I am interested in purchasing a Hunter 42 passage 1995. I am personally not familiar with this boat. I would like to use the boat for all kinds of sailing and would like to retire with my wifr on the boat to spend periods of up to 4 months on the boat at a time. I have been looking at a Hallberg Rassy 42 which seems to me to be a very much sturdier and safer boat then the Hunter 42 Passage. I am interested to know from any Hunter P42 owner how this boat will stand up to very heavy seas and could I cross the Atlantic in this boat safely? Many thanks in advance. Len Sackstein
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"Could I cross the Atlantic in this boat safely?"
This is going to be a very interesting thread! Les, before the real P42 owners respond, would you allow me to make a couple of very general observations (I am not a P42 owner, although my L43 has the same hull)? First of all, you say you don't know the P42..... Well, in that case, you certainly came to the right place! Absolutely no one here has even the slightest bias with regard to the P42, as you are about to find out
)) Furthermore, since probably no one here knows anything about your sailing experience or your personal sailing preferences, you can also expect a completely objective answer to the question whether YOU and the P42 can make it across the pond safely. As the Book says: "ask and yeh shall find". Translated into modern IT-speak: "GIGO" (garbage in, garbage out). Just in case you are yearning to learn more, however, may I draw your attention to the little "search" buttons that are popping up all over this website. Just type in a few terms, e.g. "Passage 42 offshore" or some other brilliant idea and you will be amazed at the results. Above all, success with your quest! Flying Dutchman
This is going to be a very interesting thread! Les, before the real P42 owners respond, would you allow me to make a couple of very general observations (I am not a P42 owner, although my L43 has the same hull)? First of all, you say you don't know the P42..... Well, in that case, you certainly came to the right place! Absolutely no one here has even the slightest bias with regard to the P42, as you are about to find out
)) Furthermore, since probably no one here knows anything about your sailing experience or your personal sailing preferences, you can also expect a completely objective answer to the question whether YOU and the P42 can make it across the pond safely. As the Book says: "ask and yeh shall find". Translated into modern IT-speak: "GIGO" (garbage in, garbage out). Just in case you are yearning to learn more, however, may I draw your attention to the little "search" buttons that are popping up all over this website. Just type in a few terms, e.g. "Passage 42 offshore" or some other brilliant idea and you will be amazed at the results. Above all, success with your quest! Flying DutchmanH.R. vs. P42????????
Yes, the Hallberg Rassy would be a beefier boat and "maybe" better built(?) The big thing here would be price. The H.R. (new) will cost over 400k The Hunter P42 (new) over 200K How much money do you wanna spend? As the 1st. poster stated, read the reviews of the P42-P45. Find the boat that fits your needs. Buy it,sail it, live it!!! Good luck with your quest. Steve, s/v The Odyssey (H310)
Yes, the Hallberg Rassy would be a beefier boat and "maybe" better built(?) The big thing here would be price. The H.R. (new) will cost over 400k The Hunter P42 (new) over 200K How much money do you wanna spend? As the 1st. poster stated, read the reviews of the P42-P45. Find the boat that fits your needs. Buy it,sail it, live it!!! Good luck with your quest. Steve, s/v The Odyssey (H310)
P42 strength
Len; Let me quote from the Hunter newsletter summer/fall 1984. The voyage of the "Trident 11"; After a ten day stopover in St. Martin for rest and small repairs we set off on the longest passage having decided to sail non stop to Cape Town. This leg took us 57 days to complete the 7000 miles. During our crossing if the South Atlantic we encountered three storms with wind speeds exceeding force 10 and seas I estimate to have been 30-35 feet(they always look about 60 feet). In one of these blows the furling gear failed, the foil sheared and we experienced the sailors nightmare-a knockdown. Generally something major breaks in these conditions but the rig held. Below was a shambles but that is easily tidied up. After these experiences I told myself I had nothing to be concerned about regarding the structural strength of the boat. It is well known that the waters around the South African coast are some of the wildest in the world and most of the damage I have sustained on deliveries have been on the last 400-600 miles from home. This was my 19th Atlantic crossing and I couldn't think of a better one. On two days over 200 miles were achieved with only one crew to assist me. I felt this was quite an achievement. I have utmost faith in the "Passage 42" and I sincerely hope Hunter Marine maintains thier standards. It was a pleasure to skipper "Trident 11" on her maidfen ocean crossing and I know Bill will have much joy with his Passage 42. Fair winds! Malcolm myers Delivery Skipper. The trip actually started from St Augustine where the boat was commissioned. If you write or e-mail Hunter Marine maybe they still have a copy of this report. Regards, Mac Lindsay
