Seems the Hunter 45 (PHRF 70) and the 54 (PHRF~40) would be good choices for fast cruising and a little racing. By PHRF, they are the fastest in the Hunter Lineup I am considering buying a 45 which is as fast as a Beneteau 456 but has a nicer two cabin layout. But I hear the Hunters have poor systems - like no backing plates on the deck hardware and the backstay etc. On the plus side, I hear the 45 has a solid glass hull and not a cored hull - probably a benefit since these boats are now 20 years old. Any comments ?
- Status
PHRF Reality
If you want to race, you need to identify which boats sail to their rating or better, not which boat has the lowest rating number. A boat with a low PHRF number has to sail extremely fast to be competitive. IMHO, none of the new Hunters or Beneteau cruising series boats are competitive. In my experience some of the mid 80s Hunter 34, 35, and 37s seemed to be competitive. We now own a Hunter 460 which is a fantastic boat but its not for the race course. If you want to race, consider the Beneteau First 40.7 or 47.7. They are attractive, very fast and are competitive. They were designed by Bruce Farr. There are some one design fleets of these starting to appear. Also consider a C&C with deep keel such as the 40 or 37+. Be prepared to accept a deep keel of 7+ feet. If you want to cruise, then buy the Hunter. Older Hunters with deep keels, backstays and large Genoas could also be considered such as the 40.5. By the way, the Hunter has no backing plates for deck hardware because they mold aluminum blocks that are sandwiched into the decks that are drilled and tapped to acept the hardware (stronger and prevents leaks). The Hunter has a lead keel and great equipment. There is a Hunter 54 that is campaigned on the Chesapeake Bay that races only in point-to-point races, so it often does very well if the race is a reach or run for a long distance. I think they once placed in or won the Anapolis to Bermuda race.
If you want to race, you need to identify which boats sail to their rating or better, not which boat has the lowest rating number. A boat with a low PHRF number has to sail extremely fast to be competitive. IMHO, none of the new Hunters or Beneteau cruising series boats are competitive. In my experience some of the mid 80s Hunter 34, 35, and 37s seemed to be competitive. We now own a Hunter 460 which is a fantastic boat but its not for the race course. If you want to race, consider the Beneteau First 40.7 or 47.7. They are attractive, very fast and are competitive. They were designed by Bruce Farr. There are some one design fleets of these starting to appear. Also consider a C&C with deep keel such as the 40 or 37+. Be prepared to accept a deep keel of 7+ feet. If you want to cruise, then buy the Hunter. Older Hunters with deep keels, backstays and large Genoas could also be considered such as the 40.5. By the way, the Hunter has no backing plates for deck hardware because they mold aluminum blocks that are sandwiched into the decks that are drilled and tapped to acept the hardware (stronger and prevents leaks). The Hunter has a lead keel and great equipment. There is a Hunter 54 that is campaigned on the Chesapeake Bay that races only in point-to-point races, so it often does very well if the race is a reach or run for a long distance. I think they once placed in or won the Anapolis to Bermuda race.
Agree w/ Robert re Hunter 45
Especially with a rating of 70, I agree with Robert Polk that the Hunter 45 would not be a good choice for racing. Several years ago we were sailing dead downwind against a Hunter 45 who was flying an asymetrical and beat him. Our Hunter 35 had a 150 and a feathering prop - don't know what he had for a prop. Anyway, based on a sampling of one all I can say is I wasn't impressed. Also, we had the same wind and same current so tactics or skipper ability wasn't a factor. Also agree with Roberts suggestion of the C&C 37+ as that would be a good bang for the buck. Also I think their rating would be better than the H45! Swiftsure Yachts in Seattle has a 37XL (cruising interior - as much as a performance boat can be - with teak) for sail and it has an eliptical rudder.
Especially with a rating of 70, I agree with Robert Polk that the Hunter 45 would not be a good choice for racing. Several years ago we were sailing dead downwind against a Hunter 45 who was flying an asymetrical and beat him. Our Hunter 35 had a 150 and a feathering prop - don't know what he had for a prop. Anyway, based on a sampling of one all I can say is I wasn't impressed. Also, we had the same wind and same current so tactics or skipper ability wasn't a factor. Also agree with Roberts suggestion of the C&C 37+ as that would be a good bang for the buck. Also I think their rating would be better than the H45! Swiftsure Yachts in Seattle has a 37XL (cruising interior - as much as a performance boat can be - with teak) for sail and it has an eliptical rudder.
H45 RACING
Okay let me ring in on this one. I have owned my 45 for 4 years and kill my competition. We were the Gold Cup winner of Our Yacht Club 2 years ago, with a fleet of about 45 boats. I have been real close to winning it 2 other times. The Boat also has been 1st overall in several other races. Including point to point with the wind on the nose. BUT we don't race any fast boats just C&C 42's, J35's & 130, Tripp 40, Nelson/Marek and of course the usually Catalina's & Etc. There's nothing special about my boat. Just Good Sails, Good bottom, Good Crew & getting the most out of wind conditions. This Boat races well in light or heavy wind just get it rolling & look out.
P.S. this boat is also my wife's Condo. What more Can & Say.
Okay let me ring in on this one. I have owned my 45 for 4 years and kill my competition. We were the Gold Cup winner of Our Yacht Club 2 years ago, with a fleet of about 45 boats. I have been real close to winning it 2 other times. The Boat also has been 1st overall in several other races. Including point to point with the wind on the nose. BUT we don't race any fast boats just C&C 42's, J35's & 130, Tripp 40, Nelson/Marek and of course the usually Catalina's & Etc. There's nothing special about my boat. Just Good Sails, Good bottom, Good Crew & getting the most out of wind conditions. This Boat races well in light or heavy wind just get it rolling & look out.
P.S. this boat is also my wife's Condo. What more Can & Say.- Status