Relax...
Daryl is like everyones' crazy relative(s)...You just learn to ignore em 'cuz u can't shoot em ....
Daryl is like everyones' crazy relative(s)...You just learn to ignore em 'cuz u can't shoot em ....
Hunter 41 DS or Beneteau 423
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Posters
There are lots of posters on this and other forums who sound great, give a lot of advice and suggestions, and do not have a clue as to what they are talking about. Pity the guy or gal that comes on here, asks for advice, then acts on some very bad advice. The reader must beware and do some research. Bottom line is there are lots of posters who tell us more than they know!
There are lots of posters on this and other forums who sound great, give a lot of advice and suggestions, and do not have a clue as to what they are talking about. Pity the guy or gal that comes on here, asks for advice, then acts on some very bad advice. The reader must beware and do some research. Bottom line is there are lots of posters who tell us more than they know!
so true, so true
It's true... If I believed everything that I read on this site (or heard on my dock) and did it, my boat would look like a piece of swiss cheese covered with thrift-store junk. And I would likely have died at sea by now!
It's true... If I believed everything that I read on this site (or heard on my dock) and did it, my boat would look like a piece of swiss cheese covered with thrift-store junk. And I would likely have died at sea by now!
Opinions (beware if you have one here)
As many of you know I was a long time Hunter owner but never became a member of your cult. Some used Hunters perform well and are good value for the money for limited coastal usage. If I was in the market for a vessel today I doubt that I would purchase a Huntalina or Beneslow unless it was VERY cheap. Making a statement like "you get what you pay for" will get you in trouble on this site. Having an opinion different than this cult means you are discouraged from posting here. Alex, your wrong and I hope your keel rusts. Windblown: I bet you post under more than one name to respond like that. If I were spending the amount of money one of the proposed vessels cost I'd buy a heavier better built vessel, maybe small, maybe used. Either way I'm glad you're keeping the economy going (hopefully not the French economy) and wish you good luck with your new vessel whatever it is.
As many of you know I was a long time Hunter owner but never became a member of your cult. Some used Hunters perform well and are good value for the money for limited coastal usage. If I was in the market for a vessel today I doubt that I would purchase a Huntalina or Beneslow unless it was VERY cheap. Making a statement like "you get what you pay for" will get you in trouble on this site. Having an opinion different than this cult means you are discouraged from posting here. Alex, your wrong and I hope your keel rusts. Windblown: I bet you post under more than one name to respond like that. If I were spending the amount of money one of the proposed vessels cost I'd buy a heavier better built vessel, maybe small, maybe used. Either way I'm glad you're keeping the economy going (hopefully not the French economy) and wish you good luck with your new vessel whatever it is.
French-o-phobia
Hey Daryl, What's up with this "French" thing you've got going? Are you one of those simple thinkers who is still pissed off because we didn't join in your foolish war? Do you still go to McDonalds and order "Freedom Fries"? You think no one builds great products like amerika, (think Edsel, Pinto, Space shuttle Challenger, Clipper Marine, Firestone Tires) Get over it already. Get over it.
Hey Daryl, What's up with this "French" thing you've got going? Are you one of those simple thinkers who is still pissed off because we didn't join in your foolish war? Do you still go to McDonalds and order "Freedom Fries"? You think no one builds great products like amerika, (think Edsel, Pinto, Space shuttle Challenger, Clipper Marine, Firestone Tires) Get over it already. Get over it.
Question...
You should never ask a Hunter/Beneteau/Catalina/etc, question on one of these forums! It's like asking a Chevy/Dodge/Ford question on a diesel truck forum...each poster is going to say his make is the best, all the others are tied for second. Try 'em both, pick the one you like the best with the best deal. Personaly, I'd opt for a Catalina 42! Francois, don't get all upset, we'll come rescue you should anything bad happen to France, just like WWI, WWII, etc, the 82 Airborne Division will save the day, as always.
You should never ask a Hunter/Beneteau/Catalina/etc, question on one of these forums! It's like asking a Chevy/Dodge/Ford question on a diesel truck forum...each poster is going to say his make is the best, all the others are tied for second. Try 'em both, pick the one you like the best with the best deal. Personaly, I'd opt for a Catalina 42! Francois, don't get all upset, we'll come rescue you should anything bad happen to France, just like WWI, WWII, etc, the 82 Airborne Division will save the day, as always.
Amusing Thread
Reminds me of when I was in high school (1960's) kids would actually get into fist fights over whether Ford's were better than Chevy's. Now if you are talking about a Swan compared to a Hunter or a Catalina I would agree that there are some major differences. But debating the relative virtues of Hunter vs. Catalina is really very silly. These boats are all just fine. They are well designed, pretty well built, perform well, and for the most part are as good as the skipper handling them and making the decisions. In most cases, I believe that they are better boats than some of the older heavier classics from the recent past that seem to have become cult ledgends with armchair sailors.
