Hi, Am considering a purchase of a Hunter 46 and would appreciate feedback concerning BowThruster and Dodger. The Hunter 46 I am interested does not have these items and was wondering if the 46 or similiar size boat really needs a thruster or I have heard that they steer/track preety well in reverse and possible a thruster is nice but not a requirement? Any thoughts on the dodger? Has Hunter made any major improvements on recent model year Hunter 46's? Appreciate your feedback Thanks STEVE
- Status
Bow Thruster, nice Dodger, must have
Steve: A bow thruster is a nice addition especially when you are trying to dock with a strong crosswind, but I would not put it as a must have. As far as the dodger goes, I personally think it extends the size of the boat and also extends your sailing season. The design is extremely important so look around and have someone that really know how to make sailboat dodgers do it for you.
Steve: A bow thruster is a nice addition especially when you are trying to dock with a strong crosswind, but I would not put it as a must have. As far as the dodger goes, I personally think it extends the size of the boat and also extends your sailing season. The design is extremely important so look around and have someone that really know how to make sailboat dodgers do it for you.
Dodger - must have
IMHO, in order to enjoy New England sailing, you should get a dodger. It's like having another room on the boat.
IMHO, in order to enjoy New England sailing, you should get a dodger. It's like having another room on the boat.
Thruster, dodger
That 46 is going to have a LOT of windage - you will appreciate a bow thruster in tight quarters. Without a thruster, make sure you learn how to back and fill (check the archives for Don Giullete's explanation). If you have a dodger installed (a must have, IMO), make sure you stand at the helm while the canvas guy measures for the frame. You do NOT want the dodger top frame passing through your line of sight, because you will either be stooping to look below it, or standing on the cockpit seats to look over it. Wish I was there for my measurement....
That 46 is going to have a LOT of windage - you will appreciate a bow thruster in tight quarters. Without a thruster, make sure you learn how to back and fill (check the archives for Don Giullete's explanation). If you have a dodger installed (a must have, IMO), make sure you stand at the helm while the canvas guy measures for the frame. You do NOT want the dodger top frame passing through your line of sight, because you will either be stooping to look below it, or standing on the cockpit seats to look over it. Wish I was there for my measurement....
Dodger and thruster
I own a 2007 Hunter 41DS and it has both. I cannot say how wonderful the bow thruster is especially for docking in tight corners or just for anchoring and letting the rode go out straight and for also pulling it in via the windlass. The dodger is a must for NE waters. I would also consider a full enclosure for those days that are in the 40s and low 50s and you want to just enjoy your boat on the hook in late Oct and Nov or early spring. Putting a bow thruster in after the boat is made is a big deal but many yards have done it. Good luck and enjoy your boat, Ray
I own a 2007 Hunter 41DS and it has both. I cannot say how wonderful the bow thruster is especially for docking in tight corners or just for anchoring and letting the rode go out straight and for also pulling it in via the windlass. The dodger is a must for NE waters. I would also consider a full enclosure for those days that are in the 40s and low 50s and you want to just enjoy your boat on the hook in late Oct and Nov or early spring. Putting a bow thruster in after the boat is made is a big deal but many yards have done it. Good luck and enjoy your boat, Ray
Real sailers don't need no stinking bow thrusters.
...unless you have a full keel. Hunters turn on a dime. I don't know anyone in my marina with a H46 with a bow thruster. And no one complains they wish they had one. abe
...unless you have a full keel. Hunters turn on a dime. I don't know anyone in my marina with a H46 with a bow thruster. And no one complains they wish they had one. abe
Thanks for your inputs everyone!
Thanks Everyone who has or will weigh in on the need of a bow thruster and dodger questions. I probably shouldn't let the fact that the 46 will not have a bow thruster. And if I my skills or lack there of requires one It can be added. I agree the dodger is important, I have had one for the past 15 years on my boat. Again thanks. STEVE
Thanks Everyone who has or will weigh in on the need of a bow thruster and dodger questions. I probably shouldn't let the fact that the 46 will not have a bow thruster. And if I my skills or lack there of requires one It can be added. I agree the dodger is important, I have had one for the past 15 years on my boat. Again thanks. STEVE
Thruster May be Cheaper...
...if you get it pre-delivery. That way it will be installed while the boat is open and under construction. It may also carry an extra warranty from Hunter for the Glass-work that has been done.
...if you get it pre-delivery. That way it will be installed while the boat is open and under construction. It may also carry an extra warranty from Hunter for the Glass-work that has been done.
Thruster, yes
The dodger is a must have. I wish I had a thruster for my 460. About $8000.00 from the factory and about $12000.00 after the fact. Just nice to have in tight quarters. I did add a feathering prop which pretty much gives me instant reverse which also is a big help.
The dodger is a must have. I wish I had a thruster for my 460. About $8000.00 from the factory and about $12000.00 after the fact. Just nice to have in tight quarters. I did add a feathering prop which pretty much gives me instant reverse which also is a big help.
no tax
no sales tax in RI but when you register in your home state, you will have to pay their sales tax. Many states, like Maryland, actively look for boats that have not paid any tax to Maryland and if you have stayed in Maryland longer than, I think, 60 days they will hit you for the tax! That means that even if you are a RI resident and registered in RI, you will get taxed at 8.5% by maryland if you stay in their waters long enough...and they are looking for you!
no sales tax in RI but when you register in your home state, you will have to pay their sales tax. Many states, like Maryland, actively look for boats that have not paid any tax to Maryland and if you have stayed in Maryland longer than, I think, 60 days they will hit you for the tax! That means that even if you are a RI resident and registered in RI, you will get taxed at 8.5% by maryland if you stay in their waters long enough...and they are looking for you!
We do not have, nor do I want a thruster...
But the dodger is a must, IMHO. I would rather use the wind and current to aid in boat maneuvers rather than a mechanical device working to overcome unfavorable conditions. It all has to do with planning your maneuver. Since I've learned these tactics our P42 with a fixed three blade prop has become a real pussy cat; whether backing, docking, slipping, etc. Terry
But the dodger is a must, IMHO. I would rather use the wind and current to aid in boat maneuvers rather than a mechanical device working to overcome unfavorable conditions. It all has to do with planning your maneuver. Since I've learned these tactics our P42 with a fixed three blade prop has become a real pussy cat; whether backing, docking, slipping, etc. Terry
- Status