Mid-80s 40

[Mr Mac]

My wife and I are looking at a 40+ boat and one of the ones that like the best is the mid-1980s 40s (i.e. 1987 Hunter Legend 40). We love the layout down below, most especially, the aft stateroom.

The topsides are good with the shrouds inboard for good space to move to the bow and the cockpit space is great as well. We have heard that these boats handle well in bluewater, also.

Here it comes...but...

Why on Earth would someone put the traveler right in front of the companionway?!?

It just makes no sense to me! That said, is there a way to move the traveler to maybe an arch or hard dodger? Has anyone here completed that kind of, well, for me, upgrade? If so, what were the headaches of getting it done and how well do you like it? What did it cost, if you don't mind?

 

[Sanfelice]

I think Garhauer Marine can help you out . Their hardware is well made and will last. Their website is
http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=34
Their online catalog is not very viewable.

Catalina direct has better pictures. The following site is will give you an idea of what is available along with pricing. This same traveler is what they use on their 36.

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index...-30-mid-boom-travelerbrupgrade-deck-mount.cfm

Give Garhauer a call and they will direct you to a good set up.You will need to determine if it will work on the boom since the traveler will be further forward than currently located.

 

[Sinbad5358]

I have owned a Hunter 40 since 2003 and I had the same concern before I bought it, but I am happy to tell you that I have rarely given the traveler placement a thought. When under sail I really appreciate being able to make adjustments to the traveler easily and see immediate results. When not in use it is secured either to part or starboard and out of the way.
Although I love this model there are a couple of design flaws. First, the toe rail has no scupper to drain water on deck and it must go all the way to the stern. This causes water to pool along the rail in the aft areas which eventually finds its way into the aft stateroom. I solved this problem by thoroughly cleaning the area between the toe rail and the deck with pressure washer and air compressor followed by caulking the seam with 4200. Second, the mast is deck stepped and sits in a depression molded into the deck. Water pools in the depression area at the base of the mast. Mine has not leaked into the cabin yet but I believe it is a matter of time. Third, the early versions used a space under the sole between stringers for the holding tank. You should avoid this model because the holding tank eventually leaks into the bilge area and the smell is nearly impossible to rid. Later versions including my 1987 installed a holding tank in the aft cabin inside the wet locker. This was a good solution except that Hunter used aluminum for the tank, which as most of us know, is eaten through by uric acid in about ten years. Mine was replaced by Ronco with a polyurethane product. Perfect solution. Fourth, the cockpit scuppers are too small to drain water and are easily plugged with debris. Mine have been replaced with bigger scuppers. These are all relatively minor problems. Otherwise the H40 is a fantastic boat and a great value. Hunter is actually making it again with the same cabin plan.

My wife and I are looking at a 40+ boat and one of the ones that like the best is the mid-1980s 40s (i.e. 1987 Hunter Legend 40). We love the layout down below, most especially, the aft stateroom.

The topsides are good with the shrouds inboard for good space to move to the bow and the cockpit space is great as well. We have heard that these boats handle well in bluewater, also.

Here it comes...but...

Why on Earth would someone put the traveler right in front of the companionway?!?

It just makes no sense to me! That said, is there a way to move the traveler to maybe an arch or hard dodger? Has anyone here completed that kind of, well, for me, upgrade? If so, what were the headaches of getting it done and how well do you like it? What did it cost, if you don't mind?

 

[waternwaves]

"First, the toe rail has no scupper to drain water on deck and it must go all the way to the stern. "

Most of the 40's have a 3/16' s drain hole on each toerail , just behind the low spot between the nonskid sections of the deck, and level with the bottom of the vertical section of the toe rail, just aft of main winches

Also, many have had some previous owner who has put PU sealant between the toerail and deck.

Check the deck for hidden cracks under the stanchion post wings. I do not recommend taking the screws all the way out of the wings. The threads in the deck are very shallow.


As far as the traveler........ having it right there in the cockpit makes access quicker than any other location, and makes it quicker tacking. Tho it does make an enclosure a little more tricky. Mounting on the coach or cabin roof would leave the lines hanging in a crowded space already.

 

[Mr Mac]

As far as the traveler........ having it right there in the cockpit makes access quicker than any other location, and makes it quicker tacking. Tho it does make an enclosure a little more tricky. Mounting on the coach or cabin roof would leave the lines hanging in a crowded space already.

I was thinking of an arch over the cockpit area to relocate the traveler and still allow for us to have a customer enclosure made for the boat. That is, of course, assuming we go with the Hunter. We are still looking at other options, but this model, as stated earlier, is a great value for its size.

