Sailing has become a major interest in my life. At the moment I am sailing a 12' dinghy. As the family (we have 2 kids) grows we also outgrow our boat. I like what I hear and know of the Hunters and am curious about the 19s or the 21s. Is this a simple step up for me and can I afford it? What prices on "used" would I be looking at?
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Tom Chulski
Garth- I've sailed the 170 for two seasons and have been pleased with. It's a bit smaller than you mentioned (17 feet vice 19), but still a good family boat. There are four of us (Mom, Dad, and two sons, 12 and 15). It takes a bit of crew coordination moving around, but you need that anyway (the older one found out what "lowering the boom" meant). It's easy to sail, easy to get in and out of the water, and essentially maintenance free. We're doing two diametrically opposed things to it in the off season: getting a cruising spinnaker from Kappa Sails, and getting a single reef put in by a local yard. Look at the 170; I think you'll like it.
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Ron Fraboni
Go for a used 21' or 22'
If you plan on trailering the boat and using it as a family recreational activity - like camping, then I would strongly suggest you get more room and buy a used 21'oe 22' boat. Our family of four grew up on an old Chrysler 22' and it was OK for four, but I wouldn't want less than that unless you are only daysailing. There are several decent boats that fit this criteria and would cost under $5000 depending on what age and condition the boat is in. I have a Hunter 26 and love it since I still trailer it, but look at several makes of boats before you decide. For the best value, used is definitely the way to go. Good Luck
If you plan on trailering the boat and using it as a family recreational activity - like camping, then I would strongly suggest you get more room and buy a used 21'oe 22' boat. Our family of four grew up on an old Chrysler 22' and it was OK for four, but I wouldn't want less than that unless you are only daysailing. There are several decent boats that fit this criteria and would cost under $5000 depending on what age and condition the boat is in. I have a Hunter 26 and love it since I still trailer it, but look at several makes of boats before you decide. For the best value, used is definitely the way to go. Good Luck
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Charlie Kilmer
Movin' Up
Garth, We were faced with same decision. We sailed a 14' O'Day Javalin for 17 years and just got really tired of being uncomfortable. Made the plunge and moved up to a H240 - could not afford the 26, but should have done it. Makes all the difference in the world!!!! Sailing is a whole new experience - we don't get pounded into the water when a thermal blows in. It was either too much wind or not enough etc... Now we have room to move about and are get a lot more enjoyment out of sailing. Suggest, if you are going to move up, get a 20 + foot craft. You will enjoy the change. Good luck in your search... Charlie "GOOD MEDICINE"
Garth, We were faced with same decision. We sailed a 14' O'Day Javalin for 17 years and just got really tired of being uncomfortable. Made the plunge and moved up to a H240 - could not afford the 26, but should have done it. Makes all the difference in the world!!!! Sailing is a whole new experience - we don't get pounded into the water when a thermal blows in. It was either too much wind or not enough etc... Now we have room to move about and are get a lot more enjoyment out of sailing. Suggest, if you are going to move up, get a 20 + foot craft. You will enjoy the change. Good luck in your search... Charlie "GOOD MEDICINE"
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John Drost Jr.
LOOK AT THE H-20
I bought a 1983 hunter 20 this past summer. It has lots of room and is easy to sail, also you don't need huge truck to pull it. the one I bought was $2300. and came with every thing I needed to get on the water, It is like new, I dont think it was ever used much. You can sleep four and stow all the gear you need for a weekend. it's a good basic boat that looks good. john.
I bought a 1983 hunter 20 this past summer. It has lots of room and is easy to sail, also you don't need huge truck to pull it. the one I bought was $2300. and came with every thing I needed to get on the water, It is like new, I dont think it was ever used much. You can sleep four and stow all the gear you need for a weekend. it's a good basic boat that looks good. john.
