Hunter 41 DS - Any Known Issues? Look-Fors?

[Mtmaksim]

My wife, Anne, and I are interested in purchasing a 1998 Hunter 41 Deck Salon that we recently had the chance to look at. From what we can tell, the boat appears to be in great shape, but before moving forward, we wanted to reach out to current or past owners of this model. Are there any common issues, areas of concern, or recommended upgrades that we should be aware of or check more closely before buying? Any insights or advice from those familiar with this boat would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ian Dewhirst]

Hi there,

Just a quick heads-up: the Hunter 41 Deck Salon (DS) wasn’t introduced until 2006, so the 1998 boat you saw is most likely a Hunter 410. I own a 1998 410 myself and can share a few insights specific to the 410 and not just normal boat issues.

If the arch was ever removed for transport it likely was not reinstalled properly and leaked. This leak rots the aft interior bulkhead top corners. about 1/4 the 410s I looked at before buying mine had this problem, the one I bought had this problem but since I wanted to redesign the aft bulkhead for better access to the back of the boat I was fine with having to fix it.

If the boat has a generator it is installed in the starboard aft lazarette - not easy to work on in there. My solution was to redesign the aft bulkhead that separates the cabin from this equipment so that most of the aft bulkhead can be removed easily in 3 sections with great access to everything behind it.

If the boat still has its original freezer/refrigeration equipment (compressor, cold plate etc.), plan on replacing it. Also, the divider between the fridge and freezer tends to rot over time—worth checking if it’s already been addressed.

There’s a plywood separator between the aft lazarettes that doesn’t serve much purpose beyond dividing the space, but it’s also prone to rot. Another thing to look out for: water can collect below the engine pan because there’s no limber hole to drain into the keel stub. Adding one is a simple fix and helps prevent moisture buildup.

None of these issues are deal-breakers—they’re all manageable. Overall, the 410 is a solid boat that improved on the previous generation. It shares the same hull and rig as the Hunter 420.

Happy hunting!

 

[Mtmaksim]

Yep - I had a dumb moment - it's a 2008. Somehow I lost 10 years writing the post!

 

[ice breaker]

We have a 2004 ac 41. Same boat with the lower roof line. We have had it 16 years. We sail Lake Superior. It has been a great boat with no real issues. The family enjoys it. It is simple to sail. I have single handed it for thousands of miles. Even my kids have taken it out by themselves in 30kn blows. Get a good survey, but it should treat you nicely.

 

[jssailem]

@Mtmaksim, please forgive my ignorance.
You list your boat as a Catalina 34 MkII. This is a cruising boat. Yet, you state that the Hunter 41 you are looking at is your "first cruiser".
Ok..
The boat you are looking at, if located near Wisconsin, has endured 18 winters on Lake Superior. I would inspect the plumbing, engine, and bilge carefully. Inspect anywhere water might accumulate to ensure that there has been no icing damage to the hoses, pipes, or hull.

After 18 years of sailing in unknown conditions, the standing rigging deserves replacement. You use the term cruising. This causes me to think that you may be taking the boat out onto open water. Perhaps an ocean. The standing rigging holds your mast up. Open water is no place to test 18-year-old rigging.

Inspect the hull as if your life depended on it.

At the price of a 41ft boat, I would hire an independent surveyor (not one from the broker).