Survey of 2002 Hunter 456

[BlueHeronSailing]

I am in the process of buying a 2002 Hunter 456 next week. I want to go over all the systems, structure and configurations on the boat. Is there anything that I should examine closely to? I already know about the steering quadrant and rudder deficiencies. Anything else? Thanks
Brian

 

[shemandr]

I had a 356 for a while and it's a different boat but I can say that we had some of the saloon ports leak so I would look carefully at the liner there to see if there are water stains. Also, we had leaks from the anchor locker pan and those can be found again with streaks in the liner. Before we took delivery the windlass had to be "Fixed." We had some Sun damage to the bright work around the companionway and I would assume that as yours approaches 20 years old there may be some there. Around that time Hunter recalled the through hulls and sent registered owners new through hulls. You may want to check if that was done. Carbon Monoxide detectors were constantly needing replacement and we had to get a new solenoid for the propane. But all in all it was a great boat. Had not been for the Great Recession I might still own it.

 

[sail sfbay]

I just went through that on my new to me 2005 Hunter 46. During your survey and sea trial confirm where the water manifold, emergency systems (manual bilge pump handle, emergency tiller and safety equipment) and manuals are located. Confirm engine compartment fire suppression and fire extinguishers are fully charged and LPG tank(s) inspection and flare expiration dates. Confirm operability of all the electrical, electronics, galley equipment (including dish drying fan/light), water and head systems, through-hulls, sail furlers, bow thruster and electric winch. Confirm extent of any uv damage to cockpit equipment and interior. Confirm condition of through-hulls (as shemandr indicated), bottom and keel barrier and anti-foulant paint, propulsion system, engine (fuel filters, seawater strainer and pump, fluids), canvas and running rigging, lifeline corrosion and signs of bilge and engine compartment. Poor or non-operating systems (even partial), uv damage and/or poor conditions indicate deferred maintenance opportunities.

 

[sail sfbay]

I would like to add that my recently purchased 2005 Hunter 46 was in relatively good to excellent condition (engine, bow thruster, windlass/winches, sails, fiberglass, hatches/windows, standing rigging, electronics, electrical, plumbing and newer head sail sheets), very low engine hours and performed very well during the sea trial. However, below are the issues I found with this Hunter 46 boat during the haul-out survey and pre-purchase inspection.

Thanks to the haul-out surveyor who identified keel barrier coat failure (seller paid on repair allowance and fixed), corroded propeller (seller paid on repair allowance and fixed), zincs almost wasted (replaced), anti foulant paint required (applied 2 coats of paint), galley dish cabinet fan and light not working (fixed), aft cabin reading lights not working (fixed), water manifold station light not working (fixed), engine fire suppression bottle needed recharge (replaced), arch light not working (replaced), cockpit handheld vhf radio mic not working although it was working during the sea trial (replaced), starboard fuse block terminals adjacent to the navigation seat were exposed (installed flexible cover from Taps Plastic today), Force 10 galley stove piezo-electric ignition not working (replaced battery but still troubleshooting) and life lines showed some corrosion under the wire coating (getting cost to replace with bare wire). Except for the repair allowance items and bottom paint the other repairs were no or low cost.

The pre-purchase inspection identified very tired main sheet and traveler running rigging (replaced), wood shelf above the starboard couch and behind the navigation seat damage (fixed), uv damaged cockpit instrument sun covers, bow thruster controller and electric winch deck switch (replaced and installed a sunbrella bennacle cover) and significant dodger repairs (new one ordered). These were factored into the boat offer.