If your Hunter didn't exist, what kind of boat would you own? A comparable Catalina or Beneteau? A more expensive Sabre or Tartan? Would you go for more keel, ala Island Packet, or less weight in J-Boat? Which boats interest you and why? Present your preference here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Hunter Alternatives?
Both Ben & Cat are good boats and reasonable alternatives, despite preferences otherwise. However, it's interesting to consider if they would be anywhere near as appealing absent Hunter's design leadership. Assuming not, older designs such as Cal, Islander and Erickson would have been much more competitive because of price. Simply put, they are cheap enough so that, absent major structural issues, they can be freshened up with LP, canvas, sails and electronics and produce a nice, well performing yacht. Rick D.
Both Ben & Cat are good boats and reasonable alternatives, despite preferences otherwise. However, it's interesting to consider if they would be anywhere near as appealing absent Hunter's design leadership. Assuming not, older designs such as Cal, Islander and Erickson would have been much more competitive because of price. Simply put, they are cheap enough so that, absent major structural issues, they can be freshened up with LP, canvas, sails and electronics and produce a nice, well performing yacht. Rick D.
Want two!
Spent yesterday hiked out on a friend's 1956 Highlander. What a rush! And on a lake that is only thirty minutes from home. Hunter 29.5 and Benetau 310 didn't stand a chance. But what would replace my H37C on Lake Erie? Probably a Tartan since they are built nearby and the factory has excellent credentials. A Tartan 35 would most nearly duplicate my boat but not as fast nor as pretty.
Spent yesterday hiked out on a friend's 1956 Highlander. What a rush! And on a lake that is only thirty minutes from home. Hunter 29.5 and Benetau 310 didn't stand a chance. But what would replace my H37C on Lake Erie? Probably a Tartan since they are built nearby and the factory has excellent credentials. A Tartan 35 would most nearly duplicate my boat but not as fast nor as pretty.
Catalina 380 a H40.5 cousin
The C380 is similar in design, specs, layout and price as the H40.5. Might be in one now if there were no 40.5s available. I also like the H380 and could see living aboard a boat that size.
The C380 is similar in design, specs, layout and price as the H40.5. Might be in one now if there were no 40.5s available. I also like the H380 and could see living aboard a boat that size.
Depends on how much money I had!
If I had to stay on the same lake that I am on now and was not able to buy a new boat like I did (1999 H310), I would buy a late model O'day 32 CC. If I was to buy new but still had to stay on the same lake, I think I would go with a Bavaria 31 or 34. The Bavaria's are in the same price range as Hunter and probably better built as they are (CE "A") rated for offshore work. I think the Bavaria would fit my sailing needs and I am told that they are fast boats too! Steve, If I was to go to Lake Michigan and had more money than I knew what to do with, well that would open up another book. The Odyssey (H310)
If I had to stay on the same lake that I am on now and was not able to buy a new boat like I did (1999 H310), I would buy a late model O'day 32 CC. If I was to buy new but still had to stay on the same lake, I think I would go with a Bavaria 31 or 34. The Bavaria's are in the same price range as Hunter and probably better built as they are (CE "A") rated for offshore work. I think the Bavaria would fit my sailing needs and I am told that they are fast boats too! Steve, If I was to go to Lake Michigan and had more money than I knew what to do with, well that would open up another book. The Odyssey (H310)
Probably jump back..
to Catalina. I had 3 Catalina's prior to "jumping ship" to Hunter. I was very happy with all three Catalinas, but when I was ready to move up Hunter had what I wanted and Catalina did not.
to Catalina. I had 3 Catalina's prior to "jumping ship" to Hunter. I was very happy with all three Catalinas, but when I was ready to move up Hunter had what I wanted and Catalina did not.
I'd go for a "Non-Production" boat
Id go for something that is not a production boat. Please don't get me wrong, I really love my 380. She has been extremely good to me, and I will have her for a long time.......however. The whole experience of dealing with a broker who is acclimated towards selling production boats has soured me quite a bit. No support, no service, just the boat, and you are on your own. I know, I should be blaming the dealer not the yacht maker, but channel is everything, and in the area, Hunter has neglected to remember that service follow through is as important as the quality of the product.
