Hi, all. My husband and I are in the process of purchasing our first sailboat. We have--perhaps stupidly--ignored the advice many gave us about making sure our first boat is a used boat, and are buying a 2004 306. It just seems like a great family cruiser (we have 2 boys, 14 and 10) that'll be something we can handle without too much difficulty (ha-ha--famous last words!) If any 306 owners have advice for us about questions to ask/options to consider/experiences to share before our boat leaves the yard, we'd deeply appreciate it. Thanks so much!
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nick maggio
Sail it with some one with experience
My wife and I got sailing lessons 101 & 103 at the dealer on our boat so we knew how to handle it and got familar with all the lines and equipement it was our first real sailboat which was 2001-290 the same as the 306. As far as options it depends what is important to you,are you getting in mast furling or referation. nick
My wife and I got sailing lessons 101 & 103 at the dealer on our boat so we knew how to handle it and got familar with all the lines and equipement it was our first real sailboat which was 2001-290 the same as the 306. As far as options it depends what is important to you,are you getting in mast furling or referation. nick
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Mark Burrows
Why new boaters need new boats
I don't think buying a new boat is a bad decision when you are new to boating/sailing. When you buy new, most Hunter dealers that I know go out of their way to make sure you are happy with your purchase. They seem willing and able to explain the new systems, how to optimize them, and sometimes talk you out of mistakes (spinakers are so pretty, shouldn't we have one. No, you are still trying to figure out how to trim a jib. Save it for later.) You also have a lot of warrentees that provide a lot of piece of mind. If its broken, someone else fixes it which is pretty handy if you don't know squat about gel coat, diesels, cutlass bearings, NMEA 1801, etc. Plus you picked a Hunter. The new ones are pretty forgiving of mistakes and have been design with simple sailing in mind. The 306? Saw it at the boat show last October. Nice family cruiser. Lots of amenities and comfortable. You'll love it. Markdb PS. Dealers please make your checks out to CASH. ;D
I don't think buying a new boat is a bad decision when you are new to boating/sailing. When you buy new, most Hunter dealers that I know go out of their way to make sure you are happy with your purchase. They seem willing and able to explain the new systems, how to optimize them, and sometimes talk you out of mistakes (spinakers are so pretty, shouldn't we have one. No, you are still trying to figure out how to trim a jib. Save it for later.) You also have a lot of warrentees that provide a lot of piece of mind. If its broken, someone else fixes it which is pretty handy if you don't know squat about gel coat, diesels, cutlass bearings, NMEA 1801, etc. Plus you picked a Hunter. The new ones are pretty forgiving of mistakes and have been design with simple sailing in mind. The 306? Saw it at the boat show last October. Nice family cruiser. Lots of amenities and comfortable. You'll love it. Markdb PS. Dealers please make your checks out to CASH. ;D
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Andy and Sue
New to it and love it too
We just bought a 2001 290 and are in love with it. It is equipped with basic electronics; recommend a chartplotter and wind meter (anenometer?). We have a microwave, big luxury item that we would not have bought but like. The only things we added to the boat (although we already owned them anyway) are a portable CD player and a car TV/DVD combo that runs off DC. We sail with our boys, 4 and 2, every chance we get. We bought it used but if we could have afforded new we would have done it. Enjoy!
We just bought a 2001 290 and are in love with it. It is equipped with basic electronics; recommend a chartplotter and wind meter (anenometer?). We have a microwave, big luxury item that we would not have bought but like. The only things we added to the boat (although we already owned them anyway) are a portable CD player and a car TV/DVD combo that runs off DC. We sail with our boys, 4 and 2, every chance we get. We bought it used but if we could have afforded new we would have done it. Enjoy!
306 Options
We have a 290 (basicly same boat). You'll really enjoy it. Options depend on what is important to you. If you are planning to spend much time on the boat, refrigeration and heat may be important. You might also want a dodger to make sailing on cool days more enjoyable. Here in AR, A/C and a bimini are more important!
We have a 290 (basicly same boat). You'll really enjoy it. Options depend on what is important to you. If you are planning to spend much time on the boat, refrigeration and heat may be important. You might also want a dodger to make sailing on cool days more enjoyable. Here in AR, A/C and a bimini are more important!
