Anyone's input would be appreciated. I am about to purchase a Hunter 420 (2002 new). Does anyone have a negative opinion about this model in general or have an opinion on the Center Cockpit configuaration?
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420 HUNTER NEW
Center cockpit I believe is great for the great aft cabin and benifets topside.I have a 450 99 that I have to sell that also has great benifets for its size,tub and shower and room. New to me is nice if you have more money to spend after the initial investment. Let the new buyer go through the headackes of the first times and bugs and believe me I had a few.Of course the dealer is one item to be checked. I now own a 49ft motor yacht that some one else gave it that someone else gave the shakedown cruiss and electrical toys.
Center cockpit I believe is great for the great aft cabin and benifets topside.I have a 450 99 that I have to sell that also has great benifets for its size,tub and shower and room. New to me is nice if you have more money to spend after the initial investment. Let the new buyer go through the headackes of the first times and bugs and believe me I had a few.Of course the dealer is one item to be checked. I now own a 49ft motor yacht that some one else gave it that someone else gave the shakedown cruiss and electrical toys.
Poor sailor replies.
As a very poor owner of a very old Hunter(1979 H37C) I sometimes lust over those shiny new boats with the huge aft cabins. But then I remember that they sail completely differently. The CE(center of effort) is so much higher making the boats very tender and requiring reefs, early and often. I think the center cockpit compounds this. On the other hand the boats are built for that, furling mains, electric winches, and lines led back. Bottom line is that it depends on where and when you sail. And for liveaboard it can't be beat. Personally I feel like I have lost contact with the water in a center cockpit, kind of like being on a fly bridge.
As a very poor owner of a very old Hunter(1979 H37C) I sometimes lust over those shiny new boats with the huge aft cabins. But then I remember that they sail completely differently. The CE(center of effort) is so much higher making the boats very tender and requiring reefs, early and often. I think the center cockpit compounds this. On the other hand the boats are built for that, furling mains, electric winches, and lines led back. Bottom line is that it depends on where and when you sail. And for liveaboard it can't be beat. Personally I feel like I have lost contact with the water in a center cockpit, kind of like being on a fly bridge.
John, Check "The Boats" On This Site
You will find several reviews and also owners that you can e-mail. There are two on my dock (D 1800) and the owners are certainly satisfied. One is a charter. Maybe a day charter would be a good investment? Good luck. Rick D.
You will find several reviews and also owners that you can e-mail. There are two on my dock (D 1800) and the owners are certainly satisfied. One is a charter. Maybe a day charter would be a good investment? Good luck. Rick D.
The 420 is really nice, but...
...it depends on what you want out of your new boat. If it is liveability and comfort then the 420 might be a good option. We went through one at the San Diego boat show and my wife and I were really impressed. It is super below decks. And, much more money. The 410 has the same hull, but with a different interior design. We have one and find it a great compromise. The center cockpit in the 420 has some definite drawbacks. The aft one on the 410 is bigger and makes for a much more enjoyable sail. Being closer to the water lessens the feeling produced by heavy seas. The 410's interior is highly suitable for extended cruising and comfort. At a lower price, I don't see how you could go wrong. The comments made about looking for a good used boat are noteworthy. You can't believe the extent of the problems that you encounter during the first year of ownership. I'm told that 90% of them crop up during this time. I was also told that no boat is immune from issues during the first year of use. Good luck with your investigation John. John Richard Jack's Place
...it depends on what you want out of your new boat. If it is liveability and comfort then the 420 might be a good option. We went through one at the San Diego boat show and my wife and I were really impressed. It is super below decks. And, much more money. The 410 has the same hull, but with a different interior design. We have one and find it a great compromise. The center cockpit in the 420 has some definite drawbacks. The aft one on the 410 is bigger and makes for a much more enjoyable sail. Being closer to the water lessens the feeling produced by heavy seas. The 410's interior is highly suitable for extended cruising and comfort. At a lower price, I don't see how you could go wrong. The comments made about looking for a good used boat are noteworthy. You can't believe the extent of the problems that you encounter during the first year of ownership. I'm told that 90% of them crop up during this time. I was also told that no boat is immune from issues during the first year of use. Good luck with your investigation John. John Richard Jack's Place
I DO,
Bought a 2001 420 just about 1 year ago. I've been VERY pleased, but I'm a center cockpit guy (having previously owned 2 40 ' center cockpit boats,... I like their vastly superior whale watching ability...;-), see archives)... Took the boat from Norfolk to Key West this past Fall, partly offshore... have been, and will be, enjoying it there for the Winter... will bring it back to Tidewater in the Spring... RE preformance v. 410... On the way down, off Key Largo, we encountered and "raced" (broad reach)a 410 for most of a day. Dead even... even though both of us were trying. On the wind, the 410 may be a little faster, but when you're cruising, does that really matter? My boat has full enclosure, (making it very comfortable to be aboard even in bad weather)...In mast furling, Autohelm 7000, davits, elec. sheet winch, etc., and is set up to cruise and live aboard. See the archives for previous posts about the boat (type in my last name)... if you have specific questions my e-mail is ... 420lat@exis.net. You will love the boat............
