Having seen the new Hunter 290 with a stainless arch in this months Sail mag. I am glad that I have a fiberglass arch on my new H310!!! I just don't like the looks of the stainless arch and my wife feels the same way! When Hunter sent a fiberglass tech to do some repairs on my boat a few weeks ago, the man told me that the fiberglass arches were not cost effective to make anymore. That, the fiberglass arches were "very" difficult to make because of the 4-part mold needed to make an arch. A stainless tube arch can be made for a 1/4 of the cost of the fiberglass arch. What are your feelings? Steve, s/v Obsession
- Status
now wait a minit
This teck was frp man...? not an accountant right. it actually costs about the same. JB
This teck was frp man...? not an accountant right. it actually costs about the same. JB
Alrighty then Jim
Thanks for setting me straight Jim. If he was an accountant, he did a damn good job on my boat... Steve, s/v Obsession P.S. Thank for your visit.
Thanks for setting me straight Jim. If he was an accountant, he did a damn good job on my boat... Steve, s/v Obsession P.S. Thank for your visit.
SAIL ARTICLE
I guess the 2 things I got out of the article were: the new Hunter 29 looked pretty impressive with its SS arch AND the fact that out of the boats featured as the "top 10 new boats", 3 of them were Hunters!!! I don't know about ya'll but I'm saving up for a new 460!!!
I guess the 2 things I got out of the article were: the new Hunter 29 looked pretty impressive with its SS arch AND the fact that out of the boats featured as the "top 10 new boats", 3 of them were Hunters!!! I don't know about ya'll but I'm saving up for a new 460!!!
One more comment
I've got to believe that over the next ten years or so of hopefully enthusiastic use of their boats w/arches, most owners will find that stainless steel holds up much better. I have a feeling that those fiberglass arches will sag, crack at the corners, separate from the deck, etc. worse than the SS versions will. Just a personal opinion...I'm not saying I'm against arches...I'm just saying that inovative features usually require some fine tuning!!!
I've got to believe that over the next ten years or so of hopefully enthusiastic use of their boats w/arches, most owners will find that stainless steel holds up much better. I have a feeling that those fiberglass arches will sag, crack at the corners, separate from the deck, etc. worse than the SS versions will. Just a personal opinion...I'm not saying I'm against arches...I'm just saying that inovative features usually require some fine tuning!!!
hunter arch is a trade mark !
The change to the stainless steel arch is just plain mutiny on behave of the manufacturer. Hunters distinct profile on the water will now fade away into history and will just be another yacht that had something good for awhile.
The change to the stainless steel arch is just plain mutiny on behave of the manufacturer. Hunters distinct profile on the water will now fade away into history and will just be another yacht that had something good for awhile.
Arches again
Those darn arches! A few months ago on this site, there was some discussion about whether we even liked the arch design and whether it was appropriateon a sailboat (I think most people said they didn't like the arch). Then, more recently, there was a survey of whether we would prefer a fiberglass or stainless steel arch (I seem to recall that SS won out there). So if there has to be an arch, and I can see its purpose, then I'd go for SS for the aesthetics at least - at least it looks functional rather than a stylish add-on. I glanced at the article in SAIL last night, and yes, there were 3 Hunters listed, but the article was not a list of the top 10 boats, but a list of candidates from which readers might choose the top 10 - there were more than 10 boats listed. What struck me about the 290 was the interior layout, and the privacy of seperate cabins - until now, you'd have to go to a 310 or higher to find that. And after searching a bit, there was that price in the mid 50s, which might just get me to the boat show this Winter to take a look. I'd love to have an afternoon out on one... John Goacher s/v Windbreaker (1979 25 foot)
Those darn arches! A few months ago on this site, there was some discussion about whether we even liked the arch design and whether it was appropriateon a sailboat (I think most people said they didn't like the arch). Then, more recently, there was a survey of whether we would prefer a fiberglass or stainless steel arch (I seem to recall that SS won out there). So if there has to be an arch, and I can see its purpose, then I'd go for SS for the aesthetics at least - at least it looks functional rather than a stylish add-on. I glanced at the article in SAIL last night, and yes, there were 3 Hunters listed, but the article was not a list of the top 10 boats, but a list of candidates from which readers might choose the top 10 - there were more than 10 boats listed. What struck me about the 290 was the interior layout, and the privacy of seperate cabins - until now, you'd have to go to a 310 or higher to find that. And after searching a bit, there was that price in the mid 50s, which might just get me to the boat show this Winter to take a look. I'd love to have an afternoon out on one... John Goacher s/v Windbreaker (1979 25 foot)
I've been told...
