Now that I am alone again (divorced) I want a sailboat again. Ex was power-mad (double meaning there) so we had a gas hog. I have been sailing the Chesapeake since I was a little girl - Grew up on the bay. I have always loved the Hunters, but I have been out of the sailing world for over 20 years and did not keep up with the models and specs and dock-talk. What do you recommend for a single-handed boat. I would like something in the 30's with a retractable or shoal keel. I am mechanically adroit so maintenance is not an issue.
- Status
going single-
I've been going solo mio on the 28.5 for years. Its got a 3-10 draft which is just enough for Barnegat Bay, NJ. Its enough keel for when you get in a good wind and just enough boat that you can handle it in a blow. I've heard that 32 ft. is about as far as anybody wants to go solo - without really working yourself out. So 30 may be the goldilocks- not to big, not to small -just right. Balance that off what maintenace will run. Jim McCue
I've been going solo mio on the 28.5 for years. Its got a 3-10 draft which is just enough for Barnegat Bay, NJ. Its enough keel for when you get in a good wind and just enough boat that you can handle it in a blow. I've heard that 32 ft. is about as far as anybody wants to go solo - without really working yourself out. So 30 may be the goldilocks- not to big, not to small -just right. Balance that off what maintenace will run. Jim McCue
Lots To Choose From
Kathy, There are lots of choices but also much depends on how you intend to sail; daysailing; weekending; extended cruising. Budget is also a consideration as to whether you want a new/newer or slightly older model. Used boats will typically have much of the extra gear and equipment you will need already installed, though this will vary from basic to fully equipped. Most of the Hunters have shoal draft models in the 4'6" range which is pretty reasonable for the Bay. There are no recent keel-centerboard configurations. (One of my favorite boats in this range is a Sabre 34 with keel/centerboard!!!! Not a Hunter but I really loved the one I chartered!) For a good all-purpose Hunter, the 336 is a good choice (as is the 340 if you like the arch). A mid-30's boat can be a handful but with an autopilot and attention to rigging for single handing, is doable with reasonable skill and experience. Since you are familiar with the Bay, you already know that the extra heft of a 34 footer can be a good thing in a blow. A smaller choice might be a 310 or a 30. Among the older models, the 31 and 34 are good boats but as with any older boat, great care must be taken as condition of boats vary widely. A survey is a must for any used boat. There is an excellent resource withing HOW; the Boats section listed at the bottom of the Home Page. All Hunters are shown in detail, with photos and layouts, specifications, owner reviews, recent articles and listings of boats for sale. Take a look through these and then look for boats in your area and check out the ones that interest you. You might want to charter one for a weekend or week for a real test. Good luck and welcome back to sailing! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Kathy, There are lots of choices but also much depends on how you intend to sail; daysailing; weekending; extended cruising. Budget is also a consideration as to whether you want a new/newer or slightly older model. Used boats will typically have much of the extra gear and equipment you will need already installed, though this will vary from basic to fully equipped. Most of the Hunters have shoal draft models in the 4'6" range which is pretty reasonable for the Bay. There are no recent keel-centerboard configurations. (One of my favorite boats in this range is a Sabre 34 with keel/centerboard!!!! Not a Hunter but I really loved the one I chartered!) For a good all-purpose Hunter, the 336 is a good choice (as is the 340 if you like the arch). A mid-30's boat can be a handful but with an autopilot and attention to rigging for single handing, is doable with reasonable skill and experience. Since you are familiar with the Bay, you already know that the extra heft of a 34 footer can be a good thing in a blow. A smaller choice might be a 310 or a 30. Among the older models, the 31 and 34 are good boats but as with any older boat, great care must be taken as condition of boats vary widely. A survey is a must for any used boat. There is an excellent resource withing HOW; the Boats section listed at the bottom of the Home Page. All Hunters are shown in detail, with photos and layouts, specifications, owner reviews, recent articles and listings of boats for sale. Take a look through these and then look for boats in your area and check out the ones that interest you. You might want to charter one for a weekend or week for a real test. Good luck and welcome back to sailing! Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Multiple choice question
As Dick says, there are many to choose from in that range. I've soloed a 1986 Hunter 28.5 from 91 to 98 (4' draft), up here in Canada and down in the Gulf of Mexico. I currently single handle a 1984 Hunter 34 (4'3" draft)which gives me a lot of pleasure. Both boats have the winches further to the rear, almost in line with the wheel, which makes trimming and adjusting easier. I set-up both boats to be able to adjust the traveler while at the wheel. I would also definitely recommend a roller furler for your head sail (easier to handle and much safer as you don't have to leave the cockpit). An autopilot increases your pleasure exponentially: setting up sails, getting drinks, making a sandwich, etc... is so much easier. Final note: because of its size, the 28.5 was less work for maintenance, and mainsail was easier to handle (weight issue when hoisting). good luck in your hunt (or should I say Hunter ?)
