I'm in the market for a 30-33' sailboat and I'm getting conflicting recommendations on the boat I have a deposit on. I've sailed hobie cats and lasers all my life, but this is my first 'big' boat. Everyone I know who has a blue water boat is trying to steer me away from the Hunter 30. Everyone I know who has experience with lighter boats thinks the Hunter is a great choice. The blue water sailers say to steer towards, at least, a Benateau or Jeaneau. I've been told as much that the Hunter keels fall off, lose masts due to light rigging, etc. Help. . . looking for opinions from experienced folks before I have to decide to close on this boat or move on. By the way, I want a boat with a swim platform, an aft berth
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L
Les Blackwell
This is an age old story....
First, I will not attempt to tell you what boat to buy--as many on this web site have heard me say, "It is like telling someone who to marry." But i do get my anger up when someone knocks Hunters without checking the facts. As a retired professor who has a high regard for objective data, it saddens me to see many folks giving opinions without backing their conclusions up. Let's start with an assumption that most if not all boats today are well built and can go across oceans. I'm not sure about their skippers but the boats themselves are viable products. All brands have cross oceans. It is interesting that you mentioned that old story of Hunters losing keels. People use to say that of Columbia boats back in the fifties. It seems that some manufacturer gets that label each generation and as far as I can ascertain, it is not true. Hunters are well made boats just like their competition. There is a Hunter 41 presently in the south seas and has been sailing around there for three years. I forgot the boats name but they report in from time to time. The South African dealer for Hunters sails his boats from Floriday to his site. When people talk about blue water boats there is a religion of those who like (and I am not putting these people down in anyway) and believe in heavy full and modified full keel boats. But there are those who also like light weight boats. Go figures. You will have to learn which school of thought that you will prefer. It has taken me nine boats to figure out what I like. And remember, Kon Tiki was a straw boat that sailed across the pacific. There are many people I respect when it comes to advice on boats. One is Brion Toss, a rigger who has written books, made tapes and designed specific tools for rigging. He has said to me that the B&R rig is a very strong design and the one he would have if he were going around the world. Another person I have talked to is Steve Pettingill (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly) who is in charge of destroying Hunter boats. He has raced Thursday's Child around the wold in the open sixities class and took second. He is an outstanding sailor and takes great delight in taking a Hunter model and sailing it off waves and crashing them on their sides for testing. He has said to me that Hunter is making a light strong and easily sailed boat. Every piece of gear on my 1999 Hunter 380 is top quality gear. And one of the great things about my Hunter is that IF I had to repair something on the boat, it is relatively easy to get at. There is a section of the stern that can be unscrewed so that I can replace the waste and fuel tanks. No cutting this boat apart to make repairs. Let me also say that I will defend Benateau or Jeaneau or Catalina with the same vengence I do Hunters. It will depend upon what you like and how much you fall in love with the boat. When you love her, you will be able to go anywheres with you love. But take my words of advice with a grain of salt along with the advice of others who think they have the answers. They do but only for themselves. And old philosopher once said, "Do not live in the answers. But enjoy the questions." Keep asking questions. My best to you.
First, I will not attempt to tell you what boat to buy--as many on this web site have heard me say, "It is like telling someone who to marry." But i do get my anger up when someone knocks Hunters without checking the facts. As a retired professor who has a high regard for objective data, it saddens me to see many folks giving opinions without backing their conclusions up. Let's start with an assumption that most if not all boats today are well built and can go across oceans. I'm not sure about their skippers but the boats themselves are viable products. All brands have cross oceans. It is interesting that you mentioned that old story of Hunters losing keels. People use to say that of Columbia boats back in the fifties. It seems that some manufacturer gets that label each generation and as far as I can ascertain, it is not true. Hunters are well made boats just like their competition. There is a Hunter 41 presently in the south seas and has been sailing around there for three years. I forgot the boats name but they report in from time to time. The South African dealer for Hunters sails his boats from Floriday to his site. When people talk about blue water boats there is a religion of those who like (and I am not putting these people down in anyway) and believe in heavy full and modified full keel boats. But there are those who also like light weight boats. Go figures. You will have to learn which school of thought that you will prefer. It has taken me nine boats to figure out what I like. And remember, Kon Tiki was a straw boat that sailed across the pacific. There are many people I respect when it comes to advice on boats. One is Brion Toss, a rigger who has written books, made tapes and designed specific tools for rigging. He has said to me that the B&R rig is a very strong design and the one he would have if he were going around the world. Another person I have talked to is Steve Pettingill (I'm sure I didn't spell that correctly) who is in charge of destroying Hunter boats. He has raced Thursday's Child around the wold in the open sixities class and took second. He is an outstanding sailor and takes great delight in taking a Hunter model and sailing it off waves and crashing them on their sides for testing. He has said to me that Hunter is making a light strong and easily sailed boat. Every piece of gear on my 1999 Hunter 380 is top quality gear. And one of the great things about my Hunter is that IF I had to repair something on the boat, it is relatively easy to get at. There is a section of the stern that can be unscrewed so that I can replace the waste and fuel tanks. No cutting this boat apart to make repairs. Let me also say that I will defend Benateau or Jeaneau or Catalina with the same vengence I do Hunters. It will depend upon what you like and how much you fall in love with the boat. When you love her, you will be able to go anywheres with you love. But take my words of advice with a grain of salt along with the advice of others who think they have the answers. They do but only for themselves. And old philosopher once said, "Do not live in the answers. But enjoy the questions." Keep asking questions. My best to you.
