Hunter 450 or Hunter 45 cc ??

[Chucky]

Hi all

Please help me decide, which is the better for cruising around the world.
A fully kitted out 45 CC or an older 450 which will need money spent to bring it up to the same level as the 45 CC.

Which one has the best hull shape to handle what the oceans dish up.

Thanks for any input/ advice.

Michael

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

The difference in hull shape should be insignificant. It's usually more a question of storage and tankage that are determining factors. If it was me and with only those two options, I'd pick the one with the smallest windows.

 

[Stretch]

Sounds like the 450 is the better handling and drier cockpit too. This guy has been around Hunters.

''Review of the Hunter 450 by Phil Herring

Year built: 1997
Location of boat: Seattle, WA
The boat is sailed on: Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used: Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength:
Average size of crew: 2-4
Liveaboard?
Owner bought the boat in: 1997
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes; it is a spectacular boat that has exceeded my expectations in alomst every way. Construction, systems, sail plan, accomodations, it's hard to beat, in my opinion, at any price.
Gear that's been added: UK cruising gennaker, Webasto heating system (hot water radiators), ST-80 insturuments and GPS, ST-50 autopilot, ST-50 radar, a pair of Racor 100s, MapTech Professional plotter, cell hpne w/marine grade antenna, and last but not least, a Raritan electric head aft. Also noteworthy is a new Delta anchor, one size bigger than necessary, and 250' of chain. Digs in instantly and has already held the boat in blows over 25 knots.
Structural or complex improvements: Had the dealer add the oversized Racor fule filters. Original equipment (220s I think) are fo small. The 100s can be used in parallel or series, or shut off to facilitate cleaning the filter without the need to bleed the air from system afterwards. I made major changes to both heads. (details below). I removed the over-sink cabinets/mirrors in both heads, had custom mirrors made that mount flat on the wall. There's still plenty of storage forward, and aft, mounted a 20x20" medicine cabinet on the starboard hull, above and behind the steel bar. Also added a fan in the shower, mounted to the cieling and aimed out the port. It shoots the steam and much moisture right outside.
The boat's best features: Almost too many to name, but here are my highlights: new sail plan w/o backstay, interior accomodations, deck plan (incredible room to move around), ground tackle system, power-speed-nimble under power, lazarette storage. as always, the light below is super, and the aft cabin looks like it came off a 60' motor yacht. Small thing, but I also like the way Hunter grouped all the thru-hulls.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.: I think the exterior asthetics of the boat leave something to be desired, but it's so functional I can overlook that. Unlike others, I've had nothing but success with my refer/freezer. I do get heavy ice build-up in the freezer, but none of the condensdation problems, lock-up, short-cycling, and other problems I've heard about. I think my dealer re-routed the hoses. I'll try to find out more and post it here. Whoever designed this boat was on vacation the week they figured out the heads. The cabinets hang out over the sinks so much as to make them useless. We had more water on the floor than down the drain. The mirrors made us all look like a day in the fun house. Access to the aft head is poor. We've managed to fix this, for the most part, as described above. To _really_ get it right we'll need new Corian counters and biggers sinks - which the pedestals will easily accomodate.
Sailing characterisitcs: The boat is fast. And let me tell you - MUCH faster than it looks! In our Puget Sound moderate sailing conditions it moves well, 5-6 knots with 12 knots of wind. It is far better in light air than my Hunter 42. The 42 really needed 10 knots to move at all; the 450 can sail in 6 knots or so.At the other end of the spectrum, we've had it out in 33 knots double reefed and it gave a great ride. But as Chris Oldham says, reef early. It gets overpowered suddenly at about 20 knots under full sail. Although some don't agree with me, I've experienced fine performance downwind, too.
Motoring characterisitcs: Cruises at 8 knots, backs well, turns tight, runs quitly. what more could you want?
Liveability: Speaks for itself. Just walk in and look around.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any): Quite good. They didn't handle all my custom requests very well; some were made, some not, no advance warning. But it's hard to know if that's Hunter or the dealer.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any: Excellent. Bought from Cruising Specialists (cousins of Club Nautique) in Alameda, CA. Very straight-shooters. No haggling, game playing: I told them what I wanted and we quickly agreed on a very fair price. The service department is headed by Dave Tomlinson, one of the most knowledgable sailors I've met. They were far more anal about commissioning than I was, even. Everything was installed to perfection (well, they made a mistake on my heater, but it was the first installed in a 450, ever). I have total confidence in their recommendations and workmanship.''
Other comments:

