I need advise in making a choice

[fredrik]

Maybe its a strange question from a member. But I have found 3 Hunters I am very interested in. However, I can not make a decission which one to choose...please help and advise.

No 1) Hunter 306, 2002 in excellent condition, though maybe small.
No 2) Hunter 340, 1999 in very good condition, needs waxing and bottom paint. Has been out of the water for 2 years, probably because the owner has problems selling this boat since she has a draft of 6'. I like her, but might have problems selling her later. Unless bought at a very low price.
No 3) Hunter 36 Vision, 1994 in very good condition, needs some cosmetic work in the cabin. Little holes in the wood in the cabin from objects which were hanging there and needs replacement of the formica walls in the head and shower. She is in general in good condition. However, I love the outlay of this boat...the cabin very light and roomy and the stateroom. The only stateroom I have seen in an affordable sailboat in which you can stand.
Prices of the boats are all in the same range
Looking forward to your comments, advise, etc.
This will be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Ron McCoy]

You don't indicate what type of sailing you do, sea conditions you sail, your experience or what you really want in a boat. You've described only the boats themselves. The better question to ask is what do you want in a boat?
From what you've stated, the 30ft is too small for what you have in mind about what will suit you. So leave it be for now.
The 34 has what I consider routine maintenance issues; bottom paint, waxing, etc. You might ask the current owner what kind of interest from other buyers they've had over the past 2 years. Is it really the lack of maintenance or could it be the 6ft draft? A 34ft w/ a 6' draft is somwhat uncommon, unless the boat is used for offshore. Again, are you into offshore sailing?
The 36' is the oldest of the three. That's why it's comparible in price to the first two. Bigger boat, but years older are generally in the same price range as newer but smaller boats. Inverse relationship here.
It appears you've got a max price you're willing to pay and each boat has it's pros and cons. In a used boat, the newer the boat, the better; simply because the "stuff" that will have to be "fixed, replaced, or repaired" are generally fewer in newer boats. This works fine as long as you don't go below the level of boat that best fits your sailing style, experience, demands. It's a fine line, full of subjective emotions on one end, and very specific items that make a boat a bad choice for your type of sailing, money, resale value. If the boat is that big a compromise, then avoid it now and keep from assuming the kind of boat maybe boat #2 is to that owner. Now is the time to take your time, explore all your options and keep emotions in check. After you buy, it's yours! Best wishes in your search.

 

[petersea]

Dutchman,

Your post would make me believe you are leaning toward the 36. Nice choice. They only question in my mind are there significant difference such as does the 340 have in mast furling does one boat have refrigeration or air conditioning ? Sails ? newer in good shape or need replaced ? Is the 6 foot draft of the 340 a local sailing issue with water depths and the boat is "out of place". Has the 340 not sold because used boat market is in the dumps?? If truly things are equal quality and you are willing to put up with some cosmetic repairs I would go with the 36 ( bigger is almost always better ! )

 

[fredrik]

making a choice

You don't indicate what type of sailing you do, sea conditions you sail, your experience or what you really want in a boat. You've described only the boats themselves. The better question to ask is what do you want in a boat?
From what you've stated, the 30ft is too small for what you have in mind about what will suit you. So leave it be for now.
The 34 has what I consider routine maintenance issues; bottom paint, waxing, etc. You might ask the current owner what kind of interest from other buyers they've had over the past 2 years. Is it really the lack of maintenance or could it be the 6ft draft? A 34ft w/ a 6' draft is somwhat uncommon, unless the boat is used for offshore. Again, are you into offshore sailing?
The 36' is the oldest of the three. That's why it's comparible in price to the first two. Bigger boat, but years older are generally in the same price range as newer but smaller boats. Inverse relationship here.
It appears you've got a max price you're willing to pay and each boat has it's pros and cons. In a used boat, the newer the boat, the better; simply because the "stuff" that will have to be "fixed, replaced, or repaired" are generally fewer in newer boats. This works fine as long as you don't go below the level of boat that best fits your sailing style, experience, demands. It's a fine line, full of subjective emotions on one end, and very specific items that make a boat a bad choice for your type of sailing, money, resale value. If the boat is that big a compromise, then avoid it now and keep from assuming the kind of boat maybe boat #2 is to that owner. Now is the time to take your time, explore all your options and keep emotions in check. After you buy, it's yours! Best wishes in your search.

..