 

[waternwaves]

since hunter later went with the arch, it is feasible, however the deck reinforcement requires a lot of a backing plate on the mid 80's

 

[jdhohmann]

As it has been said, you WILL really appreciate the Boom Haul down in its present location. Not only does it give you quick access to the boom controls, , it also allows you to tighten down the boom when main not in use, where you will all but eliminate the boom from constantly moving back and forth, as happens on the really bad design of the Catalina.... AS well, you can move the traveller to either side which takes it out of the companionway... Problem solved. We have owned this boat for 13 years and would not trade her for substitute... SHe ROCKS!!!!!

 

[Mr Mac]

I guess the next question then, is, how well does she sail on the ocean? While we will begin within the confines of the Gulf, we will expand in a couple of years to sailing across the Atlantic to visit Europe and the Med.

 

[Roland5048]

I have a '77 Hunter 30 with the traveler aft of the companionway. Pros: Gives a longer traveler, much easier to access when adjusting trim, better leverage when sheeting in, sheet less likely to twist due to only one connection point on the boom. Is not in the way when sailing and can be moved out of the way when not. Also, when exiting the saloon gives a good handhold to help you out. Cons: Could interfere with a full enclosure but, I've lived with it for 18 plus years.
Roland
s/v Fraulein II

 

[jdhohmann]

I guess the next question then, is, how well does she sail on the ocean? While we will begin within the confines of the Gulf, we will expand in a couple of years to sailing across the Atlantic to visit Europe and the Med.

We sail her in the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean, she sails beautifully and very well balanced... SAYING that, The worst conditions I have been in are about 10-12 foot waves and 25 knot winds out there as well...

 

[kenackerman]

On a trip to the dry Tortugas, we ran into 12 foot seas and ~ 30 knot winds after midnight while taking the "short cut" from Marco Island (west coast of Florida) to Fort Jefferson on Garden key in the Tortugas. The H40 handled very well without complaint. At no time did I feel she was not up to it. The crew, on the other hand, were down with mal de mer, except for me.

Please remember that running 50 or so miles off shore is not the same as being 500 miles (or more) off shore when considering whether help can reach you if things go quite wrong. I'm not saying you can't make it, but the risks are considerably higher against it. Have people done it? I'm not sure that H40 owners have done it, but it does take solid experience in addition to a well found boat.

 

[Mr Mac]

Sage advice, Ken, and well received! At no point will we ever consider an Atlantic crossing without knowing (as best we can) the full measure of our limits along with the limits of whatever boat we happen to be sailing in! For many years I taught motorcycle safety and that was our mantra, ride within your limits and the limits of your bike. In that respect the two hobbies (lifestyles) are similar.

Still, after a lot of discussion between me and my mate, we want to make our maiden crossing with at least one other boat if at all possible because of what you just said;

Please remember that running 50 or so miles off shore is not the same as being 500 miles (or more) off shore when considering whether help can reach you if things go quite wrong.

By all means, we want it to be pleasurable so weather, boat/crew condition, all of it will come in to play. My carefree days are over and a more relaxed Mac in now in charge who wants to cherish the moments we have left! That said, we know to be as prepared as we can for any contingency.

 

[Doug13104]

Just a short reply to your questions on the Hunter 40. She sails great! The aft cabin is very roomy BUT is very hot in warmer climates. I would look for a boat with the V berth as the main cabin. Traveler is not an issue! As for a Blue Water boat FORGET IT!! This is a coastal cruiser not a Blue Water Boat, period... Yes I am sure people have crossed oceans with this boat but I would not recommend it. I would look for a single haul boat if you are thinking of crossing oceans. The hunter 40's are built on the inner and outer haul construction design. The outer haul is less then 1/2 think.
Look at your safety not the price of the boat!!!!

 

[Kings Gambit]

It just makes no sense to me!

Question: Have you ever owned a boat? Have you done much sailing as skipper? Do you know what a traveller is actually for and how to use one? Normally, it's nice to have it easily within reach if you wish to move/adjust the position of the boom.

 

[PGIJon]

Please remember that running 50 or so miles off shore is not the same as being 500 miles (or more) off shore when considering whether help can reach you if things go quite wrong.

Sorry.. had to respond to Ken's comment. The problem of 50 miles especially between Marco and is that VHF will not reach a shore station. A personal EPIRB or other device should be carried. 50 miles is as good as 500 if no one can hear your call.

Otherwise, I would not let the traveler get in the way of a fine boat.

-Jon

 

[Mr Mac]

Question: Have you ever owned a boat? Have you done much sailing as skipper? Do you know what a traveller is actually for and how to use one? Normally, it's nice to have it easily within reach if you wish to move/adjust the position of the boom.

We have, our Hunter 25 also had the traveler in front of the companionway, however, where we sailed really didn't warrant the need for the traveler at all. Lake Carlyle gave us about 9 miles by 3 of sailing area so there wasn't a whole lot of need to move the boom at all.

 

[Meriachee]

There are some here who would offer a well crafted technical rebuttal to a comment about not needing a traveler.

 

[David in Sandusky]

The 40 Legend is a great coastal cruiser, but is not designed for crossing the Atlantic.