I currently have a Hunter 26 and am looking to move up. I was looking at a couple of 290's, but then my wife, bless her heart, said "If we're going to spend the money, is 3 feet longer going to be enough. How about something a little older and a little bigger?" I've been interested in the 37-cutters, and Richard McDonald in Milwaukee was gracious enough to give me a tour of his at the end of last season. I've been keeping an eye on several listings, but before I go chasing across the country looking at them, I'd like to get my wife on board one to make sure she approves. We all know the Admiral's opinion is what counts. Which brings me to my question - Is there a 37-cutter owner in the Chicago/Milwaukee area that would be willing to let us come on board so that my wife could get a feel for the space and the layout? Richard, if you're out there, I'd have asked you again directly, but I didn't want to impose. Whether it's in the water yet, or still on the hard, I just want her to get a chance to see, sit, and get the experience of one. If you're willing, let me know. I can be reached by email at- tj (@) furstenu.net Thanks again and hang in there, Spring WILL come to the Midwest.
- Status
Devil's Advocate
I hate to be the wet blanket here but be sure your First Mate tours other boats. I think she will find that the 290 seems at least as big. And it probably does have more interior space. That big aft cabin makes all the difference to most women. I love my H37C and know it is a superior boat. But roomy it is not. I am amazed when I go aboard my dockmates 35.5, it is so liveable. And the H386 next to me is actually shorter due to the swim platform. But there is easily twice the interior space. It is a bit of a drive to Huron but I will be at the boat most of April., c'mon down.
I hate to be the wet blanket here but be sure your First Mate tours other boats. I think she will find that the 290 seems at least as big. And it probably does have more interior space. That big aft cabin makes all the difference to most women. I love my H37C and know it is a superior boat. But roomy it is not. I am amazed when I go aboard my dockmates 35.5, it is so liveable. And the H386 next to me is actually shorter due to the swim platform. But there is easily twice the interior space. It is a bit of a drive to Huron but I will be at the boat most of April., c'mon down.
Thanks Ed
Ed - I appreciate the invitation. I don't imagine that I'll make it to Huron in April, but I certainly do like your neighborhood for sailing. That's the hardest part about giving up the 26, one of our favorite destinations is towing the boat to Erie and doing Kelly's Island, Cedar Point for the kids and Sandusky Bay. I understand your perspective on boat space and would tend to agree. To me, the 290 has an incredible amount of 'apparent' space for a boat its size. But I do like the solid design and sail plan of the 37C. Our plan at this point is to get the 26 in the water, then get it listed here, and then start looking at what's available. Thanks again for the invite. Fair winds, clear skies, and warm weather to you. T J Furstenau
Ed - I appreciate the invitation. I don't imagine that I'll make it to Huron in April, but I certainly do like your neighborhood for sailing. That's the hardest part about giving up the 26, one of our favorite destinations is towing the boat to Erie and doing Kelly's Island, Cedar Point for the kids and Sandusky Bay. I understand your perspective on boat space and would tend to agree. To me, the 290 has an incredible amount of 'apparent' space for a boat its size. But I do like the solid design and sail plan of the 37C. Our plan at this point is to get the 26 in the water, then get it listed here, and then start looking at what's available. Thanks again for the invite. Fair winds, clear skies, and warm weather to you. T J Furstenau
None close
Unfortunately, there are none listed close to me. I wouldn't hesitate to travel to evaluate a boat that I had serious considerations in buying. But at this point, I'm still trying to determine of the First Mate would even approve of the size/layou/etc. We will spend some time scouting the local marinas, unfortunately no one has their boat in the water yet up here. Most will likely be going in over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the thought though. T J
Unfortunately, there are none listed close to me. I wouldn't hesitate to travel to evaluate a boat that I had serious considerations in buying. But at this point, I'm still trying to determine of the First Mate would even approve of the size/layou/etc. We will spend some time scouting the local marinas, unfortunately no one has their boat in the water yet up here. Most will likely be going in over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the thought though. T J
T J, no problem, if you can.....
wait till early May. Rhapsodie is presently still shrink wrapped with no portlights and really not in a presentable state. I will send you a email with my phone number to discuss. Richard
wait till early May. Rhapsodie is presently still shrink wrapped with no portlights and really not in a presentable state. I will send you a email with my phone number to discuss. Richard
- Status