Reminds me of when I was in high school (1960's) kids would actually get into fist fights over whether Ford's were better than Chevy's. Now if you are talking about a Swan compared to a Hunter or a Catalina I would agree that there are some major differences. But debating the relative virtues of Hunter vs. Catalina is really very silly. These boats are all just fine. They are well designed, pretty well built, perform well, and for the most part are as good as the skipper handling them and making the decisions. In most cases, I believe that they are better boats than some of the older heavier classics from the recent past that seem to have become cult ledgends with armchair sailors.
SOLUTION...
Bicycles, scooters, perfumes, ugly fashions...go to FRANCE. Watches, Switzerland. Livestock, mules, dogs, cars, and BOATS, BUY AMERICAN. (smiley face)
Bicycles, scooters, perfumes, ugly fashions...go to FRANCE. Watches, Switzerland. Livestock, mules, dogs, cars, and BOATS, BUY AMERICAN. (smiley face)
Which one to buy?
No matter who you ask, you will get a different opinion good or bad. Once owned a Pearson, good old New England built coastal cruiser sold it for a modern Beneteau. Now having just sold that Beneteau for another older classic plastic boat with a full keel, I can offer several opinions on the boats discussed. On a side note, most Beneteaus for the US market are built by Americans in South Carolina. Beneteau has led the direction that American builders have caught up to with design criteria on safety and convenience. What took us so long? Having sailed a Beneteau offshore it did everything just fine with no failure. Having raced a Catalina 470 to Bermuda several times it also performed admirably without incident and was extremely luxurious, A/C in every cabin for the muggy offwatch, watermaker for long showers even a washer/dryer for the wet clothes. Imagine pulling into port with clean laundry. Finally having chartered several Hunters 40-46' I can say that they have come a long way. To the point that they are all comparable. In fact they each have some unique features making them different. Each will do the job if equipped well and sailed within their limitations by a competant sailor. You can rent any one of them somewhere, try each one out before plunging into 200-300K boats. They are not cheap!
No matter who you ask, you will get a different opinion good or bad. Once owned a Pearson, good old New England built coastal cruiser sold it for a modern Beneteau. Now having just sold that Beneteau for another older classic plastic boat with a full keel, I can offer several opinions on the boats discussed. On a side note, most Beneteaus for the US market are built by Americans in South Carolina. Beneteau has led the direction that American builders have caught up to with design criteria on safety and convenience. What took us so long? Having sailed a Beneteau offshore it did everything just fine with no failure. Having raced a Catalina 470 to Bermuda several times it also performed admirably without incident and was extremely luxurious, A/C in every cabin for the muggy offwatch, watermaker for long showers even a washer/dryer for the wet clothes. Imagine pulling into port with clean laundry. Finally having chartered several Hunters 40-46' I can say that they have come a long way. To the point that they are all comparable. In fact they each have some unique features making them different. Each will do the job if equipped well and sailed within their limitations by a competant sailor. You can rent any one of them somewhere, try each one out before plunging into 200-300K boats. They are not cheap!
christian
you may be sorry you post the question on a hunter forum. Here is my two cents. If you’re a light sailor and want to spend time with your family sailing, buy what pleases you. Check for comfort, reliability and economics. You will find each unique in its design. If you wish to due serious sailing, racing or offshore cruising. You will find great differences in all these boats. You may want to research each boat for construction, balance, weight, weather helm, preparation design for after market equipment. For example are there pre run for wiring, electronics, remote nav centers and the like. Don’t be shy to ask a lot of question and sea trial when able. best of luck and I hope you join this illustrious group of hunter sailors.
you may be sorry you post the question on a hunter forum. Here is my two cents. If you’re a light sailor and want to spend time with your family sailing, buy what pleases you. Check for comfort, reliability and economics. You will find each unique in its design. If you wish to due serious sailing, racing or offshore cruising. You will find great differences in all these boats. You may want to research each boat for construction, balance, weight, weather helm, preparation design for after market equipment. For example are there pre run for wiring, electronics, remote nav centers and the like. Don’t be shy to ask a lot of question and sea trial when able. best of luck and I hope you join this illustrious group of hunter sailors.
