Hunter 340 - Interior trim and keel config questions please

[markymac1961]

Hi Folks,
Back here again... (and many thanks to all who answered my previous post question on a 'soggy rudder' - still working through that one)
My latest question involves two totally unrelated items, and hoping for some info on the Hunter 340 (one of two of them) I'm looking to purchase 'down under' here in Australia. Both vessels are built around 1999/2000.
Question 1. The common standard interior from factory for the standard 340 model appears to be finished timber i,e. varnished saloon surfaces (saloon table, chart table etc) and a 'aqua blue-ish' cloth trim on all saloon/berth cushions. However one of the two Hunter 340's I'm looking to purchase has an all white 'Pleather' saloon cushion set, and white laminate surfaces (please see pic attached) Could this have been a factory upgrade option from new? I've heard the term 'Juliette' interior referred to in the promotional blurb for this particular boat. The current owner did not upgrade, and is unsure if the saloon fit out is original.
Question 2. The two boats I'm considering each have the different keel configuration options (One is standard 'deep draft' fin keel / The other is shoal draft bulb/winged keel version) Just wondering if anyone could please provide a few pros and cons of each? Not suggesting that this will influence my final decision, but I would be curious to hear owner experiences and opinions on the two keel variants (performance, convenience, seakeeping etc)
Thanking all in advance - Mark Mac, Adelaide - South Australia

 

[jssailem]

Mark.
I preface my statements with...

• I am not a Hunter Owner. I have sailed on Hunters.
• I bought a 'mature' boat, and I am rebuilding it to meet my desires.

That out of the way.

Is it really important to know the origin of the cloth/plethra cushions? I would sit on both. If all else is equal between the two boats under consideration, then I would choose the cushions that I liked the best.

I know the possibility of two boats being equal makes cushions moot.

I would set my focus on the boat

1. hull & deck (must keep the water outside of the boat),
2. sails (they are the power source and cost money),
3. Mast and rigging (both standing and running)
4. condition of the auxiliary engine (another drain on the cruising kitty)
5. boat systems (plumbing, electrical, anchoring, storage both water & fuel)
6. the feel of the boat layout (cockpit, salon, head, berths etc.) Do I like them?
7. everything else...

Regarding sailing performance, the deeper keel will favor upwind sailing by reducing the lee slippage of the hull.
The Shoal Draft keel will allow you to get into shallow anchorages and gunk holes. You'll slip over the reefs and move further into the bays than deep draft boats. The compromise is you will not be able to point as high to windward.

The keels will be less of a factor going downwind or on a broad reach.

My tuppence worth of sailing knowledge.

 

[sailcapt340]

Mark,
I agree with John’s statements. It’s condition and maintenance performed by past owner, that’s important and shows a level of care they took.
We own a 2000 340, and have since new in 2000. Love the comfort of the layout and ease of sailing. We have the 4’6” Shoal Draft Bulb Keel. It allows us into shallow(er) areas and as far I my sailing goes, I see no noticeable difference in performance over the 6’0” Keel.
As far as the interior woods you asked about….I don’t have any full view pictures of the inside of our boat. (They are on Thumb Drive and I am working with an iPad right now). I do have a few pictures for you to look at that may give you an idea of the look. I understand, it’s always nice to see someone else‘s boat for you use as a comparison when making a decision.
I do have the original brochures from Hunter in 2000 you might find interesting though. I‘ll post as many of the photos I can here at one time and follow up again if they don’t all make it. Hope this helps you a little in your decisions.

 

[sailcapt340]

Here are a few more

 

[markymac1961]

Mark.
I preface my statements with...

• I am not a Hunter Owner. I have sailed on Hunters.
• I bought a 'mature' boat, and I am rebuilding it to meet my desires.

That out of the way.

Is it really important to know the origin of the cloth/plethra cushions? I would sit on both. If all else is equal between the two boats under consideration, then I would choose the cushions that I liked the best.

I know the possibility of two boats being equal makes cushions moot.

I would set my focus on the boat

1. hull & deck (must keep the water outside of the boat),
2. sails (they are the power source and cost money),
3. Mast and rigging (both standing and running)
4. condition of the auxiliary engine (another drain on the cruising kitty)
5. boat systems (plumbing, electrical, anchoring, storage both water & fuel)
6. the feel of the boat layout (cockpit, salon, head, berths etc.) Do I like them?
7. everything else...

Regarding sailing performance, the deeper keel will favor upwind sailing by reducing the lee slippage of the hull.
The Shoal Draft keel will allow you to get into shallow anchorages and gunk holes. You'll slip over the reefs and move further into the bays than deep draft boats. The compromise is you will not be able to point as high to windward.

The keels will be less of a factor going downwind or on a broad reach.

My tuppence worth of sailing knowledge.

Hi there 'Jssailem,
Right on the money with your comments there mate. And yes... on physically inspecting both boats soon, I will be commissioning pro marine surveys on all the critical stuff you mention should I 'feel right' about proceeding with purchase. It's just interesting where I'm looking at two boats of the same ilk, with considerably different configs. Lucky Me!!! All the best mate thank you for your informed repsonse... and happy sailing! - Mark Mac

 

[markymac1961]

Mark,
I agree with John’s statements. It’s condition and maintenance performed by past owner, that’s important and shows a level of care they took.
We own a 2000 340, and have since new in 2000. Love the comfort of the layout and ease of sailing. We have the 4’6” Shoal Draft Bulb Keel. It allows us into shallow(er) areas and as far I my sailing goes, I see no noticeable difference in performance over the 6’0” Keel.
As far as the interior woods you asked about….I don’t have any full view pictures of the inside of our boat. (They are on Thumb Drive and I am working with an iPad right now). I do have a few pictures for you to look at that may give you an idea of the look. I understand, it’s always nice to see someone else‘s boat for you use as a comparison when making a decision.
I do have the original brochures from Hunter in 2000 you might find interesting though. I‘ll post as many of the photos I can here at one time and follow up again if they don’t all make it. Hope this helps you a little in your decisions.

Hi 'Sailcapt340'
Wow! Those original brochure pics are really cool thank you. No wonder this model was a good seller. And you are right on point with deep Vs shallow keel options. I'm a keen racer, (tho more cruiser than racer these days) and thinking the deeper keel variant might slightly favour performance should I enter some 'lightweight' social cruiser/racing events. That said, parking closer to shore certainly has obvious advantages. It's nice to have the two options at hand. Thanks again for your input mate. Happy Sailing to you! Cheers - Mark Mac