I sail a 18.5. I can raise and lower the mast by myself without any mechanical help (as in gin poles, winches, etc). How does the mast on a Hunter 19 compare? Are H19 owners able to do this or do you need help? I've owned two larger boats previously and both needed a gin pole and winch. I'm thinking of buying a 19. Thanks, Dale
Mast on a Hunter 19
- Thread starter drtdkidd
- Start date
It's a '94 water ballast. Sorry I didn't make that clear. I thought all the 19s were such.
As a former Hunter dealer, I introduced both sailboats. The19 came with a mast raising system which I designed Ask your questions
Dave
Dave
I am not familiar with the Hunter 19, but as a 61+ year-old man of six feet tall and average build, I have no problem raising the 24' mast on my Mariner 19. A lot of Mariner owners build mast raising systems, but I don't have any trouble walking the mast up from the cockpit myself. I also know Crazy Dave and you would do well to seek and heed his wisdom about the Hunter.
Good luck and fair winds,
-Will
Good luck and fair winds,
-Will
I own and am enjoying a new to me Hunter 240. My mast is a bit larger but utilizing Dave’s system, it is very simple. I would imagine your 19 with Dave’s lifting system will be easier to step the mast than no tools assist on your 18.5. It is slick and effortless and as you age, you’ll be glad. 
I'm sure you're right. I used mast raising setups for my Mac 26 and Kells 23, so I'm familiar with them.I own and am enjoying a new to me Hunter 240. My mast is a bit larger but utilizing Dave’s system, it is very simple. I would imagine your 19 with Dave’s lifting system will be easier to step the mast than no tools assist on your 18.5. It is slick and effortless and as you age, you’ll be glad.
My specific questions were asked in the original post.
Several reasons I'm thinking about the switch. I've enjoyed the 18.5 and have no big quams with it. Reasons for considering the 19:
1) My wife and I looked at a 19 twenty years ago. It was a bit too pricey at the time but she liked the interior. A more open feel. We're approaching 70 and I'm trying to eek out a few more years of sailing and including her.
2) I'm thinking the 19 might be little easier to retrieve since it doesn't have a fixed keel. The 18.5 hasn't been a big problem, but if the 19 is easier...
3) The 19 looks like it would be easier to board after swimming with that cutout transom.
As far as sailing characteristics, I usually just putter around our local lake. Windward capabilities are always a plus so curious how that might compare though not crucial. I might add, positive flotation would be nice too. My Macgregor had that.
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@drtdkidd
First, I am older than you trying to help fellow sailors without remuneration as God was good to me when I closed my business. It helped me when you responded.
First, I was a MacGregor dealer and was considered one of their largest dealers and knew their mast raise system. I also was a Catalina dealer helping with their mast raise system for the 250 and sport 22. As for the Hunter mast raise, there is a written write up by me found under boat info on the Hunter 26 which is applicable for the 19 as well. There are suggestions that would help you to know that would help you.
As for raising the mast, the 19 is a water ballast; thus, the center of gravity is higher versus the wing bulb keel on the 18.5 which is lower. The 19 would be more unstable if trying to walk it up versus using the supplied mast raising gear.
The trailer for the 18.5 with a wing bulb keel was poorly designed as it was a bear to load and unload.
I was concerned about sales because of that as the wings and bulb would catch on the trailer. Before going any further, can you take some photos of your boat on the trailer with emphasis at the keel guides, not the upright poles and post them here.
Dave
First, I am older than you trying to help fellow sailors without remuneration as God was good to me when I closed my business. It helped me when you responded.
First, I was a MacGregor dealer and was considered one of their largest dealers and knew their mast raise system. I also was a Catalina dealer helping with their mast raise system for the 250 and sport 22. As for the Hunter mast raise, there is a written write up by me found under boat info on the Hunter 26 which is applicable for the 19 as well. There are suggestions that would help you to know that would help you.
As for raising the mast, the 19 is a water ballast; thus, the center of gravity is higher versus the wing bulb keel on the 18.5 which is lower. The 19 would be more unstable if trying to walk it up versus using the supplied mast raising gear.
The trailer for the 18.5 with a wing bulb keel was poorly designed as it was a bear to load and unload.
I was concerned about sales because of that as the wings and bulb would catch on the trailer. Before going any further, can you take some photos of your boat on the trailer with emphasis at the keel guides, not the upright poles and post them here.
Dave
I've only had trouble launching my 18.5 once and that was at a very shallow ramp. Even with the tongue extension out, I barely got it off the trailer. Retrieving has gone fairly well. My biggest issue with that is getting the boat far enough forward on the trailer. The winch post, since the trailer is on a downward angle, gets in the way of the bow since the boat is floating level. My trailer has no guides unless you are referring to the poles that extend upward above the topsides. I'll look for the link you mentioned.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience!
Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experience!
The bow first is hitting a black roller which is making it harder to pull up and over. Consider shortening or try removing. The bow might come to the V chock on the winch stand or not but don’t sweat! With mast down and tied, pull up onto level parking or level ramp and stop hard. The boast will move forward and then winch in loose winch strap. Do this repeatedly until the boat is firmly against the winch. Time to talk. Private message to you being sent
@drtdkidd
@drtdkidd
I spoke to the poster. His main concern was getting the 18.5 all the way into the trailer. I suggested using the “‘bump method’” or moving the boat forward by accelerating/braking winching the strap after each time.
I went over the hunter 19 mast raising system too We spoke at length about the 19. He has decided to purchase the boat.
He is aware of the area where I live I look forward to helping him in the future. @drtdkidd
I went over the hunter 19 mast raising system too We spoke at length about the 19. He has decided to purchase the boat.
He is aware of the area where I live I look forward to helping him in the future. @drtdkidd
We had a great conversation. Dave is full of helpful info and advice. And yes, I’m pretty familiar with that part of VA. In fact, my parents are from that general area. Thanks, Dave
I’ll keep the forum updated. I do think I’d like the 19. Will be talking to the seller soon.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
I’ll keep the forum updated. I do think I’d like the 19. Will be talking to the seller soon.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Update: I've talked to the seller twice. The boat has been in storage for 2 years. He's going to check it out: make sure motor still runs, trailer tires ok, cushions and sails not eaten up by vermin (LOL). If all checks out, we have a deal. If not, we'll have to renegotiate some things, but I think it's going to work. We'll see. Gonna take a few weeks to finalize everything.