Len; Let me quote from the Hunter newsletter summer/fall 1984. The voyage of the "Trident 11"; After a ten day stopover in St. Martin for rest and small repairs we set off on the longest passage having decided to sail non stop to Cape Town. This leg took us 57 days to complete the 7000 miles. During our crossing if the South Atlantic we encountered three storms with wind speeds exceeding force 10 and seas I estimate to have been 30-35 feet(they always look about 60 feet). In one of these blows the furling gear failed, the foil sheared and we experienced the sailors nightmare-a knockdown. Generally something major breaks in these conditions but the rig held. Below was a shambles but that is easily tidied up. After these experiences I told myself I had nothing to be concerned about regarding the structural strength of the boat. It is well known that the waters around the South African coast are some of the wildest in the world and most of the damage I have sustained on deliveries have been on the last 400-600 miles from home. This was my 19th Atlantic crossing and I couldn't think of a better one. On two days over 200 miles were achieved with only one crew to assist me. I felt this was quite an achievement. I have utmost faith in the "Passage 42" and I sincerely hope Hunter Marine maintains thier standards. It was a pleasure to skipper "Trident 11" on her maidfen ocean crossing and I know Bill will have much joy with his Passage 42. Fair winds! Malcolm myers Delivery Skipper. The trip actually started from St Augustine where the boat was commissioned. If you write or e-mail Hunter Marine maybe they still have a copy of this report. Regards, Mac Lindsay
Sure, the P42 can take it; but what about Len?
Mac, that's a great story! I vaguely remember hearing it before. However, if we are talking about the P42 it cannot have been 1984 since the first P42s were delivered around 1990. Besides this story there is the maiden voyage of one of the first P42s where Warren Luhrs himself took one or two journalists on a winter trip to Bermuda. Not everyone's idea of a nice passage. However, the biggest problem the journalist reported on that trip was that some spray water kept standing on the cockpit seat so he ended up getting his own sorry transom wet. Another P42 story I like was when one owner (who was that again?) just dropped into a HOW discussion last year and said "by the way we just sailed our P42 back from New Zealand to the USA (i.e. against the Trades) and had no problems". Just try that with a Valiant or Westsail and you end up making most of your Easting near the Southern Ocean. This is why crab crushers need to be so strong. Time and again they have to chose the old square rigger routes in the higher latitudes to make their Easting because of their poor upwind abilities. Len, I don't know which Hallberg Rassy you are looking at. The upwind capabilities of their models have been a mixed bag over the years. Although the newer designs are better most skippers who can afford a new Hallberg Rassy can probably not resist the temptation of chosing in-mast furling mains, thereby squandering most of their offshore upwind gains again..... Good Luck! Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II", Hunter Legend 43, hull #1 (still 8 more weeks in her Vuda Point dry berth; then Nelleke and I should be on our way to Vanuatu with our dear friends George and Peggy Kornreich!!)
Mac, that's a great story! I vaguely remember hearing it before. However, if we are talking about the P42 it cannot have been 1984 since the first P42s were delivered around 1990. Besides this story there is the maiden voyage of one of the first P42s where Warren Luhrs himself took one or two journalists on a winter trip to Bermuda. Not everyone's idea of a nice passage. However, the biggest problem the journalist reported on that trip was that some spray water kept standing on the cockpit seat so he ended up getting his own sorry transom wet. Another P42 story I like was when one owner (who was that again?) just dropped into a HOW discussion last year and said "by the way we just sailed our P42 back from New Zealand to the USA (i.e. against the Trades) and had no problems". Just try that with a Valiant or Westsail and you end up making most of your Easting near the Southern Ocean. This is why crab crushers need to be so strong. Time and again they have to chose the old square rigger routes in the higher latitudes to make their Easting because of their poor upwind abilities. Len, I don't know which Hallberg Rassy you are looking at. The upwind capabilities of their models have been a mixed bag over the years. Although the newer designs are better most skippers who can afford a new Hallberg Rassy can probably not resist the temptation of chosing in-mast furling mains, thereby squandering most of their offshore upwind gains again..... Good Luck! Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II", Hunter Legend 43, hull #1 (still 8 more weeks in her Vuda Point dry berth; then Nelleke and I should be on our way to Vanuatu with our dear friends George and Peggy Kornreich!!)