Id go for something that is not a production boat. Please don't get me wrong, I really love my 380. She has been extremely good to me, and I will have her for a long time.......however. The whole experience of dealing with a broker who is acclimated towards selling production boats has soured me quite a bit. No support, no service, just the boat, and you are on your own. I know, I should be blaming the dealer not the yacht maker, but channel is everything, and in the area, Hunter has neglected to remember that service follow through is as important as the quality of the product.
A wheel, a diesel, and a head...
...these were the three things we were looking for, along with a manufacturer still in business and wide side decks. If not our H27, probably a Catalina 27--or maybe a Beneteau (sp) if we didn't want to sleep in the v-berth!
...these were the three things we were looking for, along with a manufacturer still in business and wide side decks. If not our H27, probably a Catalina 27--or maybe a Beneteau (sp) if we didn't want to sleep in the v-berth!
We just had a big floating boat show in Seattle ..
and I was able to check out almost all the different makes of sailboats. I'm buying a Hunter 320 and the only line of boats that had the same feeling of openess and clean design was Jeanneau.I should mention that I'm an architect so design is a very important quality to me. They had a 34, 40 and 45 footer on display. The 34 footer wasn't as roomy inside as the 320 but boy did I love the Sun Odyssey 40. They were much better finished than the Hunter but not that much more expensive but still beyond my budget, all in all, an excellent value.I looked at Catalinas but they didn't have their 320 there so I couldn't compare apples for apples but the Catalinas felt sort of plasticky inside though I did like their huge cockpit lockers, wish Hunter would enlarge theirs. There was a Tartan 37 that I drooled over from the outside but once I got inside I was disappointed as I was with the cramped feeling in the Moody, Hylas and Hallber-Rassy boats. They were finished like German cars but it just demonstrated how far ahead of everyone Hunter is in design, innovation and space utilization. When I look at the $ 90,000 320 and then compare it with the same size Island packet costing $ 130,000 more, I begin to realize what's really most important to me. Enduring the "rough edges" on a mass production boat and saving all that money can buy a whole bunch of happy sailing.
and I was able to check out almost all the different makes of sailboats. I'm buying a Hunter 320 and the only line of boats that had the same feeling of openess and clean design was Jeanneau.I should mention that I'm an architect so design is a very important quality to me. They had a 34, 40 and 45 footer on display. The 34 footer wasn't as roomy inside as the 320 but boy did I love the Sun Odyssey 40. They were much better finished than the Hunter but not that much more expensive but still beyond my budget, all in all, an excellent value.I looked at Catalinas but they didn't have their 320 there so I couldn't compare apples for apples but the Catalinas felt sort of plasticky inside though I did like their huge cockpit lockers, wish Hunter would enlarge theirs. There was a Tartan 37 that I drooled over from the outside but once I got inside I was disappointed as I was with the cramped feeling in the Moody, Hylas and Hallber-Rassy boats. They were finished like German cars but it just demonstrated how far ahead of everyone Hunter is in design, innovation and space utilization. When I look at the $ 90,000 320 and then compare it with the same size Island packet costing $ 130,000 more, I begin to realize what's really most important to me. Enduring the "rough edges" on a mass production boat and saving all that money can buy a whole bunch of happy sailing.
Ben or Cat . . .
As was said in the intial response, both boats are good, so a similar size boat in either a Ben or Cat would have been my choice. A boat priced at the H340 level is enough of a commitment. I need to be able to launch and haul the boat off a trailer by myself (meaning plus two friends), so additional weight with my sailing conditions do not make any sense.
As was said in the intial response, both boats are good, so a similar size boat in either a Ben or Cat would have been my choice. A boat priced at the H340 level is enough of a commitment. I need to be able to launch and haul the boat off a trailer by myself (meaning plus two friends), so additional weight with my sailing conditions do not make any sense.
Catalina 30 is No.2
When my wife and I (notice I said my wife and I)were looking at sailboats we concentrated our efforts the 30-32 foot range. We looked primarily at either Hunters or Catalinas. If our 1986 Hunter31 and Hunters in general did not exist then it would be a Catalina 30 hands down. Its' layout and beaminess is excellant however Hunters have always been my favorite production boat.