As Dick says, there are many to choose from in that range. I've soloed a 1986 Hunter 28.5 from 91 to 98 (4' draft), up here in Canada and down in the Gulf of Mexico. I currently single handle a 1984 Hunter 34 (4'3" draft)which gives me a lot of pleasure. Both boats have the winches further to the rear, almost in line with the wheel, which makes trimming and adjusting easier. I set-up both boats to be able to adjust the traveler while at the wheel. I would also definitely recommend a roller furler for your head sail (easier to handle and much safer as you don't have to leave the cockpit). An autopilot increases your pleasure exponentially: setting up sails, getting drinks, making a sandwich, etc... is so much easier. Final note: because of its size, the 28.5 was less work for maintenance, and mainsail was easier to handle (weight issue when hoisting). good luck in your hunt (or should I say Hunter ?)
Thanks for the responses. How bout a H-290?
I like the layout of the Hunter 290. Enough heft for the bay but not so big as to work me too hard. Any one out there experienced with one?.
I like the layout of the Hunter 290. Enough heft for the bay but not so big as to work me too hard. Any one out there experienced with one?.
Don't overlook roller furling main
Hi Kathy, Sounds like everyone is giving you good advice. Don't overlook a boat with a roler furling main. I have a H380 with that type of main and roller furling jib. I call it an old man's boat it is so easy to sail. Hunter now has a line of roller furling main boats in different sizes. I think you would like it. Les
Hi Kathy, Sounds like everyone is giving you good advice. Don't overlook a boat with a roler furling main. I have a H380 with that type of main and roller furling jib. I call it an old man's boat it is so easy to sail. Hunter now has a line of roller furling main boats in different sizes. I think you would like it. Les
Have you tried the Boats section?
Kathy, There are three owner reviews there, along with 14 registered owners, most of whom have e-mail contact. I have a 28.5, and like the others who've written before me, it's a great boat, and easy to single-hand, especially if the jib winches are set aft. Good luck. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
Kathy, There are three owner reviews there, along with 14 registered owners, most of whom have e-mail contact. I have a 28.5, and like the others who've written before me, it's a great boat, and easy to single-hand, especially if the jib winches are set aft. Good luck. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
Eric's right
Eric's right about having the winches aft on the 28.5. Unfortunately mine are forward in the cockpit and I always feel a bit lick Charlton Heston in the charriot races when I gotta come about and cleat up from behind the wheel. Like lassoo-ing. If you do go for the 28.5 see if you can get the furling and a 30-32" wheel rather than the stock 24 (leftovers from the old 27). It makes it easier to steer when you wedge yourself into the outside rear corner. J. McCue
Eric's right about having the winches aft on the 28.5. Unfortunately mine are forward in the cockpit and I always feel a bit lick Charlton Heston in the charriot races when I gotta come about and cleat up from behind the wheel. Like lassoo-ing. If you do go for the 28.5 see if you can get the furling and a 30-32" wheel rather than the stock 24 (leftovers from the old 27). It makes it easier to steer when you wedge yourself into the outside rear corner. J. McCue
I have a Huner 290
Kathy, I just took delivery of a 2001 Hunter 290, I have only been out sailing twice with the family getting familiar with her, and have not yet single handled her, but from what I have seen it will not be too hard. I have both a roller furling jib and main and an auto pilot, which will make single handling her very easy. I would highly recomment the 290. Ken Wanderlust
Kathy, I just took delivery of a 2001 Hunter 290, I have only been out sailing twice with the family getting familiar with her, and have not yet single handled her, but from what I have seen it will not be too hard. I have both a roller furling jib and main and an auto pilot, which will make single handling her very easy. I would highly recomment the 290. Ken Wanderlust
You're right about size
I am very happy with my 29.5 (unfortunately for you, they don't make them any more), but I agree with you that anything bigger would be too much to handle alone. I sail mostly single-handed, and while I imagine I could manage a bigger boat, I think it would be pretty hard work. From what I've seen of the 290, which appears to be a replacement for the 29.5, it looks about right for what you've described. Good luck!
