new boat advice

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Jul 3, 2004
1
- - Madison, Wi
Hey, 216 owners. I am an owner of an S2 6.9 and just saw a H216 at a local boat dealer. It may have some advantages over the 6.9- mainly much simpler setup & take down; larger and more comfy cockpit; lighter and easier to trailer. Sounds like it still has the spirited performance that I like. Drawbacks- very tiny cuddy- I like to camp out overnight occasionally. I generally take out family and friends who are non-sailors with limited experience- will it still be stable enough to be non-threatening for them? How many passengers is practical on the 216? Two other questions- Where do you keep a gas tank, or must you use an outboard with an integral tank? Has anyone rigged for running lights? They are not listed even as optional equipment. I don't see any provision for battery or any other electrical equipment. Any and all answers and comments would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Mar 23, 2004
119
- - Paradise, CA
Hunter 216 stability, gas tank, battery, etc.

1. Stability - Practical Sailor says the boat is a little "tender" with only 2 on board in a strong wind due to the light weight/freeboard of the boat. I have found it sails surprizingly well with the jib furled which is my first recourse. I am an dinghy sailor also so it seems extremely stable to me. I have never had to furl the jib as yet...the most wind so far has been about 25 mph with 3 on board. I have test furled the jib and the boat immediately flattens out. You can always reef. 2. I have carried 6 people total *very* comfortably which is one of the reasons I was attracted to the boat. 3. I keep my gas tank in the cuddy and simply place it on the cockpit sole on top of a couple chunks of 4X4 when I motor. No big deal. 4. There is no electrical equipment on board so no need for a battery. I use a trolling motor to fish when the wind is dead so I carry a battery in the cuddy. I have literally rigged an extension cord to plug in the trolling motor. When I troll, I lay the extension cord across the cockpit sole and plug in the motor. 5. I use battery powered running lights...cheap from Wal-Mart...they suck batteries fast on a moonlight sail so carrying extra batteries is a must. I have thought about a kludge rig to use my trolling motor battery but I don't need running lights often enough to make it worthwhile.
 

GlennB

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Jul 11, 2004
3
- - Cranberry Township, PA
running lights

I read in one of the 216 reviews on Hunterowners.com that the owner had run a 12v system with running lights etc.
 
Jun 5, 2004
37
Hunter 26.5 wichita, ks
battery

If you're thinking about a 12v system and are cramped for space, use a lawn tractor battery. I had one on my old boat that I raced at the club. It is a lot lighter and smaller!
 
Jul 12, 2004
1
- - Verplanck NY
migth want to look at the 212 Hunter

It sounds like you should be looking at the 212 hunter it has the electrical and room inside for a overnight or two. i think the two boats have many things that are the same other than that.
 
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