How do you define "offshore?"
Some of what you have heard comes from a history of production boat bashing from folks who spend 2x more for the same size boat, and feel they have to justify their expenditures by bashing boats and owners that paid half as much (otherwise they'd look stupid for spending so much money). I think there is also some bias by some against Hunter for taking a more progressive (less traditional) approach to their boats (i.e. the B&R rig, arch and walk-thru transoms, to name some of the more well known design innovation Hunter pioneered over the last few years). Does that mean the more expensive boats are "blue water" capable and the Hunter is not? Well, yes and no. A big chunk of the lower cost comes from economies of scale from a larger production line that manufacturers like Hunter, Catalina, and Beneteau can employ. On the other hand, if you plan on doing serious open water cruising, there are certain systems, equipment, modifications and enhancements that any boat will need. If you don't know what these are you need to do some research and get more experience before you think about making open water passages. Some of the more expensive boats have some of these equipment, systems, and modifications already put or built in place. Production boat manufacturers, like Hunter, generally don't include some of these systems and modifications because they are building to a more price conscious market, and it doesn't make sense to include the blue water modifications and the necessary higher prices when probably only 3% of your target market has plans to do ocean passages. The debate becomes where it makes sense to upgrade a production boat of pay the money upfront for a more blue water capable boat. There is also an argument that boats like Hunters, built with an eye to a degree of performance, will never be quite as safe in open water as more conservatively built boats (e.g. those with a full legth keel, protected rudders, and conservative sail plans). That being said, in my opinion (and certainly the guy who spend twice as much for his boat will disagree), Hunters in your boat's size are built well enough and with good basic equipment so that they can be made blue water sailing capable. However, the farther offshore you want to go, the more modifications you will need. For example, I have no hesitation about crossing the Gulf Stream (I'm in Miami too) in my '88 35 (and wouldn't in yours (an '87?) either). However, even tho' its only 50 miles, I would not do it without certain equipment (EPRIB, harness and jacklines, etc. some emergency vessel like a dinghy or life raft) that was not standard equipment on my boat. Would I take her across the Atlantic? No, not without a lot of modifications and equipment I otherwise don't need or want. But if I was going to do that, I'd probably trade her in and get one of those slow, heavy, cutter rigged, full keeled boats that I'd probably rather be in in an Atlantic storm than any amount of modification I could make to my beloved 35.
