I am considering the purchase of a Hunter 42 Passage (center cockpit). Does anyone have any experience with this model? Any experience would be greatly appreciated. I'm not exactly sure what the downside is to the center cockpit models, aside from feeling maybe a bit top-heavy.
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Terry, we've had a 1991 P42 for four years...
and have sailed her several thousand miles around the NW, mostly solo. Wonderful boat. Fast, stiff and easy to sail with all the creature comforts of home. We just finished a two month 760 mile cruise to the Broughton Islands. Last year we did a two month 650 mile cruise to Desolation Sound. Our boat came with an 8kw Genset, two heat pumps (main and aft cabin), Autohelm 7000, electric heads, fixed three blade prop and leather upholstery. We've added midship cleats (bolted onto toe rail), a Wallas 40D furnace (port stern locker) and Garmin 178C sounder. Depending on the model year an aluminum holding tank may need replacing; ours is SS. The two 8D wet house bank batteries are plenty adequate for our needs. No downside to the center cockpit in my mind. It improves visibility and aft cabin space. Hunter did a wonderful job on this boat. No regrets here. Terry
and have sailed her several thousand miles around the NW, mostly solo. Wonderful boat. Fast, stiff and easy to sail with all the creature comforts of home. We just finished a two month 760 mile cruise to the Broughton Islands. Last year we did a two month 650 mile cruise to Desolation Sound. Our boat came with an 8kw Genset, two heat pumps (main and aft cabin), Autohelm 7000, electric heads, fixed three blade prop and leather upholstery. We've added midship cleats (bolted onto toe rail), a Wallas 40D furnace (port stern locker) and Garmin 178C sounder. Depending on the model year an aluminum holding tank may need replacing; ours is SS. The two 8D wet house bank batteries are plenty adequate for our needs. No downside to the center cockpit in my mind. It improves visibility and aft cabin space. Hunter did a wonderful job on this boat. No regrets here. Terry
Thanks
I appreciate that feedback. The one I'm looking at is a 1990. Looks pretty much like the later models, genset, forward and aft cabins, tub/shower combo. I'll check on that water tank. The only signs of any real wear on this boat are the salon cushions. A bit of cracking and showing signs of age. I understand that leather is very expensive to replace.
I appreciate that feedback. The one I'm looking at is a 1990. Looks pretty much like the later models, genset, forward and aft cabins, tub/shower combo. I'll check on that water tank. The only signs of any real wear on this boat are the salon cushions. A bit of cracking and showing signs of age. I understand that leather is very expensive to replace.
Legend 43
I have a '92 Legend 43 which I believe is the same hull as yours. Great boat with all the amenities. Mine has less living space below but has a lower cockpit and thus less sea action. My regrets are the low overhead in the aft cabin which you will not experience. My thoughts are that my aft cockpit will sail a little better with less wear and tear on the crew than yours but that you have better accomodations. The trade off is how much better an aft cocpit boat sails in rough seas as opposed to how much more comfort you have below. Given the choice of the two, I do not know how I would go. Being on the Great Lakes, I would probably opt for the passage. With the prospects of sailing to Tahiti, I would probably opt for the aft cockpit. I agree that Hunter got it right on these boats...back then. Art
I have a '92 Legend 43 which I believe is the same hull as yours. Great boat with all the amenities. Mine has less living space below but has a lower cockpit and thus less sea action. My regrets are the low overhead in the aft cabin which you will not experience. My thoughts are that my aft cockpit will sail a little better with less wear and tear on the crew than yours but that you have better accomodations. The trade off is how much better an aft cocpit boat sails in rough seas as opposed to how much more comfort you have below. Given the choice of the two, I do not know how I would go. Being on the Great Lakes, I would probably opt for the passage. With the prospects of sailing to Tahiti, I would probably opt for the aft cockpit. I agree that Hunter got it right on these boats...back then. Art
Terry, I noticed in your reply you said...
