Hunter 320 or Beneteau 331

[Bill Storm]

Planning on purchase of new boat this spring. I sail out of Bayfield. I have narrowed the selection to either the Hunter 320 or Beneteau 331, I see pros and cons in both and would appreciate any input owners may have. thanks.

 

[tom mcnamara]

NEW BOAT

I BOUGHT A NEW 450 LAST YEAR AND WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN.CHECK THE USED BOATS ABOUT 2-3 YEARS OLD,THEY ARE CHEAPER AND SOMEONE ELSE IRONED THE BUGS OUT. I AM STILL IRONING OUT THE BUGS. IF YOU STILL WANT NEW AND REQUIRE CHANGES TO STOCK BOATS, ORDER IT NOW FROM THE FACTORY,MOST DEALERS ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO MAKE CHANGES. I WANTED ABOW THRUSTER------VACUFLUSH TOILETS,AND A FEW MINOR THINGS BUT I HAD TO GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE BEFORE SOMEBODY DIED. I LIVE ABOARD AND HE WAS MORE INTERESTED IN SELLING MY 87 38FT TRAWLER.

 

[Bob Patrick]

Hunter 320

We just bought a new Hunter 320 this past summer with little knowledge of sailing and have been EXTREMELY pleased overall with the whole experience. The boat is big enough not to have to worry about trading up in two years and provides us with everything that makes sailing a pleasure.I don't know what Beneteau's cost, but I'll bet for the money, you can't go wrong with a Hunter.You didn't mention if you had owned a boat before so be warned that the Hunter 320 is a very popular model and it took us close to three months to get once we ordered. Don't want to miss out on the Spring sailing.S/V "Never Say Never"

 

[Ron Williams]

Sail a 29.5 at Bayfield

We have been extremely pleased with our 29.5 in Lake Superior. A good friend had a 31 Beneteau 31 which we have sailed. they are different boats but both sail well. The 29.5 is for sale as we are going to a boat with more than one hull.

 

[Steve Cook]

Race or cruse?

As was stated in your 1st. post about the 320, we said basicly that, if you are going to do more racing, the Bendytoy would better sute you. If you want more of a family cruser with lots of room and a good to great turn of speed, then the 320 would best work out for you.The Bententwo is a mast head sloop whereas the 320 is a fractional sloop. I went from a H27 mast head to a new H310 fractional. There is a bit of a learning curve with the fractional rig if you never sailed one before.I will be sailing my 3rd year in my 310 next season and I am just now getting a good feel for it.Personaly, I think the fractional rig is hard to master than a mast head but I am starting to really like it. Besides, it makes me a better sailor!Look at the rigging on "ALL" the big race boats!!!There has to be a reason as to why they are all fractional rigged, (It works well)!!!Take my advice, go with the Hunter, their customer service is second to none. They really stand behind their boats, even well after the sale.Steve,s/v The Odyssey (H310)P.S. If you want a really, really great deal, Go to the Strickly Sail Chicago boat show and order their.I did and saved about $8,000.00!!!