 

[fredrik]

Hi Ron,
Thank you very much for the quick reply.
I intend to sail her in the ocean from WestPalm Beach to the bahamas and the Keys.
The 340 has been hanging around but is in very good shape, but 6'draft. Will this be a problem for me too to sell her?
ASs I said I love the 36 Vision, but 1994 is older
The 306 very clean and excellent, but I am afraid to small
Any more advise welcome
I thank you for your help

 

[Honeyman]

The 36 Vision w/4 1/2 ft shoal/wing keel will be a LOT more Bahamas "friendly" as far as draft. Realize that that keel is much harder to get "unstuck" when grounded, but will allow you into much more area and better anchorages. Great boat with lots of safety built in and lots of interior space. I have chartered one in the shallow cruiseing area of Charlotte Harbor area of Fla. and really enjoyed the boat. I own a '94 35.5 and would not shy away from Hunters of this age. Very well built boats.

 

[Ron McCoy]

Dutchman,
I don't know without seeing each boat. I quess you're between the 34 and 36? That's either 16 or 11 years old. Um.... I'd think the sails would be ready for replacement, standing rigging too. What about the engine? Hours, maintenance records? Hard to say without a complete inspection.
Sailiing in the Bahamas with a 6' draft may present problems, maybe not. Depends on where you want to go.
Have you had either boat surveyed? A good surveyor may shed light on other issues that you may not have seen or uncovered. It's a tough decision as I'd only recommend a survey on a boat you were prepared to actually make a decision to buy. The survey helps you make the decision to "go" or "no-go".
I suppose if I were in your shoes, I'd keep looking around. This is a buyers market and there's lots of brokerages and private sellers out there. And, you've got time on your side. When the "right" boat comes along, you'll know it. Much like falling in love! Of course, keep your hands on your money and in your pocket to ensure its the "right boat" and not some emotional whim. Stay with it and keep us posted.

 

[Rick D]

One Thing To Consider

...is that the Vision has no rigging to worry about (other than the lightly loaded forestay). I'm partial to the Vision series, so will refrain from suggesting. Actually, I like all that you listed but for different reasons. I do think the Vision will be less maintenance because of the rig, the rest being the same.

 

[fredrik]

The 36 Vision w/4 1/2 ft shoal/wing keel will be a LOT more Bahamas "friendly" as far as draft. Realize that that keel is much harder to get "unstuck" when grounded, but will allow you into much more area and better anchorages. Great boat with lots of safety built in and lots of interior space. I have chartered one in the shallow cruiseing area of Charlotte Harbor area of Fla. and really enjoyed the boat. I own a '94 35.5 and would not shy away from Hunters of this age. Very well built boats.

Hi Honeyman,
Thank you for your advise. I must say there are a lot of people out there who like to help...much appreciated. Yes the Vision is nice but as Roy stated the older the boat ofcourse you quicker you need to replace the sails.
I will have to find out about the 6' draft on the 340. This might be a problem also in the Bahamas.
Anyway thank you for your input

 

[fredrik]

Hi Petersea,
Thank you for your input regarding the sails, 6' draft for the 340 is this local or also a problem for me.
Many like you do like the Vision.
Thank you again

 

[Steve Dion]

Dutchman: I would not let the age of the sails determine the boat that you are purchasing. You can have a 3 - 5 y/o boat with blown out sails.

If you purchase the HV'36 you will not be disappointed.

Take a look at the construction and compare it to some of the others too. They were built quite stout.

 

[fredrik]

I need advise in makin a choice

Dutchman: I would not let the age of the sails determine the boat that you are purchasing. You can have a 3 - 5 y/o boat with blown out sails.

If you purchase the HV'36 you will not be disappointed.

Take a look at the construction and compare it to some of the others too. They were built quite stout.

Hi Steve,

Thank you for you advise......it sure is what I want the Vision, just was in doubt regarding age 1994, compared with the 306, 2002.
Well, I suppose i am in a fortunate position, at least 3 boats I like...it took me 4 years to find well cared for boats.
Regards,
Fredrik Wortman

 

[Ron McCoy]

Dutchman,
My point regarding the age of the sails, etc. is to consider those things along with other aspects of the boat. Sails wear out, sometimes sooner rather than later. If "everything" needs replacement then the real cost of the boat is higher compared to another boat that has fewer "things" to replace. It's a matter of accumulated costs over time. What I hope you avoid is buying a boat, only to find out after the fact, that you have to replace a lot of stuff earlier than you planned. We've all see boats decay in the marina because the owner got overwhelmed with multiple "projects" and then simply gave up on the boat as expenses soared.