water tank. Just to make sure we're clear, the P42 holding tank is located beneath the main cabin sole next to the starboard setee. Once you remove several bronze screws, that section of the sole can be wiggled towards the center of the boat, then lifted up and out. Another item to check is the holding tank vent. When we purchased ours in early 2002 we did not know that it was plugged. A good way to check it is to apply city water pressure at the scupper, which on ours is a small clam shell shaped chrome metal fixture on the starboard side (the only one in this location) just forward of midship. I use a cone shaped nozzle that has a seal around the rim so that I can apply water pressure into the vent hose. You can hear and feel water flow or not. Our P42 has two fresh water aluminum tanks; a 65 gallon beneath the forward cabin berth and an 85 gallon beneath the main cabin sole port side midship. I've learned so much about all of the systems on our boat just through experience. One other thing to remember, be sure to open the raw water intake through hull for the water pump that feeds both heat pumps before turning them on. This through hull is located beneath a small sole hatch next to the companionway ladder. This small sole locker has two other through hulls; aft head raw water intake and galley sink drain. I normally keep all through hulls closed until I need them, except of course for the cockpit drains. Anything else you need to know about the boat please feel free to ask. Also, please check out several P42 articles in the "Knowledgebase". Terry
water tank. Just to make sure we're clear, the P42 holding tank is located beneath the main cabin sole next to the starboard setee. Once you remove several bronze screws, that section of the sole can be wiggled towards the center of the boat, then lifted up and out. Another item to check is the holding tank vent. When we purchased ours in early 2002 we did not know that it was plugged. A good way to check it is to apply city water pressure at the scupper, which on ours is a small clam shell shaped chrome metal fixture on the starboard side (the only one in this location) just forward of midship. I use a cone shaped nozzle that has a seal around the rim so that I can apply water pressure into the vent hose. You can hear and feel water flow or not. Our P42 has two fresh water aluminum tanks; a 65 gallon beneath the forward cabin berth and an 85 gallon beneath the main cabin sole port side midship. I've learned so much about all of the systems on our boat just through experience. One other thing to remember, be sure to open the raw water intake through hull for the water pump that feeds both heat pumps before turning them on. This through hull is located beneath a small sole hatch next to the companionway ladder. This small sole locker has two other through hulls; aft head raw water intake and galley sink drain. I normally keep all through hulls closed until I need them, except of course for the cockpit drains. Anything else you need to know about the boat please feel free to ask. Also, please check out several P42 articles in the "Knowledgebase". Terry
We have had a 94 P42 for four years
We really like the boat. We have made some long trips on our P42, last summer we went from Sandusky, Ohio to the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale in western Lake Superior and back. About 1600 miles in three weeks. We also did the North Channel, and Green Bay in the two previous years. It is an excellent boat for traveling. We use the V berth as our storage area and generally eat on-board. The hull is stiff and there is very little flex. One of the features that sold me on the boat was the weight. While there are some 42 foot boats that are a little heavier, most do not weigh as much. I think that weight adds up to strength. The holding tank was replaced before we purchased the boat so we did not have to do that. About the only issue I have found is the lack of a good sea berth. We have had to lay diagonally on the bunk when we were heeled but that is not condusive to good rest. My wife will pack herself in pillows on the aft cabin settee. I have heard of folks on long sea passages sleeping in the galley floor depression. I do not believe you will be sorry about the purchase if you choose to go that way.
We really like the boat. We have made some long trips on our P42, last summer we went from Sandusky, Ohio to the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale in western Lake Superior and back. About 1600 miles in three weeks. We also did the North Channel, and Green Bay in the two previous years. It is an excellent boat for traveling. We use the V berth as our storage area and generally eat on-board. The hull is stiff and there is very little flex. One of the features that sold me on the boat was the weight. While there are some 42 foot boats that are a little heavier, most do not weigh as much. I think that weight adds up to strength. The holding tank was replaced before we purchased the boat so we did not have to do that. About the only issue I have found is the lack of a good sea berth. We have had to lay diagonally on the bunk when we were heeled but that is not condusive to good rest. My wife will pack herself in pillows on the aft cabin settee. I have heard of folks on long sea passages sleeping in the galley floor depression. I do not believe you will be sorry about the purchase if you choose to go that way.
Battery space
Terry You mentioned the 2 8D house batteries...is there room to install for more in that battery compartment?
Terry You mentioned the 2 8D house batteries...is there room to install for more in that battery compartment?
