Option purchases on a new boat

[Wobegone]

I am thinking of buying a new 260 and I want some of the options available from Hunter. My question is, aren't some of these options way overpriced compared to purchasing some from a third party and installing yourself. How many of you forgo the option list and just install yourself?

 

[Wayne Estabrooks]

Factory Options - yes or no

When I bought my boat in 1997 340, the options I feel were a much better deal than if purchased and installed later, I wish now I had gotten more options like an autopilot. I bought air conditioning system later and installed it myself. It was a lot of work but probably was less money if I don't count my 2 weeks of labor, by buying aftermarket system and installing it myself.Some of the options I bought with the boat were, dodger, bimini, cockpit cushions, refrigeration, spinnaker winches, instruments, mainsheet traveler, and interior window shades.

 

[Mark Burrows]

Options on a 260

I say stern rail seat are a must. Then maybe...Bimini, Inboard starter and throttleSail coverSpeed, depth instrumentWindexExtra batteryBattery chargerShore powerUpgraded/expandable electrical panelPop-up hatch coverCockpit and stern seat cushionsInterior fans (the quiet kind)12V outletsAC outlets for shore powerVHF radioLesser options:Wind instrumentRoller furler (if you are not traileringCD player135% jibA color other than white

 

[Drew13440]

Both....

Some (OK, all) of their options do come at a premium. Some options would be difficult on your own - sternrail seats, for example. Others are easier and generally cheaper to do yourself - cockpit cushions, for example. Just do the math and asses for yourself whether you can really do the work in question. Final point: what you buy from Hunter, they own. Think about it - the $200 you might save on, say, an outboard, is an integral part of your boat and Hunter and the dealer will step up to the plate if you've problems down the road. My two cents...Drew

 

[Ashley]

options

Anything that requires cutting, drilling through the hull, fiberglass work, like transducers, through hulls etc, I would have the dealer do. They do it alot and would be responsible for any damages and guarantee the work. Everything Mark said.If you plan on singlehanding alot, the roller furling is very nice. If you plan on spending alot of time on the boat, upgrade the interior fabric and consider the marine head. If you live in the south, mermaid AC and 12v fans, maybe a solar fan on the hatch.