Bought a 2001 420 just about 1 year ago. I've been VERY pleased, but I'm a center cockpit guy (having previously owned 2 40 ' center cockpit boats,... I like their vastly superior whale watching ability...;-), see archives)... Took the boat from Norfolk to Key West this past Fall, partly offshore... have been, and will be, enjoying it there for the Winter... will bring it back to Tidewater in the Spring... RE preformance v. 410... On the way down, off Key Largo, we encountered and "raced" (broad reach)a 410 for most of a day. Dead even... even though both of us were trying. On the wind, the 410 may be a little faster, but when you're cruising, does that really matter? My boat has full enclosure, (making it very comfortable to be aboard even in bad weather)...In mast furling, Autohelm 7000, davits, elec. sheet winch, etc., and is set up to cruise and live aboard. See the archives for previous posts about the boat (type in my last name)... if you have specific questions my e-mail is ... 420lat@exis.net. You will love the boat............
Gosh, Buck...
...that 410 must have had an awfully dirty bottom for a 420 to keep up with it. And John, as far as your original question is concerned, be advised that there are three types of people in the world: aft-cockpitters, center-cockpitters, and powerboaters. An aft-cockpit boat performs better while sacrificing interior space, a center-cockpit boat has a fabulous aft cabin but is more tender, and a powerboat goes faster in light air but pretty much stinks regardless of the point of sail. John is right, however, about center cockpit boats being better for whale watching... if you don't mind being seen watching whales in an ugly boat.
...that 410 must have had an awfully dirty bottom for a 420 to keep up with it. And John, as far as your original question is concerned, be advised that there are three types of people in the world: aft-cockpitters, center-cockpitters, and powerboaters. An aft-cockpit boat performs better while sacrificing interior space, a center-cockpit boat has a fabulous aft cabin but is more tender, and a powerboat goes faster in light air but pretty much stinks regardless of the point of sail. John is right, however, about center cockpit boats being better for whale watching... if you don't mind being seen watching whales in an ugly boat.
Ouch!
Sounds like a gauntlet being thrown down, John! I've owned one aft and two center cockpits. I agree with an earlier post that you lose some touch with the water being so high in the center cockpit. However, there is a tradeoff. That 'ugly' center cockpit provides a beautiful after deck; much more useable deck area than an aft cockpit. for someone (like me) who enjoys days on the hook away from it all, that's important space. I'll sacrifice a little performance for it.
Sounds like a gauntlet being thrown down, John! I've owned one aft and two center cockpits. I agree with an earlier post that you lose some touch with the water being so high in the center cockpit. However, there is a tradeoff. That 'ugly' center cockpit provides a beautiful after deck; much more useable deck area than an aft cockpit. for someone (like me) who enjoys days on the hook away from it all, that's important space. I'll sacrifice a little performance for it.
