Thinking of buying a Hunter 45' Legend 1987 any thoughts on it being offshore capable, once checked over. Any suggestions and comments appreciated.
Off shore capable ?
- Thread starter Ron G
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Checked over by who?
Yup, what Joe said. But with Joe having said that, the offshore-capable-skipper will have gone through that boat with a fine-toothe comb. If you don't know what you're looking for then you (and the 23 year old boat) probably aren't ready.
I don't mean to be harsh and you don't really say what you mean by 'off-shore' but it's one of those "if you're asking the question" things. Generally though, even a truly capable boat won't save a skipper if he's not. And I'm not saying you aren't, just expressing a point.
Oh, and yeah, the 45 could be an off-shore capable boat.
Or not.
Yup, what Joe said. But with Joe having said that, the offshore-capable-skipper will have gone through that boat with a fine-toothe comb. If you don't know what you're looking for then you (and the 23 year old boat) probably aren't ready.
I don't mean to be harsh and you don't really say what you mean by 'off-shore' but it's one of those "if you're asking the question" things. Generally though, even a truly capable boat won't save a skipper if he's not. And I'm not saying you aren't, just expressing a point.
Oh, and yeah, the 45 could be an off-shore capable boat.
Or not.
50-50
I disagree the Skipper is only as good as the boat no matter how good the Skipper is if the boat is not in good shape especially the rigging sails and all other very important equipment.
I am just saying you need to have the boat all checked out by a good sailboat expert who knows about the rigging and all below water equipment,you don't want to be offshore with things going wrong.
Nick
I disagree the Skipper is only as good as the boat no matter how good the Skipper is if the boat is not in good shape especially the rigging sails and all other very important equipment.
I am just saying you need to have the boat all checked out by a good sailboat expert who knows about the rigging and all below water equipment,you don't want to be offshore with things going wrong.
Nick
Even though I have a Hunter, and that many Hunters have been offshore safely and continue to do so...they are generally not considered to be "offshore" boats.
They can be upgraded to handle some moderate weather and seas, but I would be cautious and pick weather windows. My large, sky facing salon windows would be my biggest worry, as if they were compromised there is little one can carry aboard to use to block the water when they are gone.
YMMV, and others will provide their thoughts.
They can be upgraded to handle some moderate weather and seas, but I would be cautious and pick weather windows. My large, sky facing salon windows would be my biggest worry, as if they were compromised there is little one can carry aboard to use to block the water when they are gone.
YMMV, and others will provide their thoughts.
Offshore capable
I'd have to agree with kd3, the windows and ports do provide a significant limitation on rough weather capability. The numbers do indicate that MOST folks that go off shore never see the kinds of storm that would take the windows out and if you upgrade your comms equipment to include a weather fax (there are computer programs that can use the marine HF radio weather data too) you can plan out almost all your heavy seas issues. course when something breaks while you are trying to make that weather window (prop falling off is a good example) you are going to have a problem. Traveling in packs helps also no mater what boat you choose.
I'd have to agree with kd3, the windows and ports do provide a significant limitation on rough weather capability. The numbers do indicate that MOST folks that go off shore never see the kinds of storm that would take the windows out and if you upgrade your comms equipment to include a weather fax (there are computer programs that can use the marine HF radio weather data too) you can plan out almost all your heavy seas issues. course when something breaks while you are trying to make that weather window (prop falling off is a good example) you are going to have a problem. Traveling in packs helps also no mater what boat you choose.
If It's Big Ports
...that worry, you don't have that problem on the 1987. I know of one that has been and continues to be a full-time cruiser that has been everywhere. I'm sure there are more. Regardless, I have no idea what your criteria is nor your agenda, both of which should govern your decision. There are all kinds of boats cruising.
...that worry, you don't have that problem on the 1987. I know of one that has been and continues to be a full-time cruiser that has been everywhere. I'm sure there are more. Regardless, I have no idea what your criteria is nor your agenda, both of which should govern your decision. There are all kinds of boats cruising.
Some of the characteristics of Hunters, roomy, large cockpits, light and airy, would be considered negatives for bluewater sailors. Lack of handholds down below and keel types are also not the norm for offshore use.
Sorry. I gotta chime back in.
Seadaddler, I must disagree too. You do make good points about how the boat should be as prepared as possible. I agree with that. But my point wasn't really about the boat.
I don't care how stout the boat is, something's going to break. If the skipper's capable enough, the problem stands a better chance of not becoming worse. I don't know if that qualifies him as better or worse than the boat but that wasn't my point.
A good skipper will make a limited boat much more capable. An 'offshore-capable boat' is much less likely to stay safe with an inexperienced skipper. IMHO, of course.
Also, Bill, I have to ask, what keel type is the norm for offshore use?
Seadaddler, I must disagree too. You do make good points about how the boat should be as prepared as possible. I agree with that. But my point wasn't really about the boat.
I don't care how stout the boat is, something's going to break. If the skipper's capable enough, the problem stands a better chance of not becoming worse. I don't know if that qualifies him as better or worse than the boat but that wasn't my point.
A good skipper will make a limited boat much more capable. An 'offshore-capable boat' is much less likely to stay safe with an inexperienced skipper. IMHO, of course.
Also, Bill, I have to ask, what keel type is the norm for offshore use?
The folks I've known who consider themselves primarily bluewater sailors (several transatlantic crossings on their resumes) prefer full keel, keel stepped masted boats. Of course a capable skipper is a plus regardless of boat. Perhaps I used the word "norm" inappropiately. My comment is based on coversations with several gentlemen I've known on the Chesapeake that have extensive offshore experience.
I've owned two Hunters (23.5 & 40.5) and loved both. Each has provided me with unbelievable sailing memories and never let me get myself in trouble.
Bill
Full keels
used to be considered the singular keel of choice but I'd suggest that hasn't been the case for quite some time. In fact, I'd say that the majority of newer offshore designs are fin or cruising fin keel variations. Trintella and any of the latest Bob Perry designs (Offshore) come immediately to mind. I'd even go so far as to say that there are actually advantages for having a deck-stepped mast design on an 'off-shore' boat.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with full keels or keel stepped masts. Just that there are pros and cons to each. I'd suggest that build quality and proper maintenance is far more important than a specific configuration, which brings me back to the point of my first post.
Heck, we all remember the trials of the Westsail 32 Satori (and the ridiculous movie.) It apparently was the actions of an inexperienced and unprepared crew that put lives at risk even though the boat was eventually found in one piece washed up on shore. A full keel boat with keel stepped mast no less.
used to be considered the singular keel of choice but I'd suggest that hasn't been the case for quite some time. In fact, I'd say that the majority of newer offshore designs are fin or cruising fin keel variations. Trintella and any of the latest Bob Perry designs (Offshore) come immediately to mind. I'd even go so far as to say that there are actually advantages for having a deck-stepped mast design on an 'off-shore' boat.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with full keels or keel stepped masts. Just that there are pros and cons to each. I'd suggest that build quality and proper maintenance is far more important than a specific configuration, which brings me back to the point of my first post.
Heck, we all remember the trials of the Westsail 32 Satori (and the ridiculous movie.) It apparently was the actions of an inexperienced and unprepared crew that put lives at risk even though the boat was eventually found in one piece washed up on shore. A full keel boat with keel stepped mast no less.
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