New owner of 2001 340

[Vitger]

Greetings!
I am super excited as I seem to be entering the distinguished world of Hunter owners. Survey and sea trial next week. Any specfic suggestions as to what to have the surveyor concentrate on this model? Anything I should be focusing on during the sea trial?
Overall boat seems nicely maintained, has spent 3-4 seasons in San Francisco and the past seven up here in freshwater lake. Shoal draft version with basic sailplan, traditional main, autopilot, radar, etc.

Any suggestions much appreciated!

 

[Mulf]

There are 12 owner reviews on this site.

Boat Info tab above, then Hunter Boat Info selection.

This is a direct link:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&Itemid=248&task=3&kb=1&model=55&brand=Hunter

 

[Vitger]

Thanks.
I have read them all. Sounds like there aren't too many problem areas. One that comes to mind being the binnacle tends to leak a bit. The surveyor tells me he is not removing anything (inspection port covers) for the purposes of inspection. The chainplates do not seem very accessible form the cabin either. I start to wonder, other than looking at the bottom, the surveyor will not be able to tell me too much I don't already know. Is it worth the 400$? I am being told they do not typical start the engine either...

Which bottom paint would you guys recommend. Most people here on the lake use VC17 (racing quality), but I have been quoted 4-5000$ for that... ouch. There must be something more economical out there.

 

[Rocket1]

V-

I have mixed feelings about the cost / value of a survey. While I would totally recommend spending the money for piece of mind if nothing else, the survey we had done on our 2000 340 missed some items that I thought were fairly obvious. Bear in mind, I wasn't able to be present for the survey, so I was placing more trust in my surveyor than I think one normally might. Fortunately, the items that I thought should have been noted in the survey were minor and wouldn't have kept us from purchasing the boat.

That being said, $400 is pretty inexpensive for a survey, and should expose any major issues the boat may have (bottom blisters, etc.), and can give you some leverage in negotiating the sale price.

We've always done our due dilegence, and in the end gone with our "gut feeling", which has worked out fairly well for us so far.

Whatever the case, welcome to the Hunter family!

 

[Vitger]

Thanks, Bob! Yes, I am thinking the real value may be in him looking at the bottom with expert eyes. I don't think he will find much elsewhere. The broker wasn't against removing any inspection portholes for survey purposes, so I may tag along and open those up myself...

 

[Vitger]

In case anyone is interested Tiramisu was lifted today, was pressure washed, has a surprisingly deep keel (it was listed as shoal draft, but in fact is a full keel) and a perfect bottom paint from 2006 that will last another 4-5 years. The surveyor was very impressed. I am happy. The sale should go through this Friday!!!! Yuppeee

 

[robertsapp]

I'm not sure how to tell you this, but I think you were robbed. They told you that they were selling you a H340, but then they actually slipped you an H320. I'd go back and get the extra footage they owe you.

And when did Hunter owners become distinguished? I always thought we were considered somewhat disreputable. Lord knows I've tried to promote that perception.

 

[Rick]

I agree with Robert although I think it was just a typo. That is not a 34.

That being said, I still think a survey is a must. Checking the hull and rigging are the stuff an expert should look at. Also an engine survey unless you know or have some expertise there. Me personally.. I am going to want to see the stuff the PO boasts the boat has. Mine supposedly had a macerator. It in fact did not. I would want to see all the electronics actually work which you can do on a sea trial. Look below for any water damage to the sole around the compression post. That is where they tend to leak. Also make sure the counter weight in the salon table is not frozen. By the look of the weather in the picture, I would make a thorough inspection of the ports and all areas around them. Look for evidence of water leaks. Look under all the cushions in the berths for any signs of mold. Light the stove. Turn on the water pressure and have a sip. How does it taste? Smell? Find and excercise all the through hulls. If this boat has a holding tank make sure lines and head do not smell like HEAD! Those could be permeated lines. Generally look for stuff that you might look for on a used car but understand where your strengths might be in handywork versus walking away. To mention just a few things!

And bottom paint in fresh water? Why? Someone else can chime in here.

It looks like a nice boat from another distinguished hunter owner.

Welcome to the Ford and Chevy of sailboats!

PS: Hey Robert old friend. Hope all is well!

 

[robertsapp]

Hey Rick, things are fine, thanks for asking. Hey listen, I have a question I could use some help with. I tried sending you a private message, but the site tells me you aren't able to receive them. Any idea what's up with that?

 

[Rick]

No idea Robert. Checked my prefs and it says I can recieve them.

You can try email if you like.

I will try to send you a pm

 

[Vitger]

Good pickup. I was going to buy a 340 but later learned that I need to get on a two year waiting list for a larger slip. It must have somehow got stuck in the back of my mind when initially posting. Anyways, I think the boat checked out well. Sea trial tomorrow.
Here is a clip of the lifting process and part of the survey.

 

[Vitger]

Well,
The deal went through on Friday, the owner committed to installing a new hotwater tank as the original was leaking a bit, also to fixing one of the cockpit speakers. The Raymarine autopilot needs to be looked at, it gives the "low battery" indication even though there are two brand new batteries in the boat. The speed log is not working for some reason, it is just stuck at 0.00. I will have to replace some of the running rigging sometime soon. The roller furling asymmetrical spinnaker is on its way and I will be looking into getting a bimini. Other than that, the boat is perfect, life is good. Thanks for all your input!
One more question I have is, what are your cruising motoring RPMs and what is "red line" territory so to speak? What RPM should the engine not be revved above? It is a Yanmar 18 HP. Thanks!