 

[Chucky]

The difference in hull shape should be insignificant. It's usually more a question of storage and tankage that are determining factors. If it was me and with only those two options, I'd pick the one with the smallest windows.

Apparently the 45 cc hull is quicker, but the tankage 1/4 less than the 450.
Less windows and smaller on the 45 cc. The 45 cc is slightly wider and longer than the 450.
Hard to decide.
thanks for your feedback.
Chucky

 

[Chucky]

Sounds like the 450 is the better handling and drier cockpit too. This guy has been around Hunters.

''Review of the Hunter 450 by Phil Herring

Year built: 1997
Location of boat: Seattle, WA
The boat is sailed on: Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used: Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength:
Average size of crew: 2-4
Liveaboard?
Owner bought the boat in: 1997
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes; it is a spectacular boat that has exceeded my expectations in alomst every way. Construction, systems, sail plan, accomodations, it's hard to beat, in my opinion, at any price.
Gear that's been added: UK cruising gennaker, Webasto heating system (hot water radiators), ST-80 insturuments and GPS, ST-50 autopilot, ST-50 radar, a pair of Racor 100s, MapTech Professional plotter, cell hpne w/marine grade antenna, and last but not least, a Raritan electric head aft. Also noteworthy is a new Delta anchor, one size bigger than necessary, and 250' of chain. Digs in instantly and has already held the boat in blows over 25 knots.
Structural or complex improvements: Had the dealer add the oversized Racor fule filters. Original equipment (220s I think) are fo small. The 100s can be used in parallel or series, or shut off to facilitate cleaning the filter without the need to bleed the air from system afterwards. I made major changes to both heads. (details below). I removed the over-sink cabinets/mirrors in both heads, had custom mirrors made that mount flat on the wall. There's still plenty of storage forward, and aft, mounted a 20x20" medicine cabinet on the starboard hull, above and behind the steel bar. Also added a fan in the shower, mounted to the cieling and aimed out the port. It shoots the steam and much moisture right outside.
The boat's best features: Almost too many to name, but here are my highlights: new sail plan w/o backstay, interior accomodations, deck plan (incredible room to move around), ground tackle system, power-speed-nimble under power, lazarette storage. as always, the light below is super, and the aft cabin looks like it came off a 60' motor yacht. Small thing, but I also like the way Hunter grouped all the thru-hulls.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.: I think the exterior asthetics of the boat leave something to be desired, but it's so functional I can overlook that. Unlike others, I've had nothing but success with my refer/freezer. I do get heavy ice build-up in the freezer, but none of the condensdation problems, lock-up, short-cycling, and other problems I've heard about. I think my dealer re-routed the hoses. I'll try to find out more and post it here. Whoever designed this boat was on vacation the week they figured out the heads. The cabinets hang out over the sinks so much as to make them useless. We had more water on the floor than down the drain. The mirrors made us all look like a day in the fun house. Access to the aft head is poor. We've managed to fix this, for the most part, as described above. To _really_ get it right we'll need new Corian counters and biggers sinks - which the pedestals will easily accomodate.
Sailing characterisitcs: The boat is fast. And let me tell you - MUCH faster than it looks! In our Puget Sound moderate sailing conditions it moves well, 5-6 knots with 12 knots of wind. It is far better in light air than my Hunter 42. The 42 really needed 10 knots to move at all; the 450 can sail in 6 knots or so.At the other end of the spectrum, we've had it out in 33 knots double reefed and it gave a great ride. But as Chris Oldham says, reef early. It gets overpowered suddenly at about 20 knots under full sail. Although some don't agree with me, I've experienced fine performance downwind, too.
Motoring characterisitcs: Cruises at 8 knots, backs well, turns tight, runs quitly. what more could you want?
Liveability: Speaks for itself. Just walk in and look around.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any): Quite good. They didn't handle all my custom requests very well; some were made, some not, no advance warning. But it's hard to know if that's Hunter or the dealer.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any: Excellent. Bought from Cruising Specialists (cousins of Club Nautique) in Alameda, CA. Very straight-shooters. No haggling, game playing: I told them what I wanted and we quickly agreed on a very fair price. The service department is headed by Dave Tomlinson, one of the most knowledgable sailors I've met. They were far more anal about commissioning than I was, even. Everything was installed to perfection (well, they made a mistake on my heater, but it was the first installed in a 450, ever). I have total confidence in their recommendations and workmanship.''
Other comments:

