I curently have a Hunter 326, but am thinking about selling a condo I have on the Mystic river where I use the boat in the summer. If this were to occur (likely) I would want to still summer in the north east. To that end I belive the step I would take is to buy a larger boat to live on during the summer. July - Sept 15. I am think about a 356 (seems just large enough and sails well), a 426 (which I haven't seen yet) or going an entirely different route like an Island Packet 380, which has unbelevable space below and would be outfitted to sail back and forth to GA in the winter if I elected to, although I would probably pull it at the end of each summer as I do now. So, the question is - honestly - if the cost were not a factor, would you have an Island Packet, Tartan etc. or the Hunter?
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Well..
..we have two friends, each of whom had 340's, and both of whom spent so much time on them that within two years both of them sold their condos to live aboard. One purchased a 420 that they love and the other a Beneteau 41, which they have not taken delivery of. Other friends moved aboard their 450 and another a 380. So, I think you can see a trend to 40-ish foot boats. Good luck, Rick D.
..we have two friends, each of whom had 340's, and both of whom spent so much time on them that within two years both of them sold their condos to live aboard. One purchased a 420 that they love and the other a Beneteau 41, which they have not taken delivery of. Other friends moved aboard their 450 and another a 380. So, I think you can see a trend to 40-ish foot boats. Good luck, Rick D.
It's all about the money
We play that game during every boat show. If you had an unlimited budget, which boat would you buy? Problem is: it's ALWAYS about the money. Every boat is a trade off in size, function, speed, and comfort. And every facet is a function of budget. Most of us bought a Hunter because it was the biggest bang for our limited bucks. There will always be construction issues that could have been done better, but after 17 years with the same boat I haven't regretted my decision. Now if I win that lottery, watch me really have fun at the Annapolis show!
We play that game during every boat show. If you had an unlimited budget, which boat would you buy? Problem is: it's ALWAYS about the money. Every boat is a trade off in size, function, speed, and comfort. And every facet is a function of budget. Most of us bought a Hunter because it was the biggest bang for our limited bucks. There will always be construction issues that could have been done better, but after 17 years with the same boat I haven't regretted my decision. Now if I win that lottery, watch me really have fun at the Annapolis show!
Live Aboard
The best deal for your money is the Passage series Hunter. I have a 450 and it has plenty of space plus sails well. Center cockpit designs with large stern cabin queen berth, privacy and all are the most compfortable. We have been on for several weeks at a time and my wife and I have not yet developed a hatered for each other yet. Len Fagan "Tale Winds
The best deal for your money is the Passage series Hunter. I have a 450 and it has plenty of space plus sails well. Center cockpit designs with large stern cabin queen berth, privacy and all are the most compfortable. We have been on for several weeks at a time and my wife and I have not yet developed a hatered for each other yet. Len Fagan "Tale Winds
Passage the Best Value
We have now lived aboard our 450 for almost three years. Very happy and would recommend the 456 or the 426. If you are going to cruise and live aboard, you should seriously consider installing a hard top bimini up front(during commissioning) and cover the top with solar panels (except for a small window to see the sails from the helm). There is an extensive list of other modifications that should be considered if you plan to live aboard that will make life more comfortable and easier. If you would like more information you can contact me through HOW owner's directory at Toucan Dream.
We have now lived aboard our 450 for almost three years. Very happy and would recommend the 456 or the 426. If you are going to cruise and live aboard, you should seriously consider installing a hard top bimini up front(during commissioning) and cover the top with solar panels (except for a small window to see the sails from the helm). There is an extensive list of other modifications that should be considered if you plan to live aboard that will make life more comfortable and easier. If you would like more information you can contact me through HOW owner's directory at Toucan Dream.
Money no Object
Not looking for the "most bang for the buck" - again if the money made no difference what would you choose? I don't think that I want to revist this decision again in two years. Don't want to waste money, but can afford what ever makes sence.
Not looking for the "most bang for the buck" - again if the money made no difference what would you choose? I don't think that I want to revist this decision again in two years. Don't want to waste money, but can afford what ever makes sence.
If I had the money......
Bob: If I had the money, I think that the Tarten 3700 or 4100 would be a very nice choice. Excellent blue water cruiser and excellent workman ship.
Bob: If I had the money, I think that the Tarten 3700 or 4100 would be a very nice choice. Excellent blue water cruiser and excellent workman ship.
Tartan
I think you would be disappointed with the Island Packet's sailing qualities, since it doesn't sound like you are going "Blue Water", compared to your current Hunter. If it was within reach, I would go with the Tartan providing I was really sailing a lot. Excellent sailing qualities, great construction and good layout. If you are really looking to just replace your condo with ocassional sailing I would look to the Hunter or Catalina. In any event I would look to the used market first. There are some amazing values out there if you are willing to go with a slightly older boat. Envy your opportunity. You no doubt will be happy with whatever you purchase.
I think you would be disappointed with the Island Packet's sailing qualities, since it doesn't sound like you are going "Blue Water", compared to your current Hunter. If it was within reach, I would go with the Tartan providing I was really sailing a lot. Excellent sailing qualities, great construction and good layout. If you are really looking to just replace your condo with ocassional sailing I would look to the Hunter or Catalina. In any event I would look to the used market first. There are some amazing values out there if you are willing to go with a slightly older boat. Envy your opportunity. You no doubt will be happy with whatever you purchase.
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