T
Tim
in a quandry
That's an excellent point; however, the negative comments suggest that I should stay away from a Hunter for any use - I don't want to go further than that in fear of insulting someone, but the comments are pretty all emcompassing. These guys are pretty experienced but I only found one article online that supports their stern warnings. The boat's accomidations really seem to suit my needs, but there's more to boating than that. Would you feel confident in a Hunter from Miami to the Bahamas?
That's an excellent point; however, the negative comments suggest that I should stay away from a Hunter for any use - I don't want to go further than that in fear of insulting someone, but the comments are pretty all emcompassing. These guys are pretty experienced but I only found one article online that supports their stern warnings. The boat's accomidations really seem to suit my needs, but there's more to boating than that. Would you feel confident in a Hunter from Miami to the Bahamas?
L
Les Blackwell
Tim, my point is that it is in the cofidence level
of the skipper. Yes, I would be happy to take my boat from anywhere on the east coast to the Bahamas. However, I am a Pacific Northwest sailor and I have been single handling my boat from South Puget Sound (Olympia) to the San Juan Islands. I'm planning on Desolation sound next. But this is all cruising, not ocean crossing. But I still feel confident in my boat. My point being it is the skipper, not the boat that is important. Read, take courses, and go sailing. Then make your decisions.
of the skipper. Yes, I would be happy to take my boat from anywhere on the east coast to the Bahamas. However, I am a Pacific Northwest sailor and I have been single handling my boat from South Puget Sound (Olympia) to the San Juan Islands. I'm planning on Desolation sound next. But this is all cruising, not ocean crossing. But I still feel confident in my boat. My point being it is the skipper, not the boat that is important. Read, take courses, and go sailing. Then make your decisions.
Miami to the Bahamas in a Hunter?
Depending on the boat, absolutely. Same goes for Catalinas, Beneteaus, etc. I might be hesitant in our 25.5 with my skill level, but its been done with smaller Hunters and other brands. In the 30 - 33 foot range, IMHO its more the skill of the sailer and crew than the qualities of the boat. That said, there is a well-documented pleasure trip in a Hunter 25.5 from (IIRC) Tampa to the Dry Tortugas. They went through some less than ideal weather and did just fine. And that's just a 25.5, not a 30 or bigger. When shopping for a boat, its always a good idea to get a survey of the specific vessle and ask questions of the surveyor.
Depending on the boat, absolutely. Same goes for Catalinas, Beneteaus, etc. I might be hesitant in our 25.5 with my skill level, but its been done with smaller Hunters and other brands. In the 30 - 33 foot range, IMHO its more the skill of the sailer and crew than the qualities of the boat. That said, there is a well-documented pleasure trip in a Hunter 25.5 from (IIRC) Tampa to the Dry Tortugas. They went through some less than ideal weather and did just fine. And that's just a 25.5, not a 30 or bigger. When shopping for a boat, its always a good idea to get a survey of the specific vessle and ask questions of the surveyor.
T
Tom
Hunter Bashing
Tim, I know how you feel. You like a particular boat for "your own reasons" and some so called "expert" rains on your parade. My suggestion would be to listen to people like Mr.Blackwell instead of some of the many arrogant AHs that thrive on listening to their own Voice. Learn to sift carefully and then go get the boat that Tim and His family will be happy with. Most of the modern boats are built well enough to challenge almost any skill level. Separate yourself from those people who go around stating their "opinions" as facts, do your own research, and get the boat that makes you happy. ***** the rest of them! I'm on my second big Hunter and I am very happy with my boat. Happy sailing.