I am very happy with my 29.5 (unfortunately for you, they don't make them any more), but I agree with you that anything bigger would be too much to handle alone. I sail mostly single-handed, and while I imagine I could manage a bigger boat, I think it would be pretty hard work. From what I've seen of the 290, which appears to be a replacement for the 29.5, it looks about right for what you've described. Good luck!
Try before you Buy
Consider chartering a number of boats to see how they fit before you buy one.
Consider chartering a number of boats to see how they fit before you buy one.
Single Handing Features
A boat that's set up for singlehanding should have all lines led aft to the cockpit, self tailing winches, easily adjustable main sheet, autopilot, roller furling jib, and the main should be easy to reef while underway. Originally you said a boat in the "30s" and my '88 H-35 is very easy to singlehand. I've sailed over 10 knots and flown a spinaker all singlehanded but I admit this is probably pushing the envelope but it's an example of what can be done if you're properly set up. Heck, look at Ellen MacArthur and her recent round-the-world race in an open 60! In the cockpit I'd look for a jib sheet winch that is easily adjusted with one hand on the wheel and the other on the winch handle. I sit on the lee edge of the cockpit while steering and can easily tweek the jib sheet. Tacking must be easy too. With the main sheeted amidship, or with the traveler lines in their cam cleets, I can flip the jib sheet off its winch just as the boat is passing the eye of the wind and quickly take three wraps on the lee winch and take the slack in. A few turns on the winch with the winch handle and she's tight enough to sit down again and it's back to business steering and tweeking. One trick is not to pass the eye of the wind too fast so the new active jib sheet isn't loaded up. Make sure there's nothing for the jib sheet to snag on when coming about. Also, don't use a "deck sweeper" jib - get something with a high clew for good visibility (hummm four "eyes", that's appropriate!). When handling the main, reefing or taking it down, an autopilot is a must. I have the Dutchman system so droping the main is really easy single handed. The biggest problem I see with singlehanding is finding time for boat maintenance, maintaining a household, working, and finding time to sail! Having said that, my neighbors 20 year old is attending college full time, works summers doing brightwork and polishing, and just bought a really neat but older little Catilina 23 (or 22?), white deck and coach roof with a red hull. Last summer she played musical slips while moving it around the marina when someone was gone. And she dosen't even own a car! This is all about priorities in life. Where there's a will there's a way so follow your dream!
A boat that's set up for singlehanding should have all lines led aft to the cockpit, self tailing winches, easily adjustable main sheet, autopilot, roller furling jib, and the main should be easy to reef while underway. Originally you said a boat in the "30s" and my '88 H-35 is very easy to singlehand. I've sailed over 10 knots and flown a spinaker all singlehanded but I admit this is probably pushing the envelope but it's an example of what can be done if you're properly set up. Heck, look at Ellen MacArthur and her recent round-the-world race in an open 60! In the cockpit I'd look for a jib sheet winch that is easily adjusted with one hand on the wheel and the other on the winch handle. I sit on the lee edge of the cockpit while steering and can easily tweek the jib sheet. Tacking must be easy too. With the main sheeted amidship, or with the traveler lines in their cam cleets, I can flip the jib sheet off its winch just as the boat is passing the eye of the wind and quickly take three wraps on the lee winch and take the slack in. A few turns on the winch with the winch handle and she's tight enough to sit down again and it's back to business steering and tweeking. One trick is not to pass the eye of the wind too fast so the new active jib sheet isn't loaded up. Make sure there's nothing for the jib sheet to snag on when coming about. Also, don't use a "deck sweeper" jib - get something with a high clew for good visibility (hummm four "eyes", that's appropriate!). When handling the main, reefing or taking it down, an autopilot is a must. I have the Dutchman system so droping the main is really easy single handed. The biggest problem I see with singlehanding is finding time for boat maintenance, maintaining a household, working, and finding time to sail! Having said that, my neighbors 20 year old is attending college full time, works summers doing brightwork and polishing, and just bought a really neat but older little Catilina 23 (or 22?), white deck and coach roof with a red hull. Last summer she played musical slips while moving it around the marina when someone was gone. And she dosen't even own a car! This is all about priorities in life. Where there's a will there's a way so follow your dream!
