PNW - I want to tour your Hunter Legend, 376, 380

[Borg]

I've never owned a sailboat and am looking to purchase one this year. I've gravitated towards the Hunter Legends 37, 37.5, 40, and 40.5's as well as the 376 & 380 (which I understand have the same hull). Being newer to sailing I initially set my sights on the 37' size but I'm also 6'4 and intend to live aboard said vessel.

I live in N. Idaho and am not aware of any of the aforementioned sailboats in the area. Thus, I would like to actually step foot on/in the above models to see how well I fit and help me decide which model would be more conducive to living aboard. Anybody over in the Seattle or Portland area that would allow me to tour their Hunter? Also open to hearing how similar heighted people fair on their boats.

 

[microsnout]

That is big boat for a first sailboat! I hope you have already acquired some good experience on other peoples boats. That said I do have a comment regarding headroom. I am 6'1 and was recently looking at a 2002 Hunter 386 and was very surprised to find that I bump my head at one point in the main salon! In fact the 30' boat I had just sold had better headroom. I ended up getting a 2007 H-38 which did not have this problem. The boat was redesigned in 2005 and now has a full 6'4 headroom throughout the salon - still a bit low for you maybe.

 

[Borg]

Thanks for the reply microsnout. Part of my hesitancy towards the 37' stemmed from watching a YouTube video of a guy reviewing the H-37. He was 6'3 and appeared to be at the top of the headroom. In addition to the headroom I'd like to make sure I fit on the aft centerline bed.

Prior experience on a 60's Tartan 32 or 34', San Juan 24, J80, and plenty of powerboats and pontoons.

 

[jssailem]

Borg, Your 6'4 frame is a blessing and a curse as I am sure you have experienced. Unfortunately many sailboat builders appear to ignore the needs of tall fellows in their designs, or they expect you to curl up and deal with it. Not fair, but life is the way it is.
Big boats are a different breed than a 30-32 foot boat. Seams like adding a foot or 2 to a boat length changes the handling of a boat exponentially. Not to think about the costs. That being said, why not head to the big city and wander through the many boats for sale on the docks of Lake Union on one of these spring days. While I like Hunters, Beneteaus, Catalinas and many other designs, I found an old Cal that bit my wallet. It has a unique salon pilothouse design with a 6'5 salon and a 7 foot long V berth. Being a 5'10 guy more than a few boats can meet my needs. This was not what I expected to be sailing, but at 35ft it is a manageable size for solo handling and pocketbook.

You never know what you might find.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I agree with John. Lots of brokers around to show you a verity of boats.

John glad you made it across the border safely

 

[jssailem]

Yes. Washington let me cross the river again without having to swim for it...Made it in about 11PM bit of rain and a few cars on the HWY in downtown Seattle. Other than that a breeze. Loved the couple of sunny days in the marina. Made me think the best sailing weather is not far away... Now if I can just get the priority projects finished.

 

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[Terry Cox]

Got the fever building itch here. Diver set for later this month to install zincs and scrape mussels off the keel. Then a good topside scrubbing and we're ready for the season. June 26 last day of school, then free at last for a couple of months of cruising; destinations uncertain at the moment, but likely places north into BC.

 

[jssailem]

Rushing to be ready for the Catalina Rendezvous in Roche Harbor. First cruise of 2017. Hope to spend about a week wandering. Still working out a few winter projects and installing the new autopilot. Les has been a great help. Overnight shake down planned end of April. The days are getting short and the project list is in constant revision - GOT to do, Want to do, Will do someday but suffer without on this May cruise.

 

[Borg]

I do intend to head over to the westside and check out boat options but figured if I could line up a Hunter tour while I'm there then I would try to do so. As mentioned, I've been gravitating towards the Hunters, however, I haven't ruled out the possibility of finding something I hadn't anticipated. I do like the centerline birth which the Hunters have and as a bigger guy don't enjoy crawling into the coffins some consider beds.

 

[jssailem]

Understand the crawl issue. While the Vberth on my boat is big and access space at the Vberth is more than adequate, you still have to crawl in and out of the space. A bed that allows you to approach the bed standing up from either side would be great especially when sharing the bunk space. Hope your quest is successful.