Ted, in my opinion, no. It's pretty tight...
quarters with the starter battery and inverter/charger on the top shelf. We make do just fine with the two 8Ds and the Genset. I suppose you could move the inverter/charger to some other location and add a third battery onto the top shelf. The aft cabin hanging locker is close and roomy. Of course you would loose the clothing storage space. Before I increased amp hour storage capacity, instead I think it would be more cost effective to add a solar panel or two to the SS arch and/or a wind generator. Terry
quarters with the starter battery and inverter/charger on the top shelf. We make do just fine with the two 8Ds and the Genset. I suppose you could move the inverter/charger to some other location and add a third battery onto the top shelf. The aft cabin hanging locker is close and roomy. Of course you would loose the clothing storage space. Before I increased amp hour storage capacity, instead I think it would be more cost effective to add a solar panel or two to the SS arch and/or a wind generator. Terry
how much?
Terry How much amperage do you get from your 2 8D's? I'm looking at long term living on the hook. I anticipate using over 100 amps per day and I'm not sure I can get all that back from a solar panel/wind gen arrangement. So if I have a bigger bank, like 600+ amps I won't need to run the gen every day. Hence the need for more room for batteries.
Terry How much amperage do you get from your 2 8D's? I'm looking at long term living on the hook. I anticipate using over 100 amps per day and I'm not sure I can get all that back from a solar panel/wind gen arrangement. So if I have a bigger bank, like 600+ amps I won't need to run the gen every day. Hence the need for more room for batteries.
Ted, speaking in round numbers...
the two 8Ds have a total capacity of 500ah. With a full charge I estimate that I've consumed about 250ah when the battery level drops to 12 volts. We spent many days on the hook during our cruise. Our life style (I run seven miles every other day) requires that we run the Genset for two hours every other day. This gives us hot water for bathing and cleaning plus it tops off the house and starter banks. Our ah consumption runs about what you require. Even though a solar panel or wind generator might extend the charge cycle beyond every other day, we still would need to heat water for bathing. Of course there are other alternatives, but since the sun never shines in the NW (ha ha), the Genset works great for that and running it for a couple of hours every other day is no big deal. In the morning, if the hot water tank could not deliver hot enough water for shaving and wash up I will boil water on the stove. So, for us the standard battery configuration with Genset works great for our needs. As I mentioned earlier, if our ah needs increased over time, I will add solar panels and/or wind generator before I add ah storage capacity. I've not checked on this but perhaps 8D gel or AGM might give you more ah than wet, assuming that you can get them in 8D. Lots of choices. Terry
the two 8Ds have a total capacity of 500ah. With a full charge I estimate that I've consumed about 250ah when the battery level drops to 12 volts. We spent many days on the hook during our cruise. Our life style (I run seven miles every other day) requires that we run the Genset for two hours every other day. This gives us hot water for bathing and cleaning plus it tops off the house and starter banks. Our ah consumption runs about what you require. Even though a solar panel or wind generator might extend the charge cycle beyond every other day, we still would need to heat water for bathing. Of course there are other alternatives, but since the sun never shines in the NW (ha ha), the Genset works great for that and running it for a couple of hours every other day is no big deal. In the morning, if the hot water tank could not deliver hot enough water for shaving and wash up I will boil water on the stove. So, for us the standard battery configuration with Genset works great for our needs. As I mentioned earlier, if our ah needs increased over time, I will add solar panels and/or wind generator before I add ah storage capacity. I've not checked on this but perhaps 8D gel or AGM might give you more ah than wet, assuming that you can get them in 8D. Lots of choices. Terry
Thanks
Terry Thanks for the info. Have you considered propane on-demand hot water heating? There's some new systems out that look interesting. I have no direct experience. Here's one I've heard about...http://www.precisiontemp.com/mac%20files/ShowerMate.html
Terry Thanks for the info. Have you considered propane on-demand hot water heating? There's some new systems out that look interesting. I have no direct experience. Here's one I've heard about...http://www.precisiontemp.com/mac%20files/ShowerMate.html
2 hours every other day?