When my wife and I (notice I said my wife and I)were looking at sailboats we concentrated our efforts the 30-32 foot range. We looked primarily at either Hunters or Catalinas. If our 1986 Hunter31 and Hunters in general did not exist then it would be a Catalina 30 hands down. Its' layout and beaminess is excellant however Hunters have always been my favorite production boat.
J&B
Since they don't make my kind of Hunters anymore, if my 25.5 didn't exist or if I had to replace her, I would look at a Beneteau First 285 or J-28 as a step up. Both are fast cruiser/racers and a 28 is about the biggest boat I would want for Cherokee Lake. Either would be fine for overnighting, singlehanding and super for our club racing. The nearest thing to the 25.5 would be a Catalina 25 with fin keel and tall rig. I almost bought one when I got Honey Bear as they were about the same price but the Cat owner wouldn't negotiate and the Hunter owner did! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Since they don't make my kind of Hunters anymore, if my 25.5 didn't exist or if I had to replace her, I would look at a Beneteau First 285 or J-28 as a step up. Both are fast cruiser/racers and a 28 is about the biggest boat I would want for Cherokee Lake. Either would be fine for overnighting, singlehanding and super for our club racing. The nearest thing to the 25.5 would be a Catalina 25 with fin keel and tall rig. I almost bought one when I got Honey Bear as they were about the same price but the Cat owner wouldn't negotiate and the Hunter owner did! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Boy, There's a Question!
I feel no particular brand allegiance whether it is cars, motorcycles, or boats. Each maker has characteristics both attractive and unattractive. I won't limit my possibilities by sticking to one maker and/or ruling out another. I can get interested in just about anything unless it's obvious the maker is running for a "YUGO" award. In addition to the Hunter I own a Clipper 21, Pelican 11 foot sailing dinghy, and a Sunfish (Currently my favorite toy.) as well as having owned a Lancer (2 seasons)and a MacGregor (1 season) At the time I bought my Hunter 33 I was actually looking at Catalina 30's and had the extreme hots for an Allmand 31. My major constraints were money, draft, and money. I had a guy with an Allmand saying he would sell for $18K, but he never got off the pot. Other Allmands I looked at were into the high 20's to low 40's (wacko!) The Catalina 30's in my range were from the 70's, were gasoline or the low power Universal diesel, and basicly beat. I really had very little knowledge of Hunter aside from "Clorox Bottle" reputation and seeing them out on the bay and had never heard of the 33. I happened on an add for a shoal draft 1983 Hunter 33 at a broker fairly close to me, and based on the 4' draft went to take a look. The layout and interior volume and amenities were basic 70's style and seemed comfortable and adequate. Comparable to the Cat and Allmand in that the volume lost to narrower beam was partly compensated by slightly greater length. It also appeared the Hunter engine would be easier to work on. (It certainly is, now that I've hacked the wood enclosure into smaller, removable pieces!) I also really liked the head by the companionway. It had standing head room for my 5'10", just about enough for my 6'2" friend, is comfortable and has almost enough room. It's actually not uncomfortable (sitting) while the boat's moving around. The Hunter also seems to have a better turn of speed based on encounters out on the bay despite what seems to be extreme sensitivity to sail trim. The deciding factor was the price. I was able to negotiate the $26,000 asking price to under $20,000. Three seasons and hundreds of labor hours later I think I'm quite happy with this boat. I do EVERYTHING on it myself, (My wife has been known to helpfully point out spots I've missed.) and the 33 is as large a boat as I want. The bay we're on is limited, as is the space available in the "lagoon" where our mooring slip is. 33 feet is all that I want to tackle. That bottom looks awfully big when you're looking at stripping, barrier coating and bottom painting! If I had unlimited funds and time? Boy, what a question. Each time I read an article or an advertisement I fall in love ---- Saga 43, Valiant, Island Packet, J, Catalina, Benneteau, Alerion, Morgan, Moody, Compac, Seaward, Freedom, Nonesuch, Gemini ---. The list seems endless. (Boy, I'm so easy!) But then I stop and take a good look at my 33 floating in the lagoon and see how much closer I'm getting her to the way I want her and I find myself thinking "I really like this boat. She's going to be around for quite a few more years."
