I am looking to purchase my first sailboat, and have heard to stay away from hunter sailboats. Yet I see a lot of them up for sail, so people must have purchased them for them to be available used. I am on the lower Chesapeeke and want a comfortable weekender / costal cruising sail. Any insite would be appreciated.
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Opinions
You know what they say about opinions - everyone has them, some well-informed, many not. It seems like one particular group who own boats manufatured by a company who's name begins with the letter C are particularly opinionated about Hunters. It's usually a matter of personal preference which mfg boat you prefer - the conventional wisdom that all production boats, i.e., Hunters, Beneteaus, Catalinas, etc... are built similarly. It's FAR more important to consider condition, age, upkeep and the type of sailing you intend to do when selecting any used boat. Don
You know what they say about opinions - everyone has them, some well-informed, many not. It seems like one particular group who own boats manufatured by a company who's name begins with the letter C are particularly opinionated about Hunters. It's usually a matter of personal preference which mfg boat you prefer - the conventional wisdom that all production boats, i.e., Hunters, Beneteaus, Catalinas, etc... are built similarly. It's FAR more important to consider condition, age, upkeep and the type of sailing you intend to do when selecting any used boat. Don
you need to outline the questions first
First question: New or prev owned Budget: $$$$$ see first question- if new, your budget is too low. size: Yes, it does matter. Hampton Roads- 30'-40' is a nice size for two plus some guests or kids. You have a nice inventory of used boats from your area to North up the bay. Visit brokers and walk on and off boats for sale in your price range and size range. You will develop a feel for what you are looking for in a sailboat. If your significant other is going to join you in this adventure, do not leave her out of the process. This is a joint venture. You will find boats available south of your location less expensive than boats available north of your location. Reason is: time in the water. I think the Hunter is a fine boat. I purchased a 30' in Hampton Roads four years ago. I am still happy with my purchase. Check out this site to get a sense of what is available at what price. In my marina, Tolchester, MD, on the Eastern shore, there are 4 boats for sale that would fit your weekend get-a-way needs. Last hint: opening bid 25% less than listing price. We all think our boats are worth more $$$ than they are. Good luck.
First question: New or prev owned Budget: $$$$$ see first question- if new, your budget is too low. size: Yes, it does matter. Hampton Roads- 30'-40' is a nice size for two plus some guests or kids. You have a nice inventory of used boats from your area to North up the bay. Visit brokers and walk on and off boats for sale in your price range and size range. You will develop a feel for what you are looking for in a sailboat. If your significant other is going to join you in this adventure, do not leave her out of the process. This is a joint venture. You will find boats available south of your location less expensive than boats available north of your location. Reason is: time in the water. I think the Hunter is a fine boat. I purchased a 30' in Hampton Roads four years ago. I am still happy with my purchase. Check out this site to get a sense of what is available at what price. In my marina, Tolchester, MD, on the Eastern shore, there are 4 boats for sale that would fit your weekend get-a-way needs. Last hint: opening bid 25% less than listing price. We all think our boats are worth more $$$ than they are. Good luck.
I used to feel that way
I used to think of hunters as inexpensive boats with little to offer. I felt this way because I had no experience with hunters and based my opinion on ignorance. When I lost my very expensive sailboat to a local hurricane and started to look at all boats more carefully I could start to see the value of boats I had not considered before. I found a Hunter 25 that seemed like new yet was built in 1981. The fact it had held up so well over so many years impressed me. I was sold on this hunter and have been very happy with it for over a year now. Just keep an open mind when you go looking for a good sailboat. Others I was impressed with where Catalina and ODay. Just had to look close to see the value.
I used to think of hunters as inexpensive boats with little to offer. I felt this way because I had no experience with hunters and based my opinion on ignorance. When I lost my very expensive sailboat to a local hurricane and started to look at all boats more carefully I could start to see the value of boats I had not considered before. I found a Hunter 25 that seemed like new yet was built in 1981. The fact it had held up so well over so many years impressed me. I was sold on this hunter and have been very happy with it for over a year now. Just keep an open mind when you go looking for a good sailboat. Others I was impressed with where Catalina and ODay. Just had to look close to see the value.
I used to feel that way
I used to think of hunters as inexpensive boats with little to offer. I felt this way because I had no experience with hunters and based my opinion on ignorance. When I lost my very expensive sailboat to a local hurricane and started to look at all boats more carefully I could start to see the value of boats I had not considered before. I found a Hunter 25 that seemed like new yet was built in 1981. The fact it had held up so well over so many years impressed me. I was sold on this hunter and have been very happy with it for over a year now. Just keep an open mind when you go looking for a good sailboat. Others I was impressed with where Catalina and ODay. Just had to look close to see the value.
I used to think of hunters as inexpensive boats with little to offer. I felt this way because I had no experience with hunters and based my opinion on ignorance. When I lost my very expensive sailboat to a local hurricane and started to look at all boats more carefully I could start to see the value of boats I had not considered before. I found a Hunter 25 that seemed like new yet was built in 1981. The fact it had held up so well over so many years impressed me. I was sold on this hunter and have been very happy with it for over a year now. Just keep an open mind when you go looking for a good sailboat. Others I was impressed with where Catalina and ODay. Just had to look close to see the value.
