I am lookig at a Hunter 38 new or a 1999 Hunter 41 but am leary. Perhaps I am indoctrinated, but have never heard much good about Hunter. I plan to live on board for 6 months a year in Carribean, and then sail in Maine and Novi in summer. I hope to keep the boat for around 20 years. Is this a safe, well-made boat? Do they hold up? How do they sail? Any comments on shoal draft - I believe 5" versus 6' keel -for sailing in Bahamas etc. I would most appreciate any open honest feedback about these boats. Thanks, Ken
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check the reviews on this site
i suggest that you check the owner reviews...the large majority of owners are very happy with their boats...i own a 1995 h40.5 and use it for fl coastal/keys/islands cruising....i'm very happy with my boat, and feel i received excellent value for my money...no boat is perfect and all boats are compromises...the 380 and 410 that interest you are specifically designed for the kind of crusing you seem to have in mind....i have a friend who cruises a 410, and he couldn't be more pleased with his boat...having said that, he bought his bought new and had some commissioning problems with his dealer....hunter ulimately made things right, but it was a hassle...personally i preferred to buy a nearly new boat, and let the first owner deal with commissioning and absorb the initial depreciation...
i suggest that you check the owner reviews...the large majority of owners are very happy with their boats...i own a 1995 h40.5 and use it for fl coastal/keys/islands cruising....i'm very happy with my boat, and feel i received excellent value for my money...no boat is perfect and all boats are compromises...the 380 and 410 that interest you are specifically designed for the kind of crusing you seem to have in mind....i have a friend who cruises a 410, and he couldn't be more pleased with his boat...having said that, he bought his bought new and had some commissioning problems with his dealer....hunter ulimately made things right, but it was a hassle...personally i preferred to buy a nearly new boat, and let the first owner deal with commissioning and absorb the initial depreciation...
way different
The 380 and the 410 are very different boats. Check the sail area/displacement ratios, which tell a big story. My buddy's 380 owes my 410 time on its PHRF rating, and runs away from me in light air. Give me some heavy weather, however, and I'll leave him behind in the spray. I don't think the 380 has adequate tankage for cruising, but I find it to be a responsive, stable, well balanced boat and would not hesitate to take it offshore. The 410 is a fast brute with high freeboard; I've sailed mine through a handfull of gales and have never felt for an instant that she had any trouble handling the conditions. For my taste, the shoal draft versions of either boat would be far too tender, but then my home port is a heavy-air area where the penalty for dipping that deep keel into the mud is seldom severe. I've logged over 4,000 nautical miles on my 410 at this point, and the only major criticism I have of the design is that the transom rides too low in the water. Otherwise, the boat continues to amaze me.
The 380 and the 410 are very different boats. Check the sail area/displacement ratios, which tell a big story. My buddy's 380 owes my 410 time on its PHRF rating, and runs away from me in light air. Give me some heavy weather, however, and I'll leave him behind in the spray. I don't think the 380 has adequate tankage for cruising, but I find it to be a responsive, stable, well balanced boat and would not hesitate to take it offshore. The 410 is a fast brute with high freeboard; I've sailed mine through a handfull of gales and have never felt for an instant that she had any trouble handling the conditions. For my taste, the shoal draft versions of either boat would be far too tender, but then my home port is a heavy-air area where the penalty for dipping that deep keel into the mud is seldom severe. I've logged over 4,000 nautical miles on my 410 at this point, and the only major criticism I have of the design is that the transom rides too low in the water. Otherwise, the boat continues to amaze me.
H380 an excellent boat for all seasons
I have a 1999 Hunter 380 that is the best boat I've ever had (I've had a Cal, Pearson, Sceptre, two Rangers and four Hunters). Last summer we were out for fifty-five days and hated to come back to port. Things that I did not like about the boat I changed: the electrical system (golf car batteries, different battery charger and new regulator, etc.), Max prop, new galley fawcet, and furnace. It sails very well (the gaunlet have been thrown down--I will now race any 410 in sight!
