Looking to buy a Hunter

Warren Milberg · Dec 3, 2010

I'm not familiar with this model Hunter, but if you are seriously interested in buying it, find and hire the best surveyor you can and have him/her check out the entire boat. While the cost of a really professional survey may represent a large per cent of the asking price, it will be money really well spent.

Steve Dion · Dec 3, 2010

Survey costs vary but you need to figure $10-15/ft.

This price seems very low. Does it have a motor?

Just something to think about. I do not think these boats have standing headroom. You may want to consider a boat that does if you plan on spending days/nites on the boat. If you are just looking for a day sailor it may serve you well.

Steve5516 · Dec 3, 2010

Survey My $%^#

Like all things in life, NEVER outsmart your common sense.

When I began to look for a boat several years ago I consulted the experts...but, listened to the "man on the boat." That is, people who sailed and knew about sailing. People who had businesses related to boating were in the "profit making" mode.

I hired someone to do a survey who was highly recommended by the marina my boat was being sold at. The cost was $ 500.00. He arrived with a large tool bag and proceeded to to a number of "magical" things. His detailed report identified everything I told/showed him...and left out the following items I discovered later:

1. The fuel tank had multiple pinhole leaks.
2. The PO had made generous use of brown household electrical wire throughout the boat.
3. There we three "old-fashioned" gate valves badly in need of replacement.
4. The holding tank was not bolted down in any way. It was simply separated from the heater by a stick (really).

The cost to me later:

1. Multiple man-hours and over $ 200.00 to replace fuel tank.
2. $ 600.00 to replace (and modify) thru-hulls and valves.
3. Three years later I am still pulling/replacing brown household wire as I visit every nook and cranny in my boat.
4. The entire "toilet" system replaced by a MSD (thanks Peggy!).

Thirty minutes (yes, thirty minutes) after paying the marina $ 1,600.00 to commission the boat the water pump seized as the pully came flying off. $ 2,300.00 later the boat was ready to move home. I paid for a new water pump ($ 450.00), a week of marina fees ($ 540.00), containment boom for fuel spill caused by aforementiond leaking tank ( $ 600.00). Food and lodging ($$$).

It was only later that I learned why my GPS and my speed log never matched. During the $ 1,600.00 commissioning the marina never replaced the "dummy" plug with the impeller. In addition, they did not properly install my two new batteries. They simply wired them together and left it at that. It explained why by mattery monitor showed both batteries at exactly the same state of charge...always.

My point is that what I learned about evaluating boats I learned from the people on this site. They kindly answered questions, provided advice born of time on the water, and were patient with even my dumbest questions.

Give thier advice the weight it deserves, trust your own instincts and be vary wary of anyone with "professional" and initials following thier name.

For those "pin-heads" who will respond to my experience by telling me how great marinas are, and how professional surveys are conducted. I stand on my experience. If this shoe fits you and you want to loudly proclaim it is your size. So be it.

I am not responding to $%^#$ denials from anyone who did not help me pay the bills from an incompetant surveyor and a disreputable marinas.

Ed Schenck · Dec 3, 2010

I like that boat. I sail on a friend's big brother, the H28.5. Have you read the "Owner Reviews"? : http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&Itemid=248&task=3&kb=1&model=53&brand=Hunter . I think interior space and headroom would be the main issues if looking to do long weekends.

As for a survey it is usually recommended. I paid twice, the first one failed. But for that amount of investment($2500.) I would forgo IF, and only IF, I had a trusted and experienced friend. I know several at my marina who could provide the necessary input. The H26.5 with its outboard power is a relatively simple boat.

inarathree · Dec 3, 2010

I agree with Ed, for this price I would forgo the survey, IF you have someone who can help you look at the boat with an objective eye, and they are someone you trust, and know somthing about sailboats. At 26.5 you are still in a small enough range that the systems (electricity, plumbing, thru-hulls, motor) are pretty simple. Play with everything on the boat. Does it all seem to work right? Does the standing rigging look in good shape - are there any frays or rust. Do all the lines and blocks run smoothly? Does the rudder feel like it turns smoothly? Does all the electronics work (interior lights, exterior lights, bilge pump, radios)? Open up and look in the storage areas under the seat cushions. (bring a flashlight for this). Are there any signs of water. Look at the sails, are they crisp, or tired.These are all common sense things you can look at for your self.

For me looking at a boat, the biggest unknown would be the motor. I believe this boat has an o/b. Fire it up, and let it run for 30 minutes or so. Most engine problems I have heard about occur when cold starting, and after 30 minutes (so be warry of the owner who already has the motor running when you get there to look at it)

rhythmsurfer · Dec 3, 2010

Welcome. I must urge you to always consider safety first when sailing. My first monohull was a Hunter 23. Before that I sailed a Hobie 16. Some of the best memories were on my H23. The forum here is excellent. I always reccomend you get a second opinion when getting a survey/boat work done. Don't forget Google. I use it as well. Have fun!!!

mel22 · Dec 3, 2010

I'm in agreement with others on forgetting the survey on a 2500 dollar boat. Is the friend who looked at boat the same friend who has taken you sailing, if so, perhaps you should trust him.

One thing to reamember, for the money you are not buying a new boat, so as long as everything is safe then have fun learning to sail and as time passes you can put a few dollars into making the boat into what you want it to be. Today many people spend far more money on a one week vacation with nothing to call their own aftward but the memory. You will be making many memories for your money.

Happy sailing

Ken Palmer · Dec 4, 2010

Are you paying cash or financing this boat? If financing, the loan company may require a survey to get the loan. $2500 is a really low price to pay for a sailboat. It would make me suspect that something is wrong with it and the owner is looking to dump it.

heart of gold · Dec 5, 2010

Post some pics.

jorgefife · Dec 7, 2010

Here is something to think about:
someone is giving a FREE Hunter 27, with good sails and good motor
It is in Connecticut, so I don't know how far from Norfolk ( is that Virginia?)
Let me know, and I will connect you both
At $3900.00 I cannot afford to pay for the transport, even if the boat is free
I already have a Hunter, but I have room in my marina for another one, that way I can buold a fleet of Hunters, corner the market, and retire from my investment
Kidiing, of course... my number (281) 728- 9035
Sorry if I have thrown a cat among the pigeons, but my intentions are good...happy to help!
Jorge

Dan Johnson · Dec 14, 2010

Cubanito...

When I purchased my 27 footer for a dirt cheap price, I still had to have it surveyed to comply with Boat/US's requirement to obtain insurance from them. It was well worth it as it found a couple of things I had missed in my own "pre-purchase survey".

Track down Jim Lant in your area--he's a well-respected broker who can steer you to a reputable surveyor in your area.

Looking to buy a Hunter

cubanito1

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Warren Milberg

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cubanito1

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Steve Dion

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Steve5516

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Ed Schenck

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inarathree

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rhythmsurfer

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mel22

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Ken Palmer

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heart of gold

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cubanito1

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jorgefife

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cubanito1

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Dan Johnson

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