Still thinking about getting a Hunter 33, it'll be my first sail boat, is it too big for a beginner?
Hunter 33 a good first sail boat?
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No, its just right.... just take lessons
Eight years ago took my first sailing lessons for basic coastal crusing. This allowed me to charter boats up to 38ft at the local club. After asking many questions and taking these boats out for 8+ times I started to gain confidence. I now own a 36 Hunter. The important thing is to take sailing lessons ... it may cost you $500 +/-, but well worth it and you will meet knowledgeble people. Ask lots of questions. I think that the mistake people make is that they buy a small boat, and 1-2 years they want to move up. Get the 33, heck get a 36. Hopefully, you will sail with a partner and then one day you might feel confident enough to take her out yourself. My 3 cents, good luck abe
Eight years ago took my first sailing lessons for basic coastal crusing. This allowed me to charter boats up to 38ft at the local club. After asking many questions and taking these boats out for 8+ times I started to gain confidence. I now own a 36 Hunter. The important thing is to take sailing lessons ... it may cost you $500 +/-, but well worth it and you will meet knowledgeble people. Ask lots of questions. I think that the mistake people make is that they buy a small boat, and 1-2 years they want to move up. Get the 33, heck get a 36. Hopefully, you will sail with a partner and then one day you might feel confident enough to take her out yourself. My 3 cents, good luck abe
J
Jack Samonsky
Hunter 33 First boat
We bought a new Hunter 33 as our first Keel Boat and are very happy with the choice. It is easy to sail and with the aft winch option and an autopilot you can single hand the boat easily. Two years ago friends of ours bought a Hunter 356 and had never sailed. They are doing very well. Go for it if the 33 is big enough for your needs.
We bought a new Hunter 33 as our first Keel Boat and are very happy with the choice. It is easy to sail and with the aft winch option and an autopilot you can single hand the boat easily. Two years ago friends of ours bought a Hunter 356 and had never sailed. They are doing very well. Go for it if the 33 is big enough for your needs.
336 was my first
It's going to be a handfull, but any keel boat is going to be difficult to deal with at first. What could be worse would be to buy a smaller boat that didn't meet your needs and then have to trade up too soon; it's expensive. I second Abe's good advice. Go to a sailing school that has a cruising course. You need instruction and practice handling the boat in close quarters under power. Better to do that with someone else's boat! Another thing, a sailing school will get you on board a real boat for extended periods. It might alter your views about what you want in your own boat.
It's going to be a handfull, but any keel boat is going to be difficult to deal with at first. What could be worse would be to buy a smaller boat that didn't meet your needs and then have to trade up too soon; it's expensive. I second Abe's good advice. Go to a sailing school that has a cruising course. You need instruction and practice handling the boat in close quarters under power. Better to do that with someone else's boat! Another thing, a sailing school will get you on board a real boat for extended periods. It might alter your views about what you want in your own boat.
A
Andy
This is my first "owned" boat
I grew up sailing dinghy class boats and crewing on a centerboard Tanzer 22. We rented various boats (daily and weekly) since then. Last year we decided to stop renting and start owning, so we bought a 2004 33. We choose new rather than old so that we could *ease* into the maintenance aspects of owning a sail boat. For us the 33 fills our needs fine. It handles very precisely and I would say it is far from too much boat. If you are new to sailing though I suggest getting at least some experience under your belt. Sail classes are a good place to start.
I grew up sailing dinghy class boats and crewing on a centerboard Tanzer 22. We rented various boats (daily and weekly) since then. Last year we decided to stop renting and start owning, so we bought a 2004 33. We choose new rather than old so that we could *ease* into the maintenance aspects of owning a sail boat. For us the 33 fills our needs fine. It handles very precisely and I would say it is far from too much boat. If you are new to sailing though I suggest getting at least some experience under your belt. Sail classes are a good place to start.
A 340 was my first
I bought a new Hunter 340 in the year 2000. The only other boat that I sailed was a 17 foot day sailer with a centerboard, and there is no comparrison. The Hunter dealer in Gulfport, Mississippi was very helpful, and gave me a few lessons. I also had a friend who is an experienced sailor and gave me a few pointers. There is a lot to learn. I still would like to take lessons if I can find time. But it has been four years, and I have never hit the dock, run aground, got lost of had a knockdown. The stupidest thing I ever did was not pay attention to the weather and find myself in a severe storm. I feel competent to sail in up to 15 to 20 knot winds. Beyond that, I like to have an experienced sailor with me. ajp
I bought a new Hunter 340 in the year 2000. The only other boat that I sailed was a 17 foot day sailer with a centerboard, and there is no comparrison. The Hunter dealer in Gulfport, Mississippi was very helpful, and gave me a few lessons. I also had a friend who is an experienced sailor and gave me a few pointers. There is a lot to learn. I still would like to take lessons if I can find time. But it has been four years, and I have never hit the dock, run aground, got lost of had a knockdown. The stupidest thing I ever did was not pay attention to the weather and find myself in a severe storm. I feel competent to sail in up to 15 to 20 knot winds. Beyond that, I like to have an experienced sailor with me. ajp
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Gil C. - the Wanderin' One
Things to consider.....
1. If you're in a hurry, don't buy a sailboat! 2. Have you sailed with other people? did you (and family) enjoy it or would you want a power boat??? 3. What do you plan to do? Race,cruise or both? 4. If you really want a sailboat, and money is not a problem, buy one a bit bigger than you need. You will 'grow into it' and will appreciate the extra space.. 4. Join a local yacht club and crew on race nights on someone else's boat to learn how to sail. Best of luck to you.
1. If you're in a hurry, don't buy a sailboat! 2. Have you sailed with other people? did you (and family) enjoy it or would you want a power boat??? 3. What do you plan to do? Race,cruise or both? 4. If you really want a sailboat, and money is not a problem, buy one a bit bigger than you need. You will 'grow into it' and will appreciate the extra space.. 4. Join a local yacht club and crew on race nights on someone else's boat to learn how to sail. Best of luck to you.
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