Single Handing with Autopilots
Several people have mentioned the benefits of having an autopilot while sailing single handed. I'm wondering if that's such a good idea? Along with all the pleasures of sailing alone come a few challenges, the greatest of which is survival if you happen to fall overboard. Just getting back into the boat can be a struggle, depending on freeboard and whether the transom is open or closed. The issue of reboarding assumes the boat has stopped. Without you at the wheel, hopefully it headed up (eventually). If the boat doesn’t stop, which it wouldn't if on autopilot, what then? When I'm sailing, I don't think about these things. I'm too busy enjoying myself. It's while here on dry land that I sometimes wonder would happen if... so I guess it's good to think about these things, and have the answers already worked out ahead of time.
Several people have mentioned the benefits of having an autopilot while sailing single handed. I'm wondering if that's such a good idea? Along with all the pleasures of sailing alone come a few challenges, the greatest of which is survival if you happen to fall overboard. Just getting back into the boat can be a struggle, depending on freeboard and whether the transom is open or closed. The issue of reboarding assumes the boat has stopped. Without you at the wheel, hopefully it headed up (eventually). If the boat doesn’t stop, which it wouldn't if on autopilot, what then? When I'm sailing, I don't think about these things. I'm too busy enjoying myself. It's while here on dry land that I sometimes wonder would happen if... so I guess it's good to think about these things, and have the answers already worked out ahead of time.
Try a 28.5 or 28
These boats are basicaly the same layout as the 290. Maybe not as fresh but 75% cheaper than a 290. Biggest difference is the mast head rig on the 28.5 which means using a genoa. Pros and Cons for the masthead rig are pretty much a wash. Heck if you don't like the 28.5 you can no doubt get your money back on a trade in for a new 290. I find the 28.5 very easy to handle and has more than enough room for one. With the intrest you save you can have a very nice charter every year just about any place in the world and you can also be on the water tomorrow. Good luck with whatever you end up with.
These boats are basicaly the same layout as the 290. Maybe not as fresh but 75% cheaper than a 290. Biggest difference is the mast head rig on the 28.5 which means using a genoa. Pros and Cons for the masthead rig are pretty much a wash. Heck if you don't like the 28.5 you can no doubt get your money back on a trade in for a new 290. I find the 28.5 very easy to handle and has more than enough room for one. With the intrest you save you can have a very nice charter every year just about any place in the world and you can also be on the water tomorrow. Good luck with whatever you end up with.
Things to consider
Some things to consider for single handling. Where are the winches? The early 90's Hunters and older have the jib/genoa winches wiithin easy reach of the helm. Also, Hunter fractinal rigs make the jib/genoa a little easier to handle.
Some things to consider for single handling. Where are the winches? The early 90's Hunters and older have the jib/genoa winches wiithin easy reach of the helm. Also, Hunter fractinal rigs make the jib/genoa a little easier to handle.
Hunter 30
Hi Kathy, I have a Hunter 30 (1989) and find that it is very easy to single hand. All lines are led into the cockpit. Roller Furling on the gib. It also has double reefing with both lines led into the cockpit. We also have an Auto Pilot which makes it a cinch. However, even without that, it is still an easy singlehander. Mike
Hi Kathy, I have a Hunter 30 (1989) and find that it is very easy to single hand. All lines are led into the cockpit. Roller Furling on the gib. It also has double reefing with both lines led into the cockpit. We also have an Auto Pilot which makes it a cinch. However, even without that, it is still an easy singlehander. Mike
Lines led aft-????
Now I don't have any experience singlehanding anything bigger than a Sunfish so maybe this is a stupid comment... but why on earth must ALL the winches and lines be led aft? It seems to me that if you are changing headsails you would want the jib-halyard winches at the spar, where YOU will be. Also whilst slab-reefing the main you will NOT be standing in the cockpit. Last time I did either of these tasks myself there were other people aboard and I can't recall ever thinking how I'd have done it if I were alone. The one thing I do know is that a tiller chock or clamp is invaluable and a harness is an absolute necessity. It is true that all CONTROL lines should be led aft, where YOU are. If you have a roller-furling headfoil then obviously you can reef/furl the jib from the cockpit. But rather than EVER rely on a Stowaway mainsail-furler, I would advise anyone to be safely adept at slab-reefing and bring the main all the way down whilst under way. Any reliance on electromechanical gadgetry is NOT the mindset of a prudent solo sailor. KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid!!! JC
Now I don't have any experience singlehanding anything bigger than a Sunfish so maybe this is a stupid comment... but why on earth must ALL the winches and lines be led aft? It seems to me that if you are changing headsails you would want the jib-halyard winches at the spar, where YOU will be. Also whilst slab-reefing the main you will NOT be standing in the cockpit. Last time I did either of these tasks myself there were other people aboard and I can't recall ever thinking how I'd have done it if I were alone. The one thing I do know is that a tiller chock or clamp is invaluable and a harness is an absolute necessity. It is true that all CONTROL lines should be led aft, where YOU are. If you have a roller-furling headfoil then obviously you can reef/furl the jib from the cockpit. But rather than EVER rely on a Stowaway mainsail-furler, I would advise anyone to be safely adept at slab-reefing and bring the main all the way down whilst under way. Any reliance on electromechanical gadgetry is NOT the mindset of a prudent solo sailor. KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid!!! JC
JC II - Lines aft for reefing...