Thanks for that, the 45 cc is 2 models after the 450, there was the 456 then the 45 cc, you would think that the boat would be better 6 years later on?
there is more tankage in the 450 and the top decks flatter easier to walk around, but much higher at the sides compared to the 45 cc.
So hard as both boats are good???

 

[Slipin Away]

45cc

living and sailing throughout the caribbean for over 5 years on 2006 45cc. Numerous upgrades were made but a very comfortable boat for the 95% of the time you are at anchor, the other 5% we pick our weather. Although we have been at sea for extended periods of time in some heavy conditions and the boat handles well. If you decide on the 45cc look over my owners mods I posted on this site. We are set up for extended living in the tropics

 

[Chucky]

living and sailing throughout the caribbean for over 5 years on 2006 45cc. Numerous upgrades were made but a very comfortable boat for the 95% of the time you are at anchor, the other 5% we pick our weather. Although we have been at sea for extended periods of time in some heavy conditions and the boat handles well. If you decide on the 45cc look over my owners mods I posted on this site. We are set up for extended living in the tropics

Thanks, for your response. when Hunter released the 45 cc they went from masthead to fractional rig. what are your thoughts on the main, do you have a mast furler or lazy jack set up? Have checked your mods, quite good reading.

 

[Jeff Jellick]

What year Hunter 45 CC are you looking at.
Jeff

 

[nmenkes]

just bought a 2003 [FONT=&quot]Hunter 456 Passage CC, but she comes with no Bow-thruster, my first upgrade is installing one (i sail the Mediterranean, and it's a must with the Mediterranean anchoring almost anywhere)
can somebody give some direction/advise on how to start this upgrade?
how complicated is it to [/FONT]accomplish?
what do you do for power and control?
how significant is the alignment of the tunnel?
how do you put this small bulge on the front end of the tunnel/hull connection that improve streaming in the area? (by the way, what do you call it?)
and any thing else.
thanks
Nahum

 

[tfay412]

just bought a 2003 [FONT=&quot]Hunter 456 Passage CC, but she comes with no Bow-thruster, my first upgrade is installing one (i sail the Mediterranean, and it's a must with the Mediterranean anchoring almost anywhere)
can somebody give some direction/advise on how to start this upgrade?
how complicated is it to [/FONT]accomplish?
what do you do for power and control?
how significant is the alignment of the tunnel?
how do you put this small bulge on the front end of the tunnel/hull connection that improve streaming in the area? (by the way, what do you call it?)
and any thing else.
thanks
Nahum

If you know how to do fiberglass work, its not hard at all. Power comes from whatever circuit breaker you want to put it on. Just make sure the breaker is large enough to handle the draw and doesn't already have a large load on it. It is very important to get the hole for your tube as straight as possible. Thenn when the tube is in you will need to fiberglass it in. If your not comfortable with the project, get a proffessional. Yes it costs money but you will be glad you did in the end. A bow thruster can be fitted to any boat its just the craftsmanship involved with it. Biggest thing. If you have any question in your mind, get a proffessional. Even though I know how to do it I would still get a proffessonal just because u will come with a warranty

 

[Chucky]

What year Hunter 45 CC are you looking at.
Jeff

Hi Jeff
2007 model with mariner pack.