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Jeff
Dinghy to H26
I'd sailed dinghys for 15 years. Then moved up to a H26 (1996) which was the perfect jump up for us. When sailing a small boat your reactions become very quick over the years. They have to be or your gonna get wet. That's not an option with my wife. A larger boat affords you alittle more reaction time, therefore its easier to sail once you get used to the boat rig. The only problem I had at first was docking. But after a few weekends we were backing into our slip. Our boat stays in the water most of the time but on several occasions we trailer to other lakes. A very versatile boat with loads of room inside and out. A tiller is the way to go with this boat, for more cockpit room. Just my two 1/2 cents........Good Luck "Festivity"
I'd sailed dinghys for 15 years. Then moved up to a H26 (1996) which was the perfect jump up for us. When sailing a small boat your reactions become very quick over the years. They have to be or your gonna get wet. That's not an option with my wife. A larger boat affords you alittle more reaction time, therefore its easier to sail once you get used to the boat rig. The only problem I had at first was docking. But after a few weekends we were backing into our slip. Our boat stays in the water most of the time but on several occasions we trailer to other lakes. A very versatile boat with loads of room inside and out. A tiller is the way to go with this boat, for more cockpit room. Just my two 1/2 cents........Good Luck "Festivity"
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Harry Plaganis
Go for broke
Dear Garth.I started out on a small boat like yours and went through 4 boats until I bought my 26'Hunter.Best boat for sure, you would love it and so would the wife, Great for camping slso. You need a good truck to pull it ,and you might spend around $24,000 when you get into the 1994 range. Good Luck and take your time, then jump on it. Best Wishes from OREGON
Dear Garth.I started out on a small boat like yours and went through 4 boats until I bought my 26'Hunter.Best boat for sure, you would love it and so would the wife, Great for camping slso. You need a good truck to pull it ,and you might spend around $24,000 when you get into the 1994 range. Good Luck and take your time, then jump on it. Best Wishes from OREGON
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Chuck
Loooook Around
Check your local boatyards carefully.. I picked up a SWEET 1981 H22 for under 2k, all it needed was a radio and minor rewireing, and a battery. There are plenty of folks out there that get a super deal on their next boat and are just looking to get rid of their present boat before they get whacked for more storage fees.
Check your local boatyards carefully.. I picked up a SWEET 1981 H22 for under 2k, all it needed was a radio and minor rewireing, and a battery. There are plenty of folks out there that get a super deal on their next boat and are just looking to get rid of their present boat before they get whacked for more storage fees.
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Bill Welsch
O'day Mariner
Hi Garth Before we got our H240 which we love, we sailed a 19' Oday Mariner. What a sweet little boat! Fun to sail, stable, huge cockpit and very affordable. In fact we were offered so little for her when we got our current boat we gave her to my daughter and son in law who are enjoying her in a lake near KC, MO. The old girl 1s 1973 model and going strong! Good luck Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
Hi Garth Before we got our H240 which we love, we sailed a 19' Oday Mariner. What a sweet little boat! Fun to sail, stable, huge cockpit and very affordable. In fact we were offered so little for her when we got our current boat we gave her to my daughter and son in law who are enjoying her in a lake near KC, MO. The old girl 1s 1973 model and going strong! Good luck Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
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Garth
"Moving up" - Thanks
This has been my first contact on the internet, and has been very successful. Thanks for your input. Calgary Alberta, my home, is on the prairies bordering the mountains, so needless to say there are not a lot of boat yards although the wind is VERY good. Keep me in mind if you know of a great deal nearby.
This has been my first contact on the internet, and has been very successful. Thanks for your input. Calgary Alberta, my home, is on the prairies bordering the mountains, so needless to say there are not a lot of boat yards although the wind is VERY good. Keep me in mind if you know of a great deal nearby.