Hi John, I recently read an article on SailNet that dealt with reefing the boat single-handed. The sailor was not actually alone; she just didn't want to wake up the 'off-watch' crew if necessary. I've posted the link below. If the boat is set up properly, there's no 'electro-mechanical gadgetry' to deal with. The lines would be led through the appropriate gear (organizers, turning blocks, etc), to a winch and a set of line clutches in the cockpit. The lines and mast are also marked so you know where to set your halyard and reefing lines. Then, reefing can be as simple as: 1.- Ease tension on the main halyard. Drop the main until the head is slightly below the mark on your mast. 2.- Take in on the clew reefing line, to the marked point on the line. Secure in the appropriate line clutch, cleat, or whatever you're using. 3.- Take in on the tack reefing line, to the marked point. Secure appropriately. 4.- Take in on the main halyard until the headboard is back to the mark on the mast, and secure. Voila! A reefed main. The only problem with this system is that the sail is not neatly gathered on the boom unless you've got a dutchman type system installed. The only reason you'd need to leave the relative safety of the cockpit (under normal conditions) is to gather the loose portion of the sail and tie it to the boom. (Yes, I know, there are hardly ever 'Normal Conditions' when you're putting in a reef. Isn't the key to the whole thing being prepared?
--Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' (A great boat, by the way! We love the design!)
Hi John, I recently read an article on SailNet that dealt with reefing the boat single-handed. The sailor was not actually alone; she just didn't want to wake up the 'off-watch' crew if necessary. I've posted the link below. If the boat is set up properly, there's no 'electro-mechanical gadgetry' to deal with. The lines would be led through the appropriate gear (organizers, turning blocks, etc), to a winch and a set of line clutches in the cockpit. The lines and mast are also marked so you know where to set your halyard and reefing lines. Then, reefing can be as simple as: 1.- Ease tension on the main halyard. Drop the main until the head is slightly below the mark on your mast. 2.- Take in on the clew reefing line, to the marked point on the line. Secure in the appropriate line clutch, cleat, or whatever you're using. 3.- Take in on the tack reefing line, to the marked point. Secure appropriately. 4.- Take in on the main halyard until the headboard is back to the mark on the mast, and secure. Voila! A reefed main. The only problem with this system is that the sail is not neatly gathered on the boom unless you've got a dutchman type system installed. The only reason you'd need to leave the relative safety of the cockpit (under normal conditions) is to gather the loose portion of the sail and tie it to the boom. (Yes, I know, there are hardly ever 'Normal Conditions' when you're putting in a reef. Isn't the key to the whole thing being prepared?
--Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' (A great boat, by the way! We love the design!)Vison 32 or 36 should be considered
In your quest for a single handed boat I suggest that you look at the Hunter Vision Series in the 32 or 36 foot variety. These boats were built from 1989 to 1994. The are a "freedom" knock-off concept from Hunter. The unstayed mast is very unconventional but the sailing and handling qualities for single handled sailing are unmatched by any Hunter. It is a very forgiving boat with lots of room for comfort. I have had mine for one year and love it (Vision 32). The only thing I would change is make it a 36. Good luck with your quest. Ask other Vision owners what they think. I'll bet they all love their Visions.
In your quest for a single handed boat I suggest that you look at the Hunter Vision Series in the 32 or 36 foot variety. These boats were built from 1989 to 1994. The are a "freedom" knock-off concept from Hunter. The unstayed mast is very unconventional but the sailing and handling qualities for single handled sailing are unmatched by any Hunter. It is a very forgiving boat with lots of room for comfort. I have had mine for one year and love it (Vision 32). The only thing I would change is make it a 36. Good luck with your quest. Ask other Vision owners what they think. I'll bet they all love their Visions.
- Status