Tim, I know how you feel. You like a particular boat for "your own reasons" and some so called "expert" rains on your parade. My suggestion would be to listen to people like Mr.Blackwell instead of some of the many arrogant AHs that thrive on listening to their own Voice. Learn to sift carefully and then go get the boat that Tim and His family will be happy with. Most of the modern boats are built well enough to challenge almost any skill level. Separate yourself from those people who go around stating their "opinions" as facts, do your own research, and get the boat that makes you happy. ***** the rest of them! I'm on my second big Hunter and I am very happy with my boat. Happy sailing.
Boat Show Suggestion
Why not check out several manufacturers at a fall boat show, which would let you experience the different new models. Given the price of new boats, you might then look at older models form the same manufacturer(s). Although I myself am a long term Hunter owner, I made my selection years ago based upon the performance and price of a then new Hunter 28.5. I would feel differently today if I were looking at the preformance potential of boats in the low thirty foot range as I definately feel Hunters focus appears to be on cruising convenience, not performance.
Why not check out several manufacturers at a fall boat show, which would let you experience the different new models. Given the price of new boats, you might then look at older models form the same manufacturer(s). Although I myself am a long term Hunter owner, I made my selection years ago based upon the performance and price of a then new Hunter 28.5. I would feel differently today if I were looking at the preformance potential of boats in the low thirty foot range as I definately feel Hunters focus appears to be on cruising convenience, not performance.
S
Sandi
We just bought
our first big boat too. We have been sailing and racing for years and wanted to step up from daysailing to cruising. We had many of the same questions you did. After spending a summer in sailing school we started chartering. That helped with few eliminations. We did buy a 2005 Hunter 36 and have practically lived on her since Aug 1. Been home only to do laundry, mow grass ect. Now unfortuately we do have go back to work - to make boat payments. We took over 9 months in making our decision on which boat to buy. I second the boat show idea. We were finally able to compare approximately 7 different manufacturers all in the 36 foot range. That was a big help. Ask yourself the hard questions - how much are you willing to spend, how much time will you really use it, your skill level and what conviences and extras do you want. Add it all up. Someone told us that boat buying is a big compromise - no single boat is perfect. You have to find the one that fits the most wants on your list. Maybe we will feel differently in the future, but we just love our boat. It handles well, we are quite comfortable and we got many items "standard" that others considered extras. Read the fine print - one of manufacturer's boats didn't come with sails! As for ocean sailing - we aren't ready for that regardless of the boat. That will require more sailing school time and experience. Best of luck - take your time the right boat is out there for you.
our first big boat too. We have been sailing and racing for years and wanted to step up from daysailing to cruising. We had many of the same questions you did. After spending a summer in sailing school we started chartering. That helped with few eliminations. We did buy a 2005 Hunter 36 and have practically lived on her since Aug 1. Been home only to do laundry, mow grass ect. Now unfortuately we do have go back to work - to make boat payments. We took over 9 months in making our decision on which boat to buy. I second the boat show idea. We were finally able to compare approximately 7 different manufacturers all in the 36 foot range. That was a big help. Ask yourself the hard questions - how much are you willing to spend, how much time will you really use it, your skill level and what conviences and extras do you want. Add it all up. Someone told us that boat buying is a big compromise - no single boat is perfect. You have to find the one that fits the most wants on your list. Maybe we will feel differently in the future, but we just love our boat. It handles well, we are quite comfortable and we got many items "standard" that others considered extras. Read the fine print - one of manufacturer's boats didn't come with sails! As for ocean sailing - we aren't ready for that regardless of the boat. That will require more sailing school time and experience. Best of luck - take your time the right boat is out there for you.
Hunters
For your first big boat they'll be fine unless you plan to go far off shore. The used Hunters are good value because they don't seem to retain their resale value as good as Catalinas and other production boats. Some Hunters have innovative designs but you'll see that they come and go since some of the changes are not so successful. Beneateau like Hunter had some unpopular designs with iron keels to save production costs and I don't think they are any better.
For your first big boat they'll be fine unless you plan to go far off shore. The used Hunters are good value because they don't seem to retain their resale value as good as Catalinas and other production boats. Some Hunters have innovative designs but you'll see that they come and go since some of the changes are not so successful. Beneateau like Hunter had some unpopular designs with iron keels to save production costs and I don't think they are any better.