Hay, John,
Guess you noticed that I kept up nicely w/ the (new) 410 on a BROAD REACH.. my vast center cockpit acreage providing me a "stealth" 3d sail... (we, centercockpit guys have thought these things out)...besides , ...being up so high, I was able to see lobster pots, and other obstructions much sooner, thereby giving me a major tactical advantage....this, following the wonderful night's sleep that I had enjoyed in the grand aft bedroom (under the ceiling fan,... really ! )..... But the real key to the "largo race" was the fact that the 410 had a great looking female helms(person)....(no cockpit enclosure or bimini ! ! !) we, therefore, had to let our autopilot steer (our hands being occupied w/ beer and binoculars). Since the autopilot was far more capable than the crew, the victory was assured.... well sorta...
Guess you noticed that I kept up nicely w/ the (new) 410 on a BROAD REACH.. my vast center cockpit acreage providing me a "stealth" 3d sail... (we, centercockpit guys have thought these things out)...besides , ...being up so high, I was able to see lobster pots, and other obstructions much sooner, thereby giving me a major tactical advantage....this, following the wonderful night's sleep that I had enjoyed in the grand aft bedroom (under the ceiling fan,... really ! )..... But the real key to the "largo race" was the fact that the 410 had a great looking female helms(person)....(no cockpit enclosure or bimini ! ! !) we, therefore, had to let our autopilot steer (our hands being occupied w/ beer and binoculars). Since the autopilot was far more capable than the crew, the victory was assured.... well sorta...
New in 2000
John, Took delivery on mine in May, 2000. This is my third new Hunter (35.5, 37.5, 420). As expected it is not the sailing rocket the other two were, but the cruising comfort of the 420 above and below decks can only be surpassed by a large power boat. Unfortunately, I had lots more shakedown problems with this one than the previous two. Thank goodness for the guys at Tidewater who were able to fix almost all of it. But I'll point out a couple of things to be careful of that are not their fault and which are still problematic: the freezer does not freeze, the aft cabin should have one more A/C vent (and in hindsight I should have upgraded the unit to the next size for the couple of bucks it would cost), the steering is not very smooth, both A/C units drip pans are thoroughly rusted, and the sheet bins are great water collectors. Some things I can recommend: put front access panels to areas under the salon settees, especially to the water valve area, close in the space above the starboard hanging locker for a linen closet, and get a full cockpit enclosure. One thing I wish I did was get a bow thruster and a horizontal(instead of vertical) windless. I also suggest you look carefully at the headliner. The finish is just not up to par with the rest of the high quality interior work, and there is not much fix short of repainting, which I intend to do. Also, the anchor pulpit is not really suitable for two anchors. I am also installing a feathering or folding prop this winter and upgrading the water system pump. Let me know if you want more info. Looking foreward to Spring launch in about six weeks! Randy
John, Took delivery on mine in May, 2000. This is my third new Hunter (35.5, 37.5, 420). As expected it is not the sailing rocket the other two were, but the cruising comfort of the 420 above and below decks can only be surpassed by a large power boat. Unfortunately, I had lots more shakedown problems with this one than the previous two. Thank goodness for the guys at Tidewater who were able to fix almost all of it. But I'll point out a couple of things to be careful of that are not their fault and which are still problematic: the freezer does not freeze, the aft cabin should have one more A/C vent (and in hindsight I should have upgraded the unit to the next size for the couple of bucks it would cost), the steering is not very smooth, both A/C units drip pans are thoroughly rusted, and the sheet bins are great water collectors. Some things I can recommend: put front access panels to areas under the salon settees, especially to the water valve area, close in the space above the starboard hanging locker for a linen closet, and get a full cockpit enclosure. One thing I wish I did was get a bow thruster and a horizontal(instead of vertical) windless. I also suggest you look carefully at the headliner. The finish is just not up to par with the rest of the high quality interior work, and there is not much fix short of repainting, which I intend to do. Also, the anchor pulpit is not really suitable for two anchors. I am also installing a feathering or folding prop this winter and upgrading the water system pump. Let me know if you want more info. Looking foreward to Spring launch in about six weeks! Randy
Hey, Randy of Annapolis
Why do you wish you had a horozontial windlass rather than the vertical one? I'm getting ready to install a vertical on my 37.5, hence my question. Am I making a mistake?
Why do you wish you had a horozontial windlass rather than the vertical one? I'm getting ready to install a vertical on my 37.5, hence my question. Am I making a mistake?
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