) We've been out in forty knots and the boat handled very well. I'm especially enjoying the roller furling main. What a joy. It is an easy boat for one person to sail. Tankage doesn't bother me. I have enough fuel for three days of powering. The water tank seems to last us for about a week (with showers). If I were doing longer cruises, I'd probably get a water maker--there is room up forward for one. Actually, the waste storage is large enough for two for about a week. This has been better than I expected. I've had shallow keels and deep keels--the latter tends to let you point higher but I have enjoyed them both. You set your sails a bit different but not much. Storage is great on board the H380. Plenty of space for clothes, food, extra supplies and outdoor gear. I really like having two propane tanks. One problem is what to do with one gas tank for the outboard. And I love the arch--only way to travel. We should have put them on sailboats long ago. Actually, they did and called them boom gallows if my history is correct. If you want to e-mail me about the 380 feel free to do so. I'll give you trueful answers but highly biased! Les
I have a 1999 Hunter 380 that is the best boat I've ever had (I've had a Cal, Pearson, Sceptre, two Rangers and four Hunters). Last summer we were out for fifty-five days and hated to come back to port. Things that I did not like about the boat I changed: the electrical system (golf car batteries, different battery charger and new regulator, etc.), Max prop, new galley fawcet, and furnace. It sails very well (the gaunlet have been thrown down--I will now race any 410 in sight!
) We've been out in forty knots and the boat handled very well. I'm especially enjoying the roller furling main. What a joy. It is an easy boat for one person to sail. Tankage doesn't bother me. I have enough fuel for three days of powering. The water tank seems to last us for about a week (with showers). If I were doing longer cruises, I'd probably get a water maker--there is room up forward for one. Actually, the waste storage is large enough for two for about a week. This has been better than I expected. I've had shallow keels and deep keels--the latter tends to let you point higher but I have enjoyed them both. You set your sails a bit different but not much. Storage is great on board the H380. Plenty of space for clothes, food, extra supplies and outdoor gear. I really like having two propane tanks. One problem is what to do with one gas tank for the outboard. And I love the arch--only way to travel. We should have put them on sailboats long ago. Actually, they did and called them boom gallows if my history is correct. If you want to e-mail me about the 380 feel free to do so. I'll give you trueful answers but highly biased! LesWell built as well
I'm sorry, I forgot to say that I think the H 380 is very well built. I just got into a snit with one surveyor who didn't like Hunters but apprarently he can't tell why. There is plenty of information on this web site, biased as it might be to tell you how they are made. You don't hear of blisters and damn few boats have problems that can't be fixed. With modifications (namely sea berths), I'd sail this boat anywhere in the world. More important, things that might need maintance or repair can be gotten at with not too much trouble. Notice on the stern of the 380 on the startboard side that that section can be unscrewed and removed so that you can take out fuel and waste tanks if need be. I've just added a radar/chart plotter and my marine electrician says the wiring is the best he has seen in many a boat. Good luck.
I'm sorry, I forgot to say that I think the H 380 is very well built. I just got into a snit with one surveyor who didn't like Hunters but apprarently he can't tell why. There is plenty of information on this web site, biased as it might be to tell you how they are made. You don't hear of blisters and damn few boats have problems that can't be fixed. With modifications (namely sea berths), I'd sail this boat anywhere in the world. More important, things that might need maintance or repair can be gotten at with not too much trouble. Notice on the stern of the 380 on the startboard side that that section can be unscrewed and removed so that you can take out fuel and waste tanks if need be. I've just added a radar/chart plotter and my marine electrician says the wiring is the best he has seen in many a boat. Good luck.