I feel no particular brand allegiance whether it is cars, motorcycles, or boats. Each maker has characteristics both attractive and unattractive. I won't limit my possibilities by sticking to one maker and/or ruling out another. I can get interested in just about anything unless it's obvious the maker is running for a "YUGO" award. In addition to the Hunter I own a Clipper 21, Pelican 11 foot sailing dinghy, and a Sunfish (Currently my favorite toy.) as well as having owned a Lancer (2 seasons)and a MacGregor (1 season) At the time I bought my Hunter 33 I was actually looking at Catalina 30's and had the extreme hots for an Allmand 31. My major constraints were money, draft, and money. I had a guy with an Allmand saying he would sell for $18K, but he never got off the pot. Other Allmands I looked at were into the high 20's to low 40's (wacko!) The Catalina 30's in my range were from the 70's, were gasoline or the low power Universal diesel, and basicly beat. I really had very little knowledge of Hunter aside from "Clorox Bottle" reputation and seeing them out on the bay and had never heard of the 33. I happened on an add for a shoal draft 1983 Hunter 33 at a broker fairly close to me, and based on the 4' draft went to take a look. The layout and interior volume and amenities were basic 70's style and seemed comfortable and adequate. Comparable to the Cat and Allmand in that the volume lost to narrower beam was partly compensated by slightly greater length. It also appeared the Hunter engine would be easier to work on. (It certainly is, now that I've hacked the wood enclosure into smaller, removable pieces!) I also really liked the head by the companionway. It had standing head room for my 5'10", just about enough for my 6'2" friend, is comfortable and has almost enough room. It's actually not uncomfortable (sitting) while the boat's moving around. The Hunter also seems to have a better turn of speed based on encounters out on the bay despite what seems to be extreme sensitivity to sail trim. The deciding factor was the price. I was able to negotiate the $26,000 asking price to under $20,000. Three seasons and hundreds of labor hours later I think I'm quite happy with this boat. I do EVERYTHING on it myself, (My wife has been known to helpfully point out spots I've missed.) and the 33 is as large a boat as I want. The bay we're on is limited, as is the space available in the "lagoon" where our mooring slip is. 33 feet is all that I want to tackle. That bottom looks awfully big when you're looking at stripping, barrier coating and bottom painting! If I had unlimited funds and time? Boy, what a question. Each time I read an article or an advertisement I fall in love ---- Saga 43, Valiant, Island Packet, J, Catalina, Benneteau, Alerion, Morgan, Moody, Compac, Seaward, Freedom, Nonesuch, Gemini ---. The list seems endless. (Boy, I'm so easy!) But then I stop and take a good look at my 33 floating in the lagoon and see how much closer I'm getting her to the way I want her and I find myself thinking "I really like this boat. She's going to be around for quite a few more years."
Right Choice, Phil
Phil, When we make the right choices in life, we usually wind up with the right companions! Dick
Phil, When we make the right choices in life, we usually wind up with the right companions!
DickHunter or ?
My wife and I were power boaters for the past 25 years. This past August (2000) we bought our first sail boat, a Hunter Legend 37.5. Buying a sailboat wasn't a spur of the moment idea, but ending up with a Hunter was. We had decided 3 years ago to make the transition to sail, and for the past 2 years had been researching buying a new Catalina 380. Lots of reading, trips to the dealer, pricing out options, etc. etc. We had decided to purchase the Cat at this years Newport Boat Show, and take delivery in spring 2001. In late July I noticed an add for a 42 ft Whitby at a nearby boatyard/broker (directly across the Mystic river from us we went over by dingy) The picture of the Whitby looked gorgeous, center cockpit ketch, green hull, beuatiful. When we got there it was a dog. falling apart,diesel fuel in the bilge etc. I mentioned to the salesman that we would probably now buy the Cat 380. He suggested we look at this 37.5 that he had. WE had never concidered a Hunter, but looked at it more to be polite then anything else. WE LOVED IT!!! EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! We have now owned her about 7 weeks and like the boat more each time we take her out. This past weekend we sailed out to Block Isd for 2 days. The boat sails well and docks like a dream. Chris McLoughlin s/v Tidesong
