the resale will be better because of the improvements. Let me know if you purchase a 306 and we can compare notes as we "break them in". Best regards, Rob Anderson romoem@aol.com
After looking at many used and a few new boats for 5/6 months we ordered a new 306 and take delivery of it next month. Have read good things about the 290/306 for the past 12 months. I had an opportunity to buy a 2000 290 that was in pretty good shape but decided to go for the 306 because of the many enhancements made for the 2002 model year. The interior is MUCH nicer. I like the Kelvar reinforced hull, new Lewmar ports, improved hardware etc. I know I payed more but I hope the resale will be better because of the improvements. Let me know if you purchase a 306 and we can compare notes as we "break them in". Best regards, Rob Anderson romoem@aol.com
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Andy D'Angelo
Ditto on the 306
Rob I chose the 306 for the exact reasons you mentioned.Traded in my much loved O'Day 272 and took delivery of my 306 on the 5th of June. I couldn't be happier.I bought it at the Atlantic City Boat Show from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales who are terrific.I took delivery in NJ and will be taking it down to New Bern NC for the winter and back next year for summer sailing in the NorthEast.After about 25 hrs under sail I have no complaints.She handles like a dream and is very comfortable for 2.Good luck
Rob I chose the 306 for the exact reasons you mentioned.Traded in my much loved O'Day 272 and took delivery of my 306 on the 5th of June. I couldn't be happier.I bought it at the Atlantic City Boat Show from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales who are terrific.I took delivery in NJ and will be taking it down to New Bern NC for the winter and back next year for summer sailing in the NorthEast.After about 25 hrs under sail I have no complaints.She handles like a dream and is very comfortable for 2.Good luck
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