Looking to move up to a Hunter 320 my only concern is the engine size of 18 hp. Any feedback on performace would be appreciated.
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Owner reviews Info
You could look in owner reviews and I have found when I was up grading to a newer boat I could also e-mail owners in the owner list and they all replied with lots of helpful info. I had a 2001 290 with the 18 HP and it was plenty of power.
You could look in owner reviews and I have found when I was up grading to a newer boat I could also e-mail owners in the owner list and they all replied with lots of helpful info. I had a 2001 290 with the 18 HP and it was plenty of power.
Is good
I had an 18 in my H29.5 and was skeptical of an 18 in the H320, but it's quite peppy. This may be due to the large three-bladed prop, but regardless I'm pleased.
I had an 18 in my H29.5 and was skeptical of an 18 in the H320, but it's quite peppy. This may be due to the large three-bladed prop, but regardless I'm pleased.
The boat is definitely underpowered.
There is a big difference in displacement and windage between a 290 and a 320. In calm conditions at wide open throtle our H320 will barely reach a top speed of 5 knots. We have a 27 that will motor faster than that with a 6 1/2 hp 1GM. On a couple of occassions with head winds in the 30 knot range we could barely make headway at 1 knot or less. It is hard to break the hold even of a soft grounding with that kind of power. The engine is very reliable, fuel efficient and strictly as an auxiliary engine is adequate but don't ask it to propel the boat under adverse conditions as it will do a poor job of it. I would have liked to see the 3GM in there. Check your area for currents in the inlets and tidal fluctuations, some folks which may have to go up rivers to their berthing area may find it unworkable. A 3-4 knot opposing current will bogg it down. In adverse conditions keep your sails up.
There is a big difference in displacement and windage between a 290 and a 320. In calm conditions at wide open throtle our H320 will barely reach a top speed of 5 knots. We have a 27 that will motor faster than that with a 6 1/2 hp 1GM. On a couple of occassions with head winds in the 30 knot range we could barely make headway at 1 knot or less. It is hard to break the hold even of a soft grounding with that kind of power. The engine is very reliable, fuel efficient and strictly as an auxiliary engine is adequate but don't ask it to propel the boat under adverse conditions as it will do a poor job of it. I would have liked to see the 3GM in there. Check your area for currents in the inlets and tidal fluctuations, some folks which may have to go up rivers to their berthing area may find it unworkable. A 3-4 knot opposing current will bogg it down. In adverse conditions keep your sails up.
2GM20F
I believe the 2GM20F is the same engine on the 28.5; the 290 and perhaps the 320. Their respective displacements are 7,000/7,100# for the 28.5; 7,400# for the 290; and 8550# for the 320. Presumably the underbody on the wider 320 has more drag as well. While I've never had any problem in any wind and wave conditions with my 28.5; I'd guess that a 20% higher displacement (over the 28.5), wider beam, and winged keel should need more power to reach hull speed. I'd question if the combination is adequate on the 320 even with a three blade prop.
I believe the 2GM20F is the same engine on the 28.5; the 290 and perhaps the 320. Their respective displacements are 7,000/7,100# for the 28.5; 7,400# for the 290; and 8550# for the 320. Presumably the underbody on the wider 320 has more drag as well. While I've never had any problem in any wind and wave conditions with my 28.5; I'd guess that a 20% higher displacement (over the 28.5), wider beam, and winged keel should need more power to reach hull speed. I'd question if the combination is adequate on the 320 even with a three blade prop.
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