We are upgrading to a bigger boat from catalina 28 and have looked at Catalina and beneteau but just found a Hunter 38 2004 and loved the boat. We have never sailed in a hunter and would appreciate some input on how they sail. The traveler on the bridge is a new concept to us. We are retired and planning extensive travel on the boat on the coastline and Florida. Thank yoi. Nat
hunter 38
- Thread starter Sailingnat
- Start date
A bit bigger and heavier than your 28, and not as quick to respond to steering and engine power. I spent a weekend just putting around the dock and heading in and backing out and then reversing it, when we moved from a 38 to the 42.
For some reason, I have noticed that the Hunter seemed to present more windage load than my previous boats, so if you are trying to sit neutral she will flit about and settle in what appears to be crossways to the wind.
You will quickly get used to the added space and will really enjoy that on extended travel.
I would learn to use a spring line, if you have not with your 28. With the added length, compared to my 36CC, then to the aft cockpit 38, I kept one tethered line on each side, when docking, just in case my crew missed their lines. It was often easier to bend the boat around a piling or turn her around in tight quarters, fueling or docking, using the lines, than worrying about the other boats.
Enjoy!
For some reason, I have noticed that the Hunter seemed to present more windage load than my previous boats, so if you are trying to sit neutral she will flit about and settle in what appears to be crossways to the wind.
You will quickly get used to the added space and will really enjoy that on extended travel.
I would learn to use a spring line, if you have not with your 28. With the added length, compared to my 36CC, then to the aft cockpit 38, I kept one tethered line on each side, when docking, just in case my crew missed their lines. It was often easier to bend the boat around a piling or turn her around in tight quarters, fueling or docking, using the lines, than worrying about the other boats.
Enjoy!
We have a 2008 38 footer.
Moved up from an older Catalina 34 that we thoroughly loved.
Do a search on Hunter 38 and you will get a lot of information popping up
The large main smaller head sail with furling main makes it easy to sail. We love the arch with the traveler as it makes cockpit free of stuff and gives a support for Bimini.
I will confess to having aesthetic issues with the arch until I got used to it.
Ours was a demo and came without the battened main. Given a choice I'd have opted for the vertical battens but frankly it sails fine without it.
I replaced original prop with a Maxprop and love it. Backs like a dream and stops right now.
The high freeboard takes some getting used to. Requires steps to get up to the boat. Also sails like a banshee on anchor. Do a search on here and you will find many threads on that subject and how people deal with it.
As with any boat there are compromises but overall we are very happy with it
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer. Drop me a note.
Moved up from an older Catalina 34 that we thoroughly loved.
Do a search on Hunter 38 and you will get a lot of information popping up
The large main smaller head sail with furling main makes it easy to sail. We love the arch with the traveler as it makes cockpit free of stuff and gives a support for Bimini.
I will confess to having aesthetic issues with the arch until I got used to it.
Ours was a demo and came without the battened main. Given a choice I'd have opted for the vertical battens but frankly it sails fine without it.
I replaced original prop with a Maxprop and love it. Backs like a dream and stops right now.
The high freeboard takes some getting used to. Requires steps to get up to the boat. Also sails like a banshee on anchor. Do a search on here and you will find many threads on that subject and how people deal with it.
As with any boat there are compromises but overall we are very happy with it
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer. Drop me a note.
Arch
You will love the traveler above you on the arch making it so
easy to single handle and I have owned my 2007 H-36 since new and love it
and many of my Catalina friends who raced on my H-36 were impressed
and your 38 is nice and roomy all over and the rear berth will be really nice,wish
we had the extra room in rear berth like the 38 on our 36 other wise we love our H-36 just perfect for us.
I have met many a Catalina owner who moved up to a Hunter and love the arch
and all the room.
nick
You will love the traveler above you on the arch making it so
easy to single handle and I have owned my 2007 H-36 since new and love it
and many of my Catalina friends who raced on my H-36 were impressed
and your 38 is nice and roomy all over and the rear berth will be really nice,wish
we had the extra room in rear berth like the 38 on our 36 other wise we love our H-36 just perfect for us.
I have met many a Catalina owner who moved up to a Hunter and love the arch
and all the room.
nick
I have a 2003 H356. Very similar boat except two feet larger in the rear master bedroom. We love our H356 and you will really like the H38. Lots of natural light below and room more like a 42 than a 38. Lots of room below and in the cockpit. The sail controls are really easy to deal with and you may find it easier to sail,than your 28. I highly recommend it.
38 would be a fine boat but things to consider when cruising. Will you want ac? Here in Florida the answer is yes. How will you power the ac? If you stay in marinas no problem. If you anchor out you need some type of generator. Those without diesels use the portable Hondas, usually two tied together. For me, hooking up the generators each night would be a pain plus carrying all the gas. Therefore, if you want ac and a diesel generator, look at something around 40' so you have sufficient room for a diesel generator.
Also when looking at boats check out the vintage of the electronics. You are going to want relatively up to date equipment with auto pilot and maybe radar. If you have to replace the electronics you can get to $10 - 15K in hurry. And don't forget a dingy davit, dodger and bimini, pretty much a must if your are cruising.
Does it have in-mast furling? I would not have a cruising boat without it.
Just some things to think about.
Also when looking at boats check out the vintage of the electronics. You are going to want relatively up to date equipment with auto pilot and maybe radar. If you have to replace the electronics you can get to $10 - 15K in hurry. And don't forget a dingy davit, dodger and bimini, pretty much a must if your are cruising.
Does it have in-mast furling? I would not have a cruising boat without it.
Just some things to think about.