Terry Cox; We run out generator 2 to 3 hours EVERY day on our P42. We have two 8 year old gel group 8Ds, plus a gel starter battery. Generally, its an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening, minimum. Now we run the freezer as a freezer to make ice. That takes a lot of power. We run the curtesy lights all night. Fans too. And there is lots of music playing and lots of TV watching. So we burn a lot of DC amps at anchor. But we could never get away with 2 hours every other day. We also have super soundproofed our engine rooom so running the generator is not that big a deal. The loudest part is the water splashing out the exhaust.
Terry Cox; We run out generator 2 to 3 hours EVERY day on our P42. We have two 8 year old gel group 8Ds, plus a gel starter battery. Generally, its an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening, minimum. Now we run the freezer as a freezer to make ice. That takes a lot of power. We run the curtesy lights all night. Fans too. And there is lots of music playing and lots of TV watching. So we burn a lot of DC amps at anchor. But we could never get away with 2 hours every other day. We also have super soundproofed our engine rooom so running the generator is not that big a deal. The loudest part is the water splashing out the exhaust.
soundproofing
I'm still trying to decide whether to add 'soundproofing' to the engine/gen room on my 01 420 in which the generator is 'very' loud. * what materials did you use? * any way to get pics? I can't figure out how to work around the control panel (which is one of the doors) thanks, Guy
I'm still trying to decide whether to add 'soundproofing' to the engine/gen room on my 01 420 in which the generator is 'very' loud. * what materials did you use? * any way to get pics? I can't figure out how to work around the control panel (which is one of the doors) thanks, Guy
soundown
Check out soundown. They specialize in noise control for boats. There is a Soundown 101 section with plenty of tips for creating a total package of noise control. Of course they want you to buy their stuff and that may be a good idea but the tips are there for all to see. I have no connection or experience with soundown. The first thing to know is that adding insulation alone may not accomplish a thing.
Check out soundown. They specialize in noise control for boats. There is a Soundown 101 section with plenty of tips for creating a total package of noise control. Of course they want you to buy their stuff and that may be a good idea but the tips are there for all to see. I have no connection or experience with soundown. The first thing to know is that adding insulation alone may not accomplish a thing.
Passage 42 battery charging
After a year or so of fine-tuning I seem to have got the battery and charging system much more efficient on my Passage 42. I installed 2 x 255 amp/hr Lifeline AGMs and upgraded the stock modified sine wave charger inverter to a true sine wave Prosine 2000. I also overhauled the 105 amp Silver Bullet alternator and disconnected the battery isolator. The genset (4kw Onan) delivers a much better charge with a true sine wave charger. I can now bulk charge the batteries at 105 amps/hr and the AGMs absorb this well. Servicing the alternator doubled its charge capacity (it was a kittle shot inside) to about 90 amps in bulk charge. I let the batteries go down to just below 12.2 amps. At anchor I need to run the genset 90-120 min per day to support a considerable electrical load including running both fridge and freezer. I agree with Terry's comments that it's nice to run a genset on a regular basis to keep hot water hot, charge the batteries and to do some simultaneous cooking! If you're using a genset it does pay off going with a true sine wave charger as you're pulling in more of the genset's outbut.
After a year or so of fine-tuning I seem to have got the battery and charging system much more efficient on my Passage 42. I installed 2 x 255 amp/hr Lifeline AGMs and upgraded the stock modified sine wave charger inverter to a true sine wave Prosine 2000. I also overhauled the 105 amp Silver Bullet alternator and disconnected the battery isolator. The genset (4kw Onan) delivers a much better charge with a true sine wave charger. I can now bulk charge the batteries at 105 amps/hr and the AGMs absorb this well. Servicing the alternator doubled its charge capacity (it was a kittle shot inside) to about 90 amps in bulk charge. I let the batteries go down to just below 12.2 amps. At anchor I need to run the genset 90-120 min per day to support a considerable electrical load including running both fridge and freezer. I agree with Terry's comments that it's nice to run a genset on a regular basis to keep hot water hot, charge the batteries and to do some simultaneous cooking! If you're using a genset it does pay off going with a true sine wave charger as you're pulling in more of the genset's outbut.
Grant, what model year do you have?...