S
Steve O.
comparing apples and oranges...
If someone reccommends an Island Packet, Pacific Seacraft, or Hinckley as being a well-built blue water boats, then they have a point. But to state that a Catalina or a Beneteau is a better boat is meaningless. They are all good "production" boats when used for what they are intended: coastal cruising. Are Chevys better than Fords? Depends on your preference, I guess. So pick the boat that fits your needs and really turns you on, and the hell with the "Old Salts" that probably never leave the dock anyway.
If someone reccommends an Island Packet, Pacific Seacraft, or Hinckley as being a well-built blue water boats, then they have a point. But to state that a Catalina or a Beneteau is a better boat is meaningless. They are all good "production" boats when used for what they are intended: coastal cruising. Are Chevys better than Fords? Depends on your preference, I guess. So pick the boat that fits your needs and really turns you on, and the hell with the "Old Salts" that probably never leave the dock anyway.
I'm happy with my OLD Hunter
constructed in the 80's. I love how deep she is and how stable she feels. Not a performance/racing boat, but more a cruiser. I fell inlove with her the first time I saw her. So, for me, that's what's important. Good luck!
constructed in the 80's. I love how deep she is and how stable she feels. Not a performance/racing boat, but more a cruiser. I fell inlove with her the first time I saw her. So, for me, that's what's important. Good luck!
Bought the boat. . . thanks guys
Thanks for all your input. In case anyone is checking back to follow up, I struck a deal on the Hunter yesterday. I did plan on going to the boat show in Tampa, but it has been postponed until December due to our hurricane activity. The broker & I picked a surveyor who would go up the mast. Below the waterline showed some problems that, once again, the jury was split 50/50 - yes blisters, a lot of very small pimples, that I feel probably won't make any significant difference until resale depending how or if I treat them. The keel needs some attention too and I don't need to mention the condition of the bottom paint. I have lots of varying medicines and prices from boat yards, all taken into careful consideration and I do have a clear path on how to procede. The rudder has water in it and the lower port spreader base is broken. These two items need immediate attention in my mind and the seller was very good about making concessions for them. She's just been neglected and needs a lot of TLC. The surveyor agrees that the boat is a great foundation for what I'm looking for and that most of the work will be sweat equity. The right boat for Tim? Absolutely, a project that I can work on for a few hours a day and still sail between the work - just what the doctor ordered. A boat that has a walk through transom for scuba diving & snorkeling. She's got all the ammenities I wanted and as a light boat, will be a great transition to whatever comes next. I did also run down to the BVI a couple of months ago to geat my bareboat certificate, so the classes and training have begun. Again, thanks for the input, your comments helped me make the decision. As soon as these hurricanes go away, I'll take full ownership of the boat and bring her to her new slip and get on the schedule for some bottom work. Great sailing to all and maybe we'll share a breeze one day.
Thanks for all your input. In case anyone is checking back to follow up, I struck a deal on the Hunter yesterday. I did plan on going to the boat show in Tampa, but it has been postponed until December due to our hurricane activity. The broker & I picked a surveyor who would go up the mast. Below the waterline showed some problems that, once again, the jury was split 50/50 - yes blisters, a lot of very small pimples, that I feel probably won't make any significant difference until resale depending how or if I treat them. The keel needs some attention too and I don't need to mention the condition of the bottom paint. I have lots of varying medicines and prices from boat yards, all taken into careful consideration and I do have a clear path on how to procede. The rudder has water in it and the lower port spreader base is broken. These two items need immediate attention in my mind and the seller was very good about making concessions for them. She's just been neglected and needs a lot of TLC. The surveyor agrees that the boat is a great foundation for what I'm looking for and that most of the work will be sweat equity. The right boat for Tim? Absolutely, a project that I can work on for a few hours a day and still sail between the work - just what the doctor ordered. A boat that has a walk through transom for scuba diving & snorkeling. She's got all the ammenities I wanted and as a light boat, will be a great transition to whatever comes next. I did also run down to the BVI a couple of months ago to geat my bareboat certificate, so the classes and training have begun. Again, thanks for the input, your comments helped me make the decision. As soon as these hurricanes go away, I'll take full ownership of the boat and bring her to her new slip and get on the schedule for some bottom work. Great sailing to all and maybe we'll share a breeze one day.
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