Off shore in a 320/326

[John Pollitt]

Wondering if anyone has much off shore experience with a 320/326. Will be retiring in 4 years and plan to liveaboard. Though I'm mainly interested in coastal/inland cruising to start out, am wondering if this is a boat I could take into the carribean or down to the Panama Canal and around to the West coast with a fair amount of confidence in the boat (ie: it won't beat it to death)? Currently have an H26, which led me to consider the 320/326.

 

[Don Robinson]

off shore

John I have a H-30 an have no problem off shorewith it just me an my wife an two dogs.

 

[Bob Downie]

Confident in a 326

John: Being new to sailing I have been a little apprehensive about how to handle rough weather off shore. This week we were 6 - 7 miles off east coast of Fl making our way from St. Augustine to Jacksonville when we encountered 30 to 35 knt winds out of NW and building seas. Our 326 handled them great once we reefed in the main. Heeling was a little sporty at first for us novices but having the in mast and roller furling system made the experience enjoyable. Even with waves breaking over the bow the cockpit remained relatively dry. I feel our 326 was a great choice.BobAirflow

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Hunter 320 during Hurricane Floyd

I know your Hunter 26 too well as I am the most knowledgeable. The 326 can hold its own even during a Hurricane. Hope that says it all.Good luck and happy sailingcrazy Dave

 

[David Foster]

Designed for comfort and speed

Both these boats, like most modern offerings are designed for comfort, accommodations, and speed in light air. They get these with a wide beam carried well aft, light weight, and lots of windows.So I would call them a coastal cruising design. That means island-hopping and moving from one coastal port to the next - which is exactly the use you describe.I would not choose one of these boats for a blue water cruise across an ocean. If stuck in a large storm at sea for an extended period, once the crew is tired, both these hulls lack the stability to take care of the crew without active steering.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Speak with owners that are on lake & ocean

If you want to talk with some folks that own them, I will post where to go to find them. That usually will help you. You have a 26? Nice boat. I use to sail circles around J 24 with spinnakers all the time.Crazy Dave Condon

 

[John Pollitt]

Thanks Dave

I'll take you up on that offer. Any info is helpful, since I'll not only be buying a boat, but a home as well. As much as I'd like to think I'll sail off over the horizon, think it is more realistic to expect I won't, and the 320/326 seems like just the right boat for one person sailing coastal and inland.John