My wife and I were power boaters for the past 25 years. This past August (2000) we bought our first sail boat, a Hunter Legend 37.5. Buying a sailboat wasn't a spur of the moment idea, but ending up with a Hunter was. We had decided 3 years ago to make the transition to sail, and for the past 2 years had been researching buying a new Catalina 380. Lots of reading, trips to the dealer, pricing out options, etc. etc. We had decided to purchase the Cat at this years Newport Boat Show, and take delivery in spring 2001. In late July I noticed an add for a 42 ft Whitby at a nearby boatyard/broker (directly across the Mystic river from us we went over by dingy) The picture of the Whitby looked gorgeous, center cockpit ketch, green hull, beuatiful. When we got there it was a dog. falling apart,diesel fuel in the bilge etc. I mentioned to the salesman that we would probably now buy the Cat 380. He suggested we look at this 37.5 that he had. WE had never concidered a Hunter, but looked at it more to be polite then anything else. WE LOVED IT!!! EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! We have now owned her about 7 weeks and like the boat more each time we take her out. This past weekend we sailed out to Block Isd for 2 days. The boat sails well and docks like a dream. Chris McLoughlin s/v Tidesong
Catalina
I first sailed on a C-27. It is one of the great sailboats. Our first owned sailboat was a C22 and we sailed on a lake full of alligators! There were sunfish sailors on this lake also. The alligators stayed mostly among the cypress trees, though. I sail regularly on the Great Lakes on a C30 tall rig. We've been out in some terrific blows. The C30 handles extremely well, except in a following sea, downwind. We owned an H31 and now an H380. We love the H380; it is everything we expected and more. NNEVERMORE
I first sailed on a C-27. It is one of the great sailboats. Our first owned sailboat was a C22 and we sailed on a lake full of alligators! There were sunfish sailors on this lake also. The alligators stayed mostly among the cypress trees, though. I sail regularly on the Great Lakes on a C30 tall rig. We've been out in some terrific blows. The C30 handles extremely well, except in a following sea, downwind. We owned an H31 and now an H380. We love the H380; it is everything we expected and more. NNEVERMORE
SAD
I own a 1979 Hunter 25 and am more than just happy with it. I have not seen a Hunter of that vintage (25 thru 36) that I would not mind owning. But, at least for now, I could not ask for more. The new Hunters do not have the same appeal or, in my opinion, charm as the old Cherubini designs. Thus, the older (traditional, if you will) designs are my cup of tea. Which leads up to my answer to the question of "If there were no Hunter, what would I buy?". I would look for something of the early to mid 70s vintage ..... preferably along the Pearson Triton line or possibly one of the early Tartan 27s. No Hunters, sad ..... but not the end of sailing.
I own a 1979 Hunter 25 and am more than just happy with it. I have not seen a Hunter of that vintage (25 thru 36) that I would not mind owning. But, at least for now, I could not ask for more. The new Hunters do not have the same appeal or, in my opinion, charm as the old Cherubini designs. Thus, the older (traditional, if you will) designs are my cup of tea. Which leads up to my answer to the question of "If there were no Hunter, what would I buy?". I would look for something of the early to mid 70s vintage ..... preferably along the Pearson Triton line or possibly one of the early Tartan 27s. No Hunters, sad ..... but not the end of sailing.
Preiously Owned a Sabre
Last Fall we lost a Sabre 34 to Hurricane Floyd. We wanted to find a replacement boat. Another Sabre was too expensive due to demand for the older boats. We were not sure about a Hunter, but we took a look and we were very impressed. It is not as rugged as a Sabre, but it certainly is very seaworthy for sailing in Long Island Sound and the Hudson River. The creature comforts and general livability are much better on the Hunter. The choice of new boat came quickly and I do not have any regrets about the Hunter. It is an excellent replacement boat that has many improved features over the Sabre.
Last Fall we lost a Sabre 34 to Hurricane Floyd. We wanted to find a replacement boat. Another Sabre was too expensive due to demand for the older boats. We were not sure about a Hunter, but we took a look and we were very impressed. It is not as rugged as a Sabre, but it certainly is very seaworthy for sailing in Long Island Sound and the Hudson River. The creature comforts and general livability are much better on the Hunter. The choice of new boat came quickly and I do not have any regrets about the Hunter. It is an excellent replacement boat that has many improved features over the Sabre.
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