Just an opinion no vendettas
We own a 2005 H41 DS so we are still learning about this boat. When we looked at moving up we looked at all the ususals, Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, etc. The more we looked the more confused we got. We liked different aspects about all of them. However the Hunter had the most features that suited us. It is a very solid boat. The systems are very organized and the design, hardward, layout, and build seemed to be very well thought out and of high quaility. The deck salon version of the 41 is very similar to the aft cockpit 41 but as we found out when ordering cockpit cushions they are not identical. What it will boil down to is what suits you. The other thing to take into consideration is who you are buying the boat from (dealer and manufacturer). We find both Hunter Marine and our dealer (Norton's Yacht) to be very custromer service oriented. That is very important to us. We can see why the 41 DS recieved the 2006 Best Value and Best Cruisier 40 to 44 feet award this year from Cruising World. The January 2006 issue of Cruising World has a great article about all the boats tested. What of course it is always going to boil down to is the boat that suits you needs and budget best. What I can tell you is that the Hunter 41DS is a great sailor, has an awesome layout, and never fails to turn heads. Ours has a blue awlgrip hull which is in my opinion is beautiful but does require a little more effort to keep her in "covergirl" condition. ;-) But she never fails to catch attention whether it on the dock or underway. Best of luck with your decision. I'm sure you will choose the boat that is just right for you.
We own a 2005 H41 DS so we are still learning about this boat. When we looked at moving up we looked at all the ususals, Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, etc. The more we looked the more confused we got. We liked different aspects about all of them. However the Hunter had the most features that suited us. It is a very solid boat. The systems are very organized and the design, hardward, layout, and build seemed to be very well thought out and of high quaility. The deck salon version of the 41 is very similar to the aft cockpit 41 but as we found out when ordering cockpit cushions they are not identical. What it will boil down to is what suits you. The other thing to take into consideration is who you are buying the boat from (dealer and manufacturer). We find both Hunter Marine and our dealer (Norton's Yacht) to be very custromer service oriented. That is very important to us. We can see why the 41 DS recieved the 2006 Best Value and Best Cruisier 40 to 44 feet award this year from Cruising World. The January 2006 issue of Cruising World has a great article about all the boats tested. What of course it is always going to boil down to is the boat that suits you needs and budget best. What I can tell you is that the Hunter 41DS is a great sailor, has an awesome layout, and never fails to turn heads. Ours has a blue awlgrip hull which is in my opinion is beautiful but does require a little more effort to keep her in "covergirl" condition. ;-) But she never fails to catch attention whether it on the dock or underway. Best of luck with your decision. I'm sure you will choose the boat that is just right for you.
American Made
Okay, typical American Made Boat. 1) 8,000 lbs of resin and fiberglass made from Saudi oil 2) Yanmar, Volvo, or Universal Diesel from Japan, Sweeden 3) Lewmar hardware and rigging from England 4) Teak interior from Thailand 5) $25k worth of electronics from Japan and Taiwan 6) Another ton of Chinese crap from West Marine (including the shoes on the skippers feet) 7) a trip to walmart for plates dishes sleeping bags and another ton of crap from Asia. I just don't get it? How can I buy American?
Okay, typical American Made Boat. 1) 8,000 lbs of resin and fiberglass made from Saudi oil 2) Yanmar, Volvo, or Universal Diesel from Japan, Sweeden 3) Lewmar hardware and rigging from England 4) Teak interior from Thailand 5) $25k worth of electronics from Japan and Taiwan 6) Another ton of Chinese crap from West Marine (including the shoes on the skippers feet) 7) a trip to walmart for plates dishes sleeping bags and another ton of crap from Asia. I just don't get it? How can I buy American?
Beneteau Question
Doesn't Beneteau still use iron keels. If that is the case I would avoid the Beneteau.
Doesn't Beneteau still use iron keels. If that is the case I would avoid the Beneteau.
Iron Keels
Yes, Beneteau's use iron for the keel. Actually a large number of Euro boats do. Several reasons. First ecological considerations. Lead is really nasty stuff and doesn't belong ANYWHERE. The European union has very strict rules about working with it, handling it, being around it, or puting it anwhere that living things come in contact. Iron has roughly 50 times the tensile strength of lead. Keel bolts don't pull out and it will not deform in a grounding. Yes iron will rust in seawater if not coated in epoxy. In fact if it is uncoated it will desolve at a rate that a 5,000 keel will be 10% gone in about 850 years. A really good quality iron casting is actually a much better thing than several hundred melted down and recycled car batteries poured into a mould. Talk to a structural engineer about this one.
Yes, Beneteau's use iron for the keel. Actually a large number of Euro boats do. Several reasons. First ecological considerations. Lead is really nasty stuff and doesn't belong ANYWHERE. The European union has very strict rules about working with it, handling it, being around it, or puting it anwhere that living things come in contact. Iron has roughly 50 times the tensile strength of lead. Keel bolts don't pull out and it will not deform in a grounding. Yes iron will rust in seawater if not coated in epoxy. In fact if it is uncoated it will desolve at a rate that a 5,000 keel will be 10% gone in about 850 years. A really good quality iron casting is actually a much better thing than several hundred melted down and recycled car batteries poured into a mould. Talk to a structural engineer about this one.
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