 

[Jeff Jellick]

Chucky,
We have a 2005 / 2006 Hunter 45 CC, the first year that Hunter made this boat. Bought it new, also have the Marnier Pack. This is our third sailboat, first Hunter that we have owned, so I cannot compare it to the Hunter 450. Over the years we have added a lot equipment, a second SS arch over the transom, with solar panels, built in davits for the inflatable, and a place to mount all of the antennas, SSB radio, watermaker, generator, all new electronics. Also did away with the Hunter 12-volt, and 210 volt distribution panels, and installed a new Blue Sea combination 12-volt, 120 volt panel with all new circuit reakers, thus doing away withe the problematic "relays" in the original panel. There is a couple in Australia that we have been communicating with for the past 2 or so years who also have a Hunter 45 CC, which I believe is a 2009 model. The name of the boat is ANNACOL, 2009 Hunter 45 CC, Home port Moolooaba, Old, Australia. Owners are Ann & Colin. They have helped us a lot with repairs, and some of the modifications that they have done to their boat. They go crusing every year down there. Right now I cannot find their email adress, but it must be somewhere on the Hunter Owners web site. Not sure how far they are from you, but if you can contact them, they are a wealth of information about the boat. If you cannot locate them private message me through this site and I'll try and get the information for you.

Jeff

 

[Chucky]

Chucky,
We have a 2005 / 2006 Hunter 45 CC, the first year that Hunter made this boat. Bought it new, also have the Marnier Pack. This is our third sailboat, first Hunter that we have owned, so I cannot compare it to the Hunter 450. Over the years we have added a lot equipment, a second SS arch over the transom, with solar panels, built in davits for the inflatable, and a place to mount all of the antennas, SSB radio, watermaker, generator, all new electronics. Also did away with the Hunter 12-volt, and 210 volt distribution panels, and installed a new Blue Sea combination 12-volt, 120 volt panel with all new circuit reakers, thus doing away withe the problematic "relays" in the original panel. There is a couple in Australia that we have been communicating with for the past 2 or so years who also have a Hunter 45 CC, which I believe is a 2009 model. The name of the boat is ANNACOL, 2009 Hunter 45 CC, Home port Moolooaba, Old, Australia. Owners are Ann & Colin. They have helped us a lot with repairs, and some of the modifications that they have done to their boat. They go crusing every year down there. Right now I cannot find their email adress, but it must be somewhere on the Hunter Owners web site. Not sure how far they are from you, but if you can contact them, they are a wealth of information about the boat. If you cannot locate them private message me through this site and I'll try and get the information for you.

Jeff

Hi Jeff

Looks like we will be the proud owner of a 2007 hunter 45cc, taking the boat on sea trials this Sunday. Thanks for your help. Will be back in touch soon to ask for contact details for your friends.

 

[Viktor Eysselein]

Hunter 45CC

We bought a Hunter 45CC new in 2009 - we love it. The aft cabin is like a hotel room on the water with all amenities - you can live in it! This is the reason my wife selected the boat. No problems for 4 years except that the furling main got stuck repeatedly in the 4th year and the sailmaker had to trim the mainsail to resolve the problem since the sail was pouching out.
Wonderful boat! can highly recommend it!
Viktor

 

[Jeff Jellick]

We bought a Hunter 45CC new in 2009 - we love it. The aft cabin is like a hotel room on the water with all amenities - you can live in it! This is the reason my wife selected the boat. No problems for 4 years except that the furling main got stuck repeatedly in the 4th year and the sailmaker had to trim the mainsail to resolve the problem since the sail was pouching out.
Wonderful boat! can highly recommend it!
Viktor

Viktor,
Does your main sail have the "full length vertical battens", or the shorter one at the top edge of the main?
Jeff