That all the new Hunters are going to come through with the stainless arch. Personally I think the stainless looks better, and will be less maintenance. MPJ
That all the new Hunters are going to come through with the stainless arch. Personally I think the stainless looks better, and will be less maintenance. MPJ
John are you sure?
You really like those bulkheads? I have a 29.5 with the horseshoe salon. This layout makes (in my opinion) the best use of every inch of this size boat. Of course if your traveling as couples or with children i might understand. Over all though, if its anything like mine (96) you will love it! Looks like i need to stop by my local dealer!
You really like those bulkheads? I have a 29.5 with the horseshoe salon. This layout makes (in my opinion) the best use of every inch of this size boat. Of course if your traveling as couples or with children i might understand. Over all though, if its anything like mine (96) you will love it! Looks like i need to stop by my local dealer!
Show us the arch
Are there any pics on the "net" showing the arch on the 290? I've seen the current photos on this site, but no arch. BTW - If Hunter is going to SS, it must be to improve the quality because there is no way that an FRP arch is more expensive to produce.
Are there any pics on the "net" showing the arch on the 290? I've seen the current photos on this site, but no arch. BTW - If Hunter is going to SS, it must be to improve the quality because there is no way that an FRP arch is more expensive to produce.
Polite Conversation
Polite Conversation - Miss Manners Rules. With all the commotion there are now 4 topics to avoid instead of 3 ... - Politics - Religion - Sex - Fiber vs SS Hunter arches (Note: this post intended for those with sense of humor)
Polite Conversation - Miss Manners Rules. With all the commotion there are now 4 topics to avoid instead of 3 ... - Politics - Religion - Sex - Fiber vs SS Hunter arches (Note: this post intended for those with sense of humor)
stainless arch on my P42
The Passage 42 has a Stainless arch and it's appearance was one onf the things that led me to chose it over others available at the time. I think any P42 owner will stand up for stainless.
The Passage 42 has a Stainless arch and it's appearance was one onf the things that led me to chose it over others available at the time. I think any P42 owner will stand up for stainless.
bob
i'm a 40.5 owner who frankly has never been sold on the arch, although i've been educated as to its utility...if there has to be an arch, i'd prefer ss any day...when hunter changes over its entire line to ss, i'll bet the owners of fiberglass arch boats are super mad! bob
i'm a 40.5 owner who frankly has never been sold on the arch, although i've been educated as to its utility...if there has to be an arch, i'd prefer ss any day...when hunter changes over its entire line to ss, i'll bet the owners of fiberglass arch boats are super mad! bob
why would you think that ?
Not one owner of a boat with the frp arch has shown any concern over the new arch made in SS. the cost is the same or less for SS. the production more friendly and the asthetics arguable by many. We did not have one order cancelled for boats produced with frp arches once we announced the conversion to SS. The reasons for the change are two fold: aesthtics and availability. We now have a complete welding shop capable of producing high quality ss work. It's taken years to put it together. Now we can produce ss deck hardware that is more than competitvely priced that adds to the value of the final boat. Frp arches are just as structuraly competent but they are more labor intensive to produce and sparked some strong styling emotions...I guess we want it all. wait till you get a look at the new HC50 set to premier at Annapolis..wanna discuss the future of offshore sailing? JB
Not one owner of a boat with the frp arch has shown any concern over the new arch made in SS. the cost is the same or less for SS. the production more friendly and the asthetics arguable by many. We did not have one order cancelled for boats produced with frp arches once we announced the conversion to SS. The reasons for the change are two fold: aesthtics and availability. We now have a complete welding shop capable of producing high quality ss work. It's taken years to put it together. Now we can produce ss deck hardware that is more than competitvely priced that adds to the value of the final boat. Frp arches are just as structuraly competent but they are more labor intensive to produce and sparked some strong styling emotions...I guess we want it all. wait till you get a look at the new HC50 set to premier at Annapolis..wanna discuss the future of offshore sailing? JB
Arch
Just another comment. So far, comments have been good for both style arches with those I have spoken with. They serve a very good purpose. As to maintenance, you will have that with both as I am experiencing.