Stretch yourself
Go with the 33 - a few years from now when the kids get bigger you will appreciate the room and you won't get that 2 footitis. You likely won't notice any difference in the handing but will gain a huge amount down below. The 33 also seems to be really well priced for all you get. The added size also makes a more comfortable ride in rough conditions.
Go with the 33 - a few years from now when the kids get bigger you will appreciate the room and you won't get that 2 footitis. You likely won't notice any difference in the handing but will gain a huge amount down below. The 33 also seems to be really well priced for all you get. The added size also makes a more comfortable ride in rough conditions.
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Gregg
Don's right
I went from the 290 (306) to the 33 this year. If you can swing it, you do get much more in the way of room and amenities. Those kids are only going to get bigger - I have three boys - they were early to late teens when I got the 290. It got crowded pretty quick down below! Don't be intimidated about the size - the 306 is a pleasure to sail, especially with the furling main. You'll have no trouble with it (or the 33, for that matter). There are some deals out there on used boats. My 290 was 2 years old when I bought it - that 2 years saved me a lot on the price, and with only 37 engine hours, it was hardly broken in. New is nice, but the commissioning process can be a trying time. I think if I do it again, I will look for nearly new, like my first boat. Good luck with search.
I went from the 290 (306) to the 33 this year. If you can swing it, you do get much more in the way of room and amenities. Those kids are only going to get bigger - I have three boys - they were early to late teens when I got the 290. It got crowded pretty quick down below! Don't be intimidated about the size - the 306 is a pleasure to sail, especially with the furling main. You'll have no trouble with it (or the 33, for that matter). There are some deals out there on used boats. My 290 was 2 years old when I bought it - that 2 years saved me a lot on the price, and with only 37 engine hours, it was hardly broken in. New is nice, but the commissioning process can be a trying time. I think if I do it again, I will look for nearly new, like my first boat. Good luck with search.
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Gregg
Went back to edit my post,
and they were in the middle of the forum update. Options? Besides the furling main, ST 60 speed/depth (easier to see), ST 60 wind (nice to have), sT 4000 autopilot for hands-free operation when necessary. If you are going to cook on the boat, the gimballed propane oven gives more flexibility over microwave, unless you will be plugged in at the dock regularly. Same with refrigeration - takes a lot of battery juice to run. You may be better off with just the ice box. Bimini to give some shade in cockpit, and cockpit cushions for your butt. Battery charger (with second battery!) for when you can plug in. VHF is a must, and stereo is nice. Have them include the lettering, unless you can do it yourself. Some of these things I had, some I wish I had. Most are on the 33 now. Still not sure about the fridge - it was a freebie on the 33, but I'm thinking the regular ice box might have been better for my use. Time will tell. Lots of luck, and have fun!
and they were in the middle of the forum update. Options? Besides the furling main, ST 60 speed/depth (easier to see), ST 60 wind (nice to have), sT 4000 autopilot for hands-free operation when necessary. If you are going to cook on the boat, the gimballed propane oven gives more flexibility over microwave, unless you will be plugged in at the dock regularly. Same with refrigeration - takes a lot of battery juice to run. You may be better off with just the ice box. Bimini to give some shade in cockpit, and cockpit cushions for your butt. Battery charger (with second battery!) for when you can plug in. VHF is a must, and stereo is nice. Have them include the lettering, unless you can do it yourself. Some of these things I had, some I wish I had. Most are on the 33 now. Still not sure about the fridge - it was a freebie on the 33, but I'm thinking the regular ice box might have been better for my use. Time will tell. Lots of luck, and have fun!
Hi Tracy and family. we my husbond and I have bought a new 306 delivered from UK. The boat was delivered 1 st. March this year. We are so happy with the boat. We live close to Copenhagen habour and we are sailing every day if the wether is good. We had a few problems with the gelcoat on the frontdeck, but this will be repair week 26, and our Doyle sails are returned for replacement in week 25. We will get UK sail instead. It is our first sailboat ( had Motorboat for 7 years ) but 306 is easy to sail,and it feels good and secure in bad weather. All the best with your new 306. rgds Pia Copenhagen Denmark
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