Moving up to 326 frm 280 equip/neg suggestions

[Ed]

Hello all.Im "gonna" do it... post 9/11 and all. Im moving up to the H326. I considered the 356 but for now its a tad bigger than my needs for weekending and daysailing.So what should I know before getting the 326? Any suggestions on "must have" items like Autopilot, Generator? Battery Monitor?My gut says get a pretty bare boat. I plan on the bimini and rollerfurling main options as during the week this boat will be chartered with captain for day sails in NY HARBOR (its a bizy harbor-so anything making it easier to raise sail is welcome).Thank you.EdH280 BashertNY HARBOR

 

[Steve Dion]

if it was me.

Ed:After several years without a few options we wish we had done these items on the day we took delivery.1. Dodger/Bimini - We have sun screens in our dodger for the summer. Zip these out for colder/wetter conditions and use the windows.2. Refrigeration - This was also an expensive upgrade but made a world of difference in the convience of our weekend get away. This may not be a viable option if you are on a mooring vs a dock.3. Auto Pilot - We went with the Simrad/Navico WP300CX unit. This make long distance passages much more pleasant. We always needed to think twice about a 50-70 mile trip (especially under power) now we just do it.4. Install DC Plugs - I suggest that you have plugs installed so you can plug in DC fans for those HOT and STICKY nites. Put a couple in the V-berth/Aft-berth and a couple in the main cabin. That way you can move the fans around as necessary. All of these things can be done after you purchase the boat. You can probably save some money by having this done w/o the dealer involved (they need to add the markup). But I would suggest you consider these as a minimum.

 

[Andy Howard]

I can't believe I ever went without:

We moved up from a pretty barebones 27 to a loaded H34 couple years ago, At first I was kind of intimidated by all the new systems but now I don't know how we got along without them.In no particular order but what we now consider essential equipment is:DC refridgeratorAuto PilotGPS Chart PlotterReverse Cycle AC/heaterDodger and BiminiRoller Furling HeadsailTV/VCRPropane OvenMicrowave with Inverter

 

[Tom & Diane Harmer]

We just did the same thing!

Just moved from a 1989 Hunter 28 to our new 326. Would pretty much agree with Andy Howard. We have not looked into the TV/VCR yet, but I'm sure that will be happen in the near future.Have only been able to sail the boat once, due to the horrible spring weather we have been having, but are looking forward to several weeks of vacation on the boat this summer and many daysails.Best of luck with your new boat!

 

[Ken]

For Autopilot

Go for a Simrad for the autopilot, take it from someone in the biz. B&G are also very good.

 

[Scott Narum]

I have a 326

Ed, I got my 326 this March. (see my review on this site). I got the dodger and bimini (DON"T GET THESE FROM HUNTER! THEY SUCK! Thankfully I have a great dealer who fixed these), Raymarine 400 autopilot (indispensible when single-handing), traveller, in-mast (worth it for sure), oven (get this too), windlass (not necessary but very nice altho mega$$$). I love the boat, but haven't sailed a whole bunch yet due to lack of time and poor wind conditions. We don't need air conditioning here in the great Northwest, but a dielel forced air heater sure would have been nice. Also, you NEED a spinaker, these boats don't do well direct downwind.Scott