Our 1991 came with an 8kw Onan Genset and at the present time has a total run time of 360 hours. Did your boat come with dual heat pumps? I'm pretty happy with the AC/DC systems on board Belle-Vie. Even with both reefers on 24/7 we get by with a two hour Genset run every other day. That includes listening to music, lights, maybe a movie or not. I try to avoid over taxing the systems, so I lean more towards a minimalist approach to usage. We use oil lamps and candle light as a supplement to enhance the romantic mood aboard rather than DC lamps. The same applys to CNG usage. We used the stove evey day for cooking, baking, etc. As it were we consumed about 2,000 pounds of CNG (a full tank holds 2,500 pounds) during our two month cruise. I always carry a spare tank just in case. Terry
Our 1991 came with an 8kw Onan Genset and at the present time has a total run time of 360 hours. Did your boat come with dual heat pumps? I'm pretty happy with the AC/DC systems on board Belle-Vie. Even with both reefers on 24/7 we get by with a two hour Genset run every other day. That includes listening to music, lights, maybe a movie or not. I try to avoid over taxing the systems, so I lean more towards a minimalist approach to usage. We use oil lamps and candle light as a supplement to enhance the romantic mood aboard rather than DC lamps. The same applys to CNG usage. We used the stove evey day for cooking, baking, etc. As it were we consumed about 2,000 pounds of CNG (a full tank holds 2,500 pounds) during our two month cruise. I always carry a spare tank just in case. Terry
Passage 42-- third house battery
Ted, I saw your earlier posting asking about adding a third 8D battery on a Passage 42. I did exactly that, and located it under the aft bunk. It fit perfectly just underneath and forward of the rudder quadrant. Since I used a gel cell battery, there was no need to enclose the battery in a box. I am not near my boat, and cannot recall exactly how I made the little support box for it, but I do remember the basic outline of it. I think I used 2X4 pieces, and through bolted one along the fiberlass support cross-member that sits athwartship just forward of the rudder quadrant. I also put some just along the toe of the battery's outside dimensions to hold it horizontally in place. All pieces were through-bolted. I then put eye-bolts on either side of that space, securing them to the fiberglass support cross-members located at the access points just at the bottom of the lazarettes that are visible in that rudder quadrant area. That allows me to secure a strap along the top of the battery to hold it in place in the event of a knockdown or rollover. I then ran a 3-0 cable to one of the two batteries in the engine compartment. All three 8D batteries are connected in parallel with 3-0 cables, and I run them as a single battery bank. It has worked well for years. It makes it a bit more difficult to change out the batteries, but considering how seldom that is done, it's no big deal. Good luck.
Ted, I saw your earlier posting asking about adding a third 8D battery on a Passage 42. I did exactly that, and located it under the aft bunk. It fit perfectly just underneath and forward of the rudder quadrant. Since I used a gel cell battery, there was no need to enclose the battery in a box. I am not near my boat, and cannot recall exactly how I made the little support box for it, but I do remember the basic outline of it. I think I used 2X4 pieces, and through bolted one along the fiberlass support cross-member that sits athwartship just forward of the rudder quadrant. I also put some just along the toe of the battery's outside dimensions to hold it horizontally in place. All pieces were through-bolted. I then put eye-bolts on either side of that space, securing them to the fiberglass support cross-members located at the access points just at the bottom of the lazarettes that are visible in that rudder quadrant area. That allows me to secure a strap along the top of the battery to hold it in place in the event of a knockdown or rollover. I then ran a 3-0 cable to one of the two batteries in the engine compartment. All three 8D batteries are connected in parallel with 3-0 cables, and I run them as a single battery bank. It has worked well for years. It makes it a bit more difficult to change out the batteries, but considering how seldom that is done, it's no big deal. Good luck.
thanks
Paul Thanks for the info. I take it that the distance doesn't affect the functionality? Seems like having two batteries right next to each other and a third one 15' away would cause some kind of unbalance, either with charging or discharging. Was ther room for more than one 8D, getting greedy! Thanks
Paul Thanks for the info. I take it that the distance doesn't affect the functionality? Seems like having two batteries right next to each other and a third one 15' away would cause some kind of unbalance, either with charging or discharging. Was ther room for more than one 8D, getting greedy! Thanks
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