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Larry Barnes
just read Bill Welsch's revue of Mariner 19'
Garth, Hunter is a great boat, no questionabout it! The O'Day, Mariner is awesome. If you can find one of those and you're on a budget, get it. It's the biggest little boat I've ever sailed. Had on about 20 years ago, at Lake Tahoe and had a ball with it. Any car can pull it (and stop it!) and it easy to step and launch. Bill's right, they sell for a song. This means you've got to buy it right. Just make offers and wait. I'm inspired by this concept because the less you spend on the boat the more you have to go use it! The next step in size could be a Venture 21, 22 or 24 (these go back into the '70s. The MacGreggor is the same boat but built in the 80s & 90s, sizes of 25' & 26'. These are bigger but the quality of the Oday will never be challenged by the Venture or MacGreggor. See you on the H2O Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
Garth, Hunter is a great boat, no questionabout it! The O'Day, Mariner is awesome. If you can find one of those and you're on a budget, get it. It's the biggest little boat I've ever sailed. Had on about 20 years ago, at Lake Tahoe and had a ball with it. Any car can pull it (and stop it!) and it easy to step and launch. Bill's right, they sell for a song. This means you've got to buy it right. Just make offers and wait. I'm inspired by this concept because the less you spend on the boat the more you have to go use it! The next step in size could be a Venture 21, 22 or 24 (these go back into the '70s. The MacGreggor is the same boat but built in the 80s & 90s, sizes of 25' & 26'. These are bigger but the quality of the Oday will never be challenged by the Venture or MacGreggor. See you on the H2O Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
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Eric
Your i the drivers seat
If you are looking for something in the 20-22ft range I would sugest the Catalina 22, Hunter or an O'Day 20. These can be had for a song these days since they are so plentiful. If you are looking to trailer then you can travel to pick up a boat. It seems most people are looking for bigger boats and there are a lot aof smaller ones around. THe Catalina 22 is the Model T of sailboats with good parts and support, not necessarily from the factory. They can be had for as little as $3k US if you look around. Don't be afraid to give a low offer, usually most people are just wanting to get rid of the boat. Hunters changed models more frequently so I would go for a Catalina if you can tow a 22.
If you are looking for something in the 20-22ft range I would sugest the Catalina 22, Hunter or an O'Day 20. These can be had for a song these days since they are so plentiful. If you are looking to trailer then you can travel to pick up a boat. It seems most people are looking for bigger boats and there are a lot aof smaller ones around. THe Catalina 22 is the Model T of sailboats with good parts and support, not necessarily from the factory. They can be had for as little as $3k US if you look around. Don't be afraid to give a low offer, usually most people are just wanting to get rid of the boat. Hunters changed models more frequently so I would go for a Catalina if you can tow a 22.
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Eric Jensen
San Juan 23
I have just baught a H26.5 after sailing a SJ 23 for 7 years. It is one great 23 footer and I recommend it, if you can find one that has been welll cared for. I am selling mine for an asking price of $6500US, but expect to get between 5-6 K. It is in exellent condition. I give you this for comparision since I am in OH. If you can find a place to keep the boat in a slip I highly suggest you consider a keel boat they sail better and are a real bargin these days in the 22-24 size range. The convience is hard to overstate, of having the boat in the water ready to go at a moments notice, you will use the boat more and enjoy it more. The other thing is if you can find a place that will launch, haul and atore the boat you won't have to buy a big tow vehicle. Food for thought PS I have said several times over the last seven years that if my SJ sank today I have gotten more then my money's worth! Eric
I have just baught a H26.5 after sailing a SJ 23 for 7 years. It is one great 23 footer and I recommend it, if you can find one that has been welll cared for. I am selling mine for an asking price of $6500US, but expect to get between 5-6 K. It is in exellent condition. I give you this for comparision since I am in OH. If you can find a place to keep the boat in a slip I highly suggest you consider a keel boat they sail better and are a real bargin these days in the 22-24 size range. The convience is hard to overstate, of having the boat in the water ready to go at a moments notice, you will use the boat more and enjoy it more. The other thing is if you can find a place that will launch, haul and atore the boat you won't have to buy a big tow vehicle. Food for thought PS I have said several times over the last seven years that if my SJ sank today I have gotten more then my money's worth! Eric
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Larry Barnes
Read Eric's review of SJ23
San Juan 23 that's a fast boat! Looks like tons of fun. I still whip um a few degrees off the wind. The cross over of speed vs. close hauled beating is an active subject of conversation amongst the skippers I dual with. A lot of it is determined by who gets the puff though. A trailerable boat can stay in the water too. Curious thought...but when you live on the Prairies it's great to haul the boat out and find a new piece of sailing real estate. Sorry about the attitude, but there's a controversy to uphold! Respectfully, Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA", H26 w/ballast, Trailerable
San Juan 23 that's a fast boat! Looks like tons of fun. I still whip um a few degrees off the wind. The cross over of speed vs. close hauled beating is an active subject of conversation amongst the skippers I dual with. A lot of it is determined by who gets the puff though. A trailerable boat can stay in the water too. Curious thought...but when you live on the Prairies it's great to haul the boat out and find a new piece of sailing real estate. Sorry about the attitude, but there's a controversy to uphold! Respectfully, Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA", H26 w/ballast, Trailerable
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