Choices, choices
Boat are like wives. All that work can be a pleasure and a joy if you are in love! If you're the type of person easily influenced by other people's opinion of your wife, then get a wife that pleases them. If you're more independent-minded than that then get a wife that pleases you. Either way you end up with the maintenance, so decide for yourself what's important to you.
Boat are like wives. All that work can be a pleasure and a joy if you are in love! If you're the type of person easily influenced by other people's opinion of your wife, then get a wife that pleases them. If you're more independent-minded than that then get a wife that pleases you. Either way you end up with the maintenance, so decide for yourself what's important to you.
Ignore the ignorance
Ignore the ignorant opinions of others, this sailing world is full of Hunter bashers, and as well, many, many thousands of very happy Hunter owners! Best used boat on the market for the price is a Cherubini Hunter..check out ads for H37C for your needs. Hunter bashers are ignorant, short sighted snobs.
Ignore the ignorant opinions of others, this sailing world is full of Hunter bashers, and as well, many, many thousands of very happy Hunter owners! Best used boat on the market for the price is a Cherubini Hunter..check out ads for H37C for your needs. Hunter bashers are ignorant, short sighted snobs.
Know what you want to do
You have to know what you want to do before you buy a boat. If you want to buy a boat to cruise around the world, then by all means, don't buy a hunter, or any of the other production boats. Buy one with a full keel and big water and fuel tank and blue water hatches and so on. Now if you plan to day sail and lot and maybe head out to the carribean and maybe get crazy and cross an ocean, then a hunter is fine. In otherwords, there are boats made for different types of sailing. Go with the boat that is designed for the type of sailing you plan on doing the most. Boats can be sailed in other areas that they aren't designed for so go with the law of averages.
You have to know what you want to do before you buy a boat. If you want to buy a boat to cruise around the world, then by all means, don't buy a hunter, or any of the other production boats. Buy one with a full keel and big water and fuel tank and blue water hatches and so on. Now if you plan to day sail and lot and maybe head out to the carribean and maybe get crazy and cross an ocean, then a hunter is fine. In otherwords, there are boats made for different types of sailing. Go with the boat that is designed for the type of sailing you plan on doing the most. Boats can be sailed in other areas that they aren't designed for so go with the law of averages.
Franklin,
I like your style! Always strait to the point, yet a staunch supporter of the Hunter! And yet open minded enough to support the views of other's. I fell into my H23, and couldn't be happier. It is perfect for my needs, small overnighter on a small lake, perfect! It is easy to see why so many people fall in love with thier Hunters, especially with the support of this site. I feel like family. Thanks to all!
I like your style! Always strait to the point, yet a staunch supporter of the Hunter! And yet open minded enough to support the views of other's. I fell into my H23, and couldn't be happier. It is perfect for my needs, small overnighter on a small lake, perfect! It is easy to see why so many people fall in love with thier Hunters, especially with the support of this site. I feel like family. Thanks to all!
Thanks... and Hmmm
Ok, so now that you have confused me with.... This will be my first personaly owned sail boat, and my wife's first sailboat. While growing up I spent a good bit of time on a neighbors boat, and have owned power boats for 15 years now. Well I am sick of going fast and getting nowhere. Now it is time to go nowhere a lot slower. We have a lot of mixed chop in this area, so I am looking for a costal cruiser that is stable in Cheasapeake Snot! It is something that I would like to be able to travel the intercostal for a week or so at a time. I am looking for an outlet for relaxation, not frustration. I will be purchasing a used boat the first time around. I figure somewere around 35-45K should give me a reasonable starting point, or am I insane? I also think it may be a good idea to get her on a sail a couple of times before then. Do dealers do that sort of thing? Thanks
Ok, so now that you have confused me with.... This will be my first personaly owned sail boat, and my wife's first sailboat. While growing up I spent a good bit of time on a neighbors boat, and have owned power boats for 15 years now. Well I am sick of going fast and getting nowhere. Now it is time to go nowhere a lot slower. We have a lot of mixed chop in this area, so I am looking for a costal cruiser that is stable in Cheasapeake Snot! It is something that I would like to be able to travel the intercostal for a week or so at a time. I am looking for an outlet for relaxation, not frustration. I will be purchasing a used boat the first time around. I figure somewere around 35-45K should give me a reasonable starting point, or am I insane? I also think it may be a good idea to get her on a sail a couple of times before then. Do dealers do that sort of thing? Thanks
Dealers don't, but...
clubs and chartering outfits do. Try out boats from 30-34 or so. Then go buy a 37 Hunter Cherubini cutter. It fits your budget, requirements, and the owners become fanatical cheerleaders for the boat Sanders .
clubs and chartering outfits do. Try out boats from 30-34 or so. Then go buy a 37 Hunter Cherubini cutter. It fits your budget, requirements, and the owners become fanatical cheerleaders for the boat Sanders .
Ra, Ra ,Ra
Sanders is right about fanatical. The 37C is heavy, handles the chop, is not a slug, has a cool shower and huge water and fuel storage.
Sanders is right about fanatical. The 37C is heavy, handles the chop, is not a slug, has a cool shower and huge water and fuel storage.
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