Ready to purchase an H20....maybe.

[masscop79]

I found a 1983 Hunter 20 which is for sale locally. I recently returned to sailing after a break of about 15 years. This past season I sailed a 15' Chrysler Mutineer, but have been keeping an eye open for something a bit bigger for the family. This would be used for daysailing on Cape Cod Bay and trailered after each use. It seems like rigging this boat will take some time. I'm assuming with a little practice this should be able to be completed in about an hour? Am I being overly optimistic?

Even though the H20 is a smaller boat, this is a completely new adventure for me, and I must admit I am already a little intimidated by moving up to a larger boat. The boat that is for sale locally is in decent condition for its age. Structurally it seems sound, new winch for swing keel, sails (main and 2 jibs) are in surprisingly good condition. All the hardware seems to be in great shape. The cabin is clean, but stripped (no cushions, no table). The trailer looks in decent condition. Probably could use a new axle, hubs, and tires. It looks like the previous owner was in the process of restoring this boat, but ran out of money/interest.

I have tentatively negotiated a price of $800.00. I'm having a really difficult time in researching a price for this boat as there is very little information available for the H20 on the internet and it seems they rarely pop up for sale. Does anyone have an idea of what a good price is for an overall "fair" condition 1983 Hunter 20?

Thank you!

 

[Hugh Straub]

A couple of points occur to me. You shouldn't be intimidated by this boat. You'll find having a cabin, even a small one, opens the possibilities of overnight trips. Your spousal unit will have a place to change a swim suit or use the can or get out of the rain. In short, this boat is much more versatile than a daysailer.

As for price, everyone on this site will tell you the purchase price is just the beginning. You've already identified the need for cabin cushions and trailer repairs. When you start sailing the boat, you'll discover other must haves like flares, comfortable PFDs, outboard, hiking stick, etc, etc. Some of it is cheap, but it all adds up and pretty quickly will eclipse the 800 bucks you spent buying the boat. I found the only way I can justify the expense of boat ownership is to prorate not only the time I spend actually using the boat against the expense, but also the time I spend daydreaming about using the boat. All of a sudden, its a bargain!

I have never trailer sailed a boat so I don't know how much of a hassle rigging and de-rigging becomes every time you want to go for a sail. (I can imagine it gets old) I do see the advantage of being able to take your boat to a different body of water for a week's cruise...lots of wonderful lakes in nearby NH and Maine for you to explore. That said, keeping one's boat in a slip or on a mooring makes going sailing whenever you want a whole lot easier, particularly, if you want to single hand, not to mention just going out to the marina for an afternoon snooze.

When I'm down below and drifting off - water ripples kissing the hull - I'm no longer at a slip in New Orleans...I'm in the turquoise waters of Tahiti. How can you put a price on that?

Good luck with your decision

Kind regards

Hugh

 

[twodzusfittings]

Hugh Straub wrote:

When I'm down below and drifting off - water ripples kissing the hull - I'm no longer at a slip in New Orleans...I'm in the turquoise waters of Tahiti. How can you put a price on that?

...and for everything else there is MASTERCARD!:dance:

 

[Hugh Straub]

LOL!

Kind regards

Hugh

 

[masscop79]

Well I was on the fence until I read Hugh's response. I purchased it a few days ago and should be able to start working on it as soon as it is delivered (waiting for title prior to delivery). Previous owner indicated that the "whole boat" had been barrier coated. This didn't sound quite right. How would I know if this is the case. What does a barrier coat look like?

 

[Hugh Straub]

Yikes! I hope you won't come gunning for me if you hate the boat!

Seriously, congratulations on your purchase...I hope it becomes your dream machine - mine certainly is.

Regarding barrier coats, those are applied from the water line down to avoid osmotic blistering in your gel coat and potential delamination of the underlying fiberglas. Its only a problem for boats which live in the water for very long periods, like boats in slips in the South where the boat is in the water all year long. If you trailer sail your boat its not a concern. There's no reason on any boat to apply barrier coat above the waterline.

Another thought. As Winter is coming your way, you should have the time to carefully go over your boat to be sure you understand all the systems and to be sure all is in good order before Spring. With any older boat the owner must pay particular attention to the standing rigging, so while the mast is down carefully inspect every shroud looking for any broken strands and also for cracks or signs of corrosion in the swaged fittings at both ends of the shroud. Do not hesitate to replace any shroud for which you have concern. Check the mast for cracks where the spreaders connect. I don't know how your keel is attached to your boat. If it is through bolted to the hull, check the keel bolts for corrosion.

Your new "friends" at Defender Marine or at the West Marine stores will doubtless send you their latest catalogues. On those cold Mass. nights, you'll be thinking of summer and thumbing through those books compiling your wish list. I strongly suggest your resist buying "neat stuff" for your boat until you've lived with it for a season or so. Of course I'm not suggesting you skimp on good safety gear, but there's a lot of temptation out there for stuff that will end up sitting unused in a locker or in your basement. (ask me how I know).

Keep it simple. For example, if your sailing will be inshore and relatively close to land, you may find your cell phone and a handheld VHF radio suffices for emergency communications, rather than the needless complication of a fixed VHF unit with a mast mounted antenna. Don't be shy about buying good second hand stuff for something you genuinely need. (Why buy a new winch or new sails for an old boat?). If you're doing some overnighting, camping gear is compact, works well and often is much cheaper than its marine equivalent. But don't buy anything until you've used the boat enough to know you really need it.

Finally, there's lots of very experienced folks on this site who will be delighted to answer your questions on most any topic. Its a great resource.

Good luck &

Kind regards

Hugh

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

ot sure if Hunter had a 20 at that time but did for a 19. Some came put together or as a kit.