WHAT I LIKE
I have a new 450,well it was new in1999. It was my first sail,been power for 30 yrs.The rest of the people have said plenty for you to get a hunter.I live aboard and plan on going south,still learning.So my remarks are about the above.Arch is great and I used it for a full bimini which you can have in conjunction with the furling main and power winch,raise a few sides get set and go,drop the sides in inclimate weather,and ofcourse another room in winter.The arch leaks,no fault of Hunter,lousy dealer.Center cockpit makes for a nice aft cabin,like a co-op. I remember looking at the 420 and liking it,but mama liked the shower and tub and washer and dryer in the 450[$35,000.beans] but it is nice but thats the mortgage.You plan on living aboard,great life,no mater where you go you are always home,no packing and un packing,and dont tell your papa. MCBUBBA720@AOL.COM GO FOR IT
I have a new 450,well it was new in1999. It was my first sail,been power for 30 yrs.The rest of the people have said plenty for you to get a hunter.I live aboard and plan on going south,still learning.So my remarks are about the above.Arch is great and I used it for a full bimini which you can have in conjunction with the furling main and power winch,raise a few sides get set and go,drop the sides in inclimate weather,and ofcourse another room in winter.The arch leaks,no fault of Hunter,lousy dealer.Center cockpit makes for a nice aft cabin,like a co-op. I remember looking at the 420 and liking it,but mama liked the shower and tub and washer and dryer in the 450[$35,000.beans] but it is nice but thats the mortgage.You plan on living aboard,great life,no mater where you go you are always home,no packing and un packing,and dont tell your papa. MCBUBBA720@AOL.COM GO FOR IT
Look also at a 40.%
If you like the 410,take a look at the 40.5. I ownede one for 6 years and I think it is as good ad the 410 and you can save 30 to 40 M.
If you like the 410,take a look at the 40.5. I ownede one for 6 years and I think it is as good ad the 410 and you can save 30 to 40 M.
Check for yourself
Check for yourself - take a factory tour. We recently purchased a 460 and took a factory tour to make sure we made the right decision. Was very impressed with the hull construction - fiberglass below waterline, balsa core above waterline only. All areas where there are deck penetrations are solid glass with aluminum reinforcement to prevent water intrusion into deck. The hull to deck seam is done very well - chemical bond with Interlux 5200, with ss sheet metal screws to position. U shaped nylon channel over the hull to deck flange. Closely spaced ss screws, washers and nuts to hold deck and nylon channel together. Rubber rail installed over the entire interface all around the boat. The mechanical structure below deck to transfer rigging loads to the hull were very impressive. The boat has a lead keel, not iron with a low CG. The newest rudder bearing and rudder design was excellent. I have never seen a stronger or more easily accessed steering system. Edson wheel with rod steering located below an access panel on transom floor. Almost nothing to fail, very strong, very accessable. All of the equipment is top of the line - Selden spars, Lewmar winches, Yanmar engine, Northern Lights Gen Set, a total of nine Lewmar hatches on deck plus more on the cabin sides, Heart inverter, excellent quality a/c and refrigeration with cold plates. The boat layout is optimized for comfort in port, not really designed for long rough passages. The boat represents a fantastic value. But take the tour to see for yourself if it meets your needs.
Check for yourself - take a factory tour. We recently purchased a 460 and took a factory tour to make sure we made the right decision. Was very impressed with the hull construction - fiberglass below waterline, balsa core above waterline only. All areas where there are deck penetrations are solid glass with aluminum reinforcement to prevent water intrusion into deck. The hull to deck seam is done very well - chemical bond with Interlux 5200, with ss sheet metal screws to position. U shaped nylon channel over the hull to deck flange. Closely spaced ss screws, washers and nuts to hold deck and nylon channel together. Rubber rail installed over the entire interface all around the boat. The mechanical structure below deck to transfer rigging loads to the hull were very impressive. The boat has a lead keel, not iron with a low CG. The newest rudder bearing and rudder design was excellent. I have never seen a stronger or more easily accessed steering system. Edson wheel with rod steering located below an access panel on transom floor. Almost nothing to fail, very strong, very accessable. All of the equipment is top of the line - Selden spars, Lewmar winches, Yanmar engine, Northern Lights Gen Set, a total of nine Lewmar hatches on deck plus more on the cabin sides, Heart inverter, excellent quality a/c and refrigeration with cold plates. The boat layout is optimized for comfort in port, not really designed for long rough passages. The boat represents a fantastic value. But take the tour to see for yourself if it meets your needs.
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