Looking For New Sailboat

[stephen Penny]

My wife and I are considering a 2004 Hunter 36, 1999 Hunter 380, and 2000 Beneteau, 1999 Hunter 380 and 1999 Catalina 380. Input from the forum on which one will offer superior performance, quality and any items to look out for would be appreciated. I will carefully be looking at the fiberglass, sail, rigging, canvas, navigation, plumbing, engine, hoses and general systems condition.

 

[Paul356]

H36 is a wonderful boat for two people. It's the right size, sails very well, can be equipped until your checkbook runs out. We love ours (actually a 2003 356, same hull, slightly different deck, same interior, bascially).

 

[JoeWhite]

After more than a year of studying I settled for 1999 Catalina 36 MKII. I sold my Hunter. Major difference was the design of the spreaders. Hunter's spreaders are pulled back at about 45 degrees. The purpose is to eliminate the backstay. However this causes more problems on the deck and prevents downwind sailing. You must walk below the standing rigging when going to the bow where as on C36 you can walk on the outside. Look at the design inside. Very practical. Also very easy to work on the engine. Best of luck on your new boat.

 

[Les]

I had a 1999 Hunter 380 for nine years and I consider it one of the best boats I've ever had (I've have had 10 new boats--different brands, different sizes). That year Hunter was one of the last to be designed by the Hunter team and I think they did an excellent job--I really think the 380 ought to be in the hall of fame for sailboats.

It has a great interior all of which is very useable. And anything that needs maintenance or repair has access hatches except the the water pump. I had to install a hatch in the head to take care of that task.

We loved the fiberglass arch and the round cockpit. Had many gatherings aboard. It is a great sailor and easy to sail. Quite often I could set the sails and she would sail herself--very well balanced. Things that I added was a Max prop and a Wabasto diesel furnace. WE did a lot of cruising in that boat.

We sold it to get a smaller (Hunter 27) boat that we could day sail more easily. Both of us getting a bit older in tooth.

 

[KD3PC]

I love my Hunter 42, but next to that a Beneteau 36CC was the best. It sailed very well, as it has the same hull as the 361...nicely done interior and most things available to service.

I would sail them all, and see what you find...MY wife found the B's salon and seating more comfortable than our hunter, but the centerline aft berth was the cat's meow.

Any in the group are easily handled by a short crew or couple, yet have room for friends if only for a nite.

All the best.

 

[stephen Penny]

Thanks for the feedback!!