chirs Oldham did it
Chirs Oldham who used to be on this site a lot has sailed his P42 from the Northwest south and then up the east coast where he sold it on Cape Cod when he bought his 450 He made substantial changes to the boat, but it is possible. I think his site may still be up to read about it. http://www.passagemaker.com most of the writings there are about sailing on his 450, but there are writings about his year cruise in the P42 Good luck Bob Knott H380
Chirs Oldham who used to be on this site a lot has sailed his P42 from the Northwest south and then up the east coast where he sold it on Cape Cod when he bought his 450 He made substantial changes to the boat, but it is possible. I think his site may still be up to read about it. http://www.passagemaker.com most of the writings there are about sailing on his 450, but there are writings about his year cruise in the P42 Good luck Bob Knott H380
Living aboard
As you can see by the responses,the Hunter can damn near fly. I am a new sailor and cannot advise on the capabilities of the 42 or 45.The suffix 0 may mean alot so I have a 450,1999,and I can give advice on the live aboard aspects of the above. Everyone who has boarded her is impressed with the living space.To me the center cockpit is a must for the elegant aft cabin. When we were looking,I was content with the 420. However Ruth was impressed with the additional tub and shower area and glass enclosure and the additional 3ft of space.I did put on a full bimini on her,webasco heating[north]vacuflush heads,sattilite TV,with 2 nice size TVs,and replaced the desk in aft cabin with storage lockers.A few other items that in its entirety cost about $300.000 with tax. I do admit the tub and shower are great. We love it,to cross the ocean I know all of the electronis we have will help. Auto pilot,sea talk,chartplotter,radar etc.A watermaker which I dont have would help.Washer and dryer we have,but it uses a lot of water,so dirty clothes should be the uniform of the day,with a light coat of oil[Marine Corp Talk]Good luck MCBUBBA720@AOL.COM Why dont three of you cross" Chris Columbus " well be looking for you.
As you can see by the responses,the Hunter can damn near fly. I am a new sailor and cannot advise on the capabilities of the 42 or 45.The suffix 0 may mean alot so I have a 450,1999,and I can give advice on the live aboard aspects of the above. Everyone who has boarded her is impressed with the living space.To me the center cockpit is a must for the elegant aft cabin. When we were looking,I was content with the 420. However Ruth was impressed with the additional tub and shower area and glass enclosure and the additional 3ft of space.I did put on a full bimini on her,webasco heating[north]vacuflush heads,sattilite TV,with 2 nice size TVs,and replaced the desk in aft cabin with storage lockers.A few other items that in its entirety cost about $300.000 with tax. I do admit the tub and shower are great. We love it,to cross the ocean I know all of the electronis we have will help. Auto pilot,sea talk,chartplotter,radar etc.A watermaker which I dont have would help.Washer and dryer we have,but it uses a lot of water,so dirty clothes should be the uniform of the day,with a light coat of oil[Marine Corp Talk]Good luck MCBUBBA720@AOL.COM Why dont three of you cross" Chris Columbus " well be looking for you.
Hunter or Halberg?
Hi Len!! We have a H34 and getting ready to head south to San Diego. I am not concerned in the least about the strength of this boat, I know the Hunter can handle it!! We also looked at the Halberg but wasn't impressed. The Hunter is so much more roomier.At the last boats afloat show we looked at a Halberg 45 and we liked our boat better? Let your wife decide after all she is the one that needs to be happy!!
Hi Len!! We have a H34 and getting ready to head south to San Diego. I am not concerned in the least about the strength of this boat, I know the Hunter can handle it!! We also looked at the Halberg but wasn't impressed. The Hunter is so much more roomier.At the last boats afloat show we looked at a Halberg 45 and we liked our boat better? Let your wife decide after all she is the one that needs to be happy!!
Newsletter
Hank; Sorry about the mistake. It was the 1994 newsletter. Because I own a 1984 H31 since new, I'm kind've stuck there. Mac
Hank; Sorry about the mistake. It was the 1994 newsletter. Because I own a 1984 H31 since new, I'm kind've stuck there. Mac
P42 is a capable cruiser
I am the guy Henk referred to who sailed the P42 from California to New Zealand, and back again against the trades. We never encountered anything like Malcolm did on his Atlantic crossing (thankfully), but did get through some moderately tough weather. We're leaving again next month for another extended South Pacific cruise (four or five years). We spent a fair amount of time thinking about a heavier boat, but decided to stay with the P42. I don't think there is any question about a Hallberg-Rassy being a heavier and sturdier boat, but there are other issues involved, such as comfort and aesthetics, but mostly cost. A big question is whether, and by how much, one wants to deplete their cruising kitty on an initial outlay for a more expensive boat. Anyway, we're very happy with our P42, and totally trust it for cruising. We've lived on it for years, and find it very very comfortable. We'll be cruising it for at least another 5 years, and probably longer. I suspect you'll be very happy with it should you buy one. Good luck. Paul Cossman S/V Sabina (1991 P42, hull #65).