Just another comment. So far, comments have been good for both style arches with those I have spoken with. They serve a very good purpose. As to maintenance, you will have that with both as I am experiencing.
Personal Opinion
Frankly, I beleive the SS arch will be more widely received by the buying public. Three boats in our marina have SS arches (2 Freedom 45's, Shannon 43), they look good and seem to be more practical (easier to mount equiptment and more space).
Frankly, I beleive the SS arch will be more widely received by the buying public. Three boats in our marina have SS arches (2 Freedom 45's, Shannon 43), they look good and seem to be more practical (easier to mount equiptment and more space).
tiresome
it gets tiresome, the teasing at the yacht club about having purchased a boat (h410) with a rollbar. Performance-wise, i'm quite happy with my fiberglass arch, but in terms of aesthetics i'd trade for a stainless arch in a flash. any takers? at least we know that hunter is listening to the owners. when i compare my 410 (hull #47) with the ones built a year later, I find myself seething with stainless envy.... would love to have the new bow roller as well, one that can hold two hooks at once. too bad there's not an upgrade program. eh, hunter?
it gets tiresome, the teasing at the yacht club about having purchased a boat (h410) with a rollbar. Performance-wise, i'm quite happy with my fiberglass arch, but in terms of aesthetics i'd trade for a stainless arch in a flash. any takers? at least we know that hunter is listening to the owners. when i compare my 410 (hull #47) with the ones built a year later, I find myself seething with stainless envy.... would love to have the new bow roller as well, one that can hold two hooks at once. too bad there's not an upgrade program. eh, hunter?
ss arches
sorry jim, i didn't mean to stir up any controversy involving owners of boats with fiberglass arches...i'm glad to hear the rationale behind hunter's switch to ss arches...i'm a loyal (and partisan) hunter owner, and am tremdenously pleased with the innovation in hunter's product line...i've also taken the tour of the plant in alachua,fl, which is quite impressive...if i could make one constructive comment about hunter's changes in its product line....the changes sometimes proceed at such a rapid pace that it's sometimes hard for the average potential customer to keep up...plus it's sometimes hard to distinguish between true innovation (such as the arch or b&r rig) and marketing fluff...as an example, it appears that the new 290 and 460 have topside teak handrails...hunter led the industry in moving to ss handrails to minimize upkeep, and many traditional manufactuers have followed suit...is the move back to teak true innovation, or a marketing change? ....i certainly don't object to marketing changes, but sometimes they seem to move very radidly...having said that, i'll take a highly innovative company and day...bob
sorry jim, i didn't mean to stir up any controversy involving owners of boats with fiberglass arches...i'm glad to hear the rationale behind hunter's switch to ss arches...i'm a loyal (and partisan) hunter owner, and am tremdenously pleased with the innovation in hunter's product line...i've also taken the tour of the plant in alachua,fl, which is quite impressive...if i could make one constructive comment about hunter's changes in its product line....the changes sometimes proceed at such a rapid pace that it's sometimes hard for the average potential customer to keep up...plus it's sometimes hard to distinguish between true innovation (such as the arch or b&r rig) and marketing fluff...as an example, it appears that the new 290 and 460 have topside teak handrails...hunter led the industry in moving to ss handrails to minimize upkeep, and many traditional manufactuers have followed suit...is the move back to teak true innovation, or a marketing change? ....i certainly don't object to marketing changes, but sometimes they seem to move very radidly...having said that, i'll take a highly innovative company and day...bob
Up Close and Personal
For anyone interested in checking out this new model American Marine and Sail Supply, near Raleigh, N.C. is having an Open House this weekend featuring the new 290 (hull # 1 ??) along with a 340 and several other models. I am going to look for myself! Don't know if it has the arch in question but can comment on the 290 after this weeekend. I know Dave Condon would love to show it off to anyone able to make it. . . . . .
For anyone interested in checking out this new model American Marine and Sail Supply, near Raleigh, N.C. is having an Open House this weekend featuring the new 290 (hull # 1 ??) along with a 340 and several other models. I am going to look for myself! Don't know if it has the arch in question but can comment on the 290 after this weeekend. I know Dave Condon would love to show it off to anyone able to make it. . . . . .
- Status