I am the guy Henk referred to who sailed the P42 from California to New Zealand, and back again against the trades. We never encountered anything like Malcolm did on his Atlantic crossing (thankfully), but did get through some moderately tough weather. We're leaving again next month for another extended South Pacific cruise (four or five years). We spent a fair amount of time thinking about a heavier boat, but decided to stay with the P42. I don't think there is any question about a Hallberg-Rassy being a heavier and sturdier boat, but there are other issues involved, such as comfort and aesthetics, but mostly cost. A big question is whether, and by how much, one wants to deplete their cruising kitty on an initial outlay for a more expensive boat. Anyway, we're very happy with our P42, and totally trust it for cruising. We've lived on it for years, and find it very very comfortable. We'll be cruising it for at least another 5 years, and probably longer. I suspect you'll be very happy with it should you buy one. Good luck. Paul Cossman S/V Sabina (1991 P42, hull #65).
Paul Cossman: where are you headed in S. Pacific?
In case Vanuatu is in your plans: Project MARC (Medical Assistance to Remote Communities) could use another Hunter there for a couple of months in 2002 or 2003. I guess you are going to sta
In case Vanuatu is in your plans: Project MARC (Medical Assistance to Remote Communities) could use another Hunter there for a couple of months in 2002 or 2003. I guess you are going to sta
Sorry; hit the send button by accident....
(As I intended to say you are probably going to start in the Marquesas and take your time slowly using up your Easting? If not, what's your plan? We hope to be in Vanuatu the next 3-5 years between April and October each year. With 69 inhabited islands to visit we won't run out of target communities for project MARC soon. Over the cyclone period we plan to keep Rivendel II in Fiji (unless the political mess there gets even bigger than it already is). Flying Dutchman
(As I intended to say
you are probably going to start in the Marquesas and take your time slowly using up your Easting? If not, what's your plan? We hope to be in Vanuatu the next 3-5 years between April and October each year. With 69 inhabited islands to visit we won't run out of target communities for project MARC soon. Over the cyclone period we plan to keep Rivendel II in Fiji (unless the political mess there gets even bigger than it already is). Flying DutchmanProject MARC
Henk, We plan to skip the Marquesas and Tuamotus. We plan to make landfall at Moorea, passage straight to Apia, and then passage straight to Tonga or Fiji. We've spent months in Fiji (Taveuni, Viti Levu, Kandavu group, Mamanuthas, Yasawas), and will spend most of our time there. We'll only hit Neiafu and the Haapai Group in Tonga. Fiji is our major destination before going to NZ for the cyclone season. We have "run" medicine and supplies for several islands before, notably Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, and like to help out in that manner whenever we can. Please provide some information on Project MARC, and let me know what different levels of involvement are possible on an informal basis. We are still cruising around, and don't plan to stay in Vanuatu that long once we get there, which will be the cruising season after this one. But we are interested in helping out. Looking forward to hearing more about the Project. My email (for the next month) is cossman1@pacbell.net Regards, Paul Cossman
Henk, We plan to skip the Marquesas and Tuamotus. We plan to make landfall at Moorea, passage straight to Apia, and then passage straight to Tonga or Fiji. We've spent months in Fiji (Taveuni, Viti Levu, Kandavu group, Mamanuthas, Yasawas), and will spend most of our time there. We'll only hit Neiafu and the Haapai Group in Tonga. Fiji is our major destination before going to NZ for the cyclone season. We have "run" medicine and supplies for several islands before, notably Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, and like to help out in that manner whenever we can. Please provide some information on Project MARC, and let me know what different levels of involvement are possible on an informal basis. We are still cruising around, and don't plan to stay in Vanuatu that long once we get there, which will be the cruising season after this one. But we are interested in helping out. Looking forward to hearing more about the Project. My email (for the next month) is cossman1@pacbell.net Regards, Paul Cossman
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