are these models being produced for 2004, or have they been discontinued? how many hulls have been produced in each model? what's up? i am somewhat bewildered by the absence of these glorious boats on the hunter marine website. help; please advise. thanks anyone!
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Tom
fate of the 426's?
The big boat market is a little strange right now. For example--you can get a tricked out 430 with gen,A/C, Heat, plotter, radar, lots of canvas, covers, screens, instruments, windlass, --and everything else including all the bugs worked out for about $200M. You can get a 460 the same way for about $220-230. I don't understand why someone would pay what a 426 equipped the same way would cost --not to mention the hit you take when you drive it off the lot. So many great used boats out there. A good surveyor can show you how a well kept used boat can be much better value than a new one --and in many cases be in much better condition than new. After all it's only MONEY. Some people still think its 1997. Looking forward to some comments on this. This is a great site. Many of the regulars here (like Steve D.) provide much very valuable information. I check it every day.
The big boat market is a little strange right now. For example--you can get a tricked out 430 with gen,A/C, Heat, plotter, radar, lots of canvas, covers, screens, instruments, windlass, --and everything else including all the bugs worked out for about $200M. You can get a 460 the same way for about $220-230. I don't understand why someone would pay what a 426 equipped the same way would cost --not to mention the hit you take when you drive it off the lot. So many great used boats out there. A good surveyor can show you how a well kept used boat can be much better value than a new one --and in many cases be in much better condition than new. After all it's only MONEY. Some people still think its 1997. Looking forward to some comments on this. This is a great site. Many of the regulars here (like Steve D.) provide much very valuable information. I check it every day.
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Bob Keller
Now called a 44
It appears that they have changed the designation of the 426s to 44. If you look at the Hunter website and click on the 44, the pictures come up as the 426s. A little confusing but I guess there mustbe a reason.
It appears that they have changed the designation of the 426s to 44. If you look at the Hunter website and click on the 44, the pictures come up as the 426s. A little confusing but I guess there mustbe a reason.
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Grayson
44/44DS in Current Ads
In one of the current sailing mags that I got in the mail yesterday, the ad listed the 41, 44, 44DS and 466 .....also had a picture of what appeared to me to be the 426....so I am confused as well.
In one of the current sailing mags that I got in the mail yesterday, the ad listed the 41, 44, 44DS and 466 .....also had a picture of what appeared to me to be the 426....so I am confused as well.
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Jim
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frank arndorfer
New designation of models
Evidently Hunter is changing to a two digit designation for it's models going forward. The 426's are still there, just re-badged as 44's. In regards to Tom's post, it brings up an interesting discussion; new versus used. Or to use the caption out of a recent Porsche ad: "Previously obsessed over." Has a nicer ring than "used". There's no question there's some real bargains to be had out there on used boats. But cost notwithstanding, I don't know that the argument regarding purchasing used versus new for the sake of not having to go through the de-bugging process is valid any more. Our last two boats were purchased new (2001 H340 and now a 2003 426DS) and the de-bugging process was minimal. Both boats have been remarkably trouble-free. I think Hunter (and other manufacturers) have come a long way in the past several years in the area of quality control. Some of the comissioning nightmares of years past simply don't seem to be happening with a great degree of frequency. Plus all the "new" goodies ie; flat screen TV's, Bose stereo, digital controllers for heat/ac, etc. are really slick. Not to mention the upgrades in equipment, systems, state-of-the-art electronics, etc. that come with the new boats today can go a long ways in justifying the cost. Plus this new stuff is just simpler to work on. And when issues do arise, I think sometimes as owners we're guilty of making a mountain out of a molehill. A minor gelcoat scratch isn't the end of the world. A leaking latch can be fixed by a trip to the local hardware store. Loose hardware can be tightened. To expect a mfgr or dealer to travel hundreds of miles to deal with small issues simply isn't realistic. Save the crying "wolf" for the real issues and you'll be taken care of. I know the outcry that will come with the issue of depreciation of a new boat. And it's legit. But let's face it, NONE of these boats (new or used) are necessities. We buy them because we WANT them. And if you're trying to justify the purchase of ANY boat, new or used, based upon the value at selling time down the road, maybe you're overthinking it. We've all got different levels of financial tolerance. To each his own. God Bless America. We live in a land of choices. And when it comes to boats, there's some great ones out there, both new and used.
Evidently Hunter is changing to a two digit designation for it's models going forward. The 426's are still there, just re-badged as 44's. In regards to Tom's post, it brings up an interesting discussion; new versus used. Or to use the caption out of a recent Porsche ad: "Previously obsessed over." Has a nicer ring than "used". There's no question there's some real bargains to be had out there on used boats. But cost notwithstanding, I don't know that the argument regarding purchasing used versus new for the sake of not having to go through the de-bugging process is valid any more. Our last two boats were purchased new (2001 H340 and now a 2003 426DS) and the de-bugging process was minimal. Both boats have been remarkably trouble-free. I think Hunter (and other manufacturers) have come a long way in the past several years in the area of quality control. Some of the comissioning nightmares of years past simply don't seem to be happening with a great degree of frequency. Plus all the "new" goodies ie; flat screen TV's, Bose stereo, digital controllers for heat/ac, etc. are really slick. Not to mention the upgrades in equipment, systems, state-of-the-art electronics, etc. that come with the new boats today can go a long ways in justifying the cost. Plus this new stuff is just simpler to work on. And when issues do arise, I think sometimes as owners we're guilty of making a mountain out of a molehill. A minor gelcoat scratch isn't the end of the world. A leaking latch can be fixed by a trip to the local hardware store. Loose hardware can be tightened. To expect a mfgr or dealer to travel hundreds of miles to deal with small issues simply isn't realistic. Save the crying "wolf" for the real issues and you'll be taken care of. I know the outcry that will come with the issue of depreciation of a new boat. And it's legit. But let's face it, NONE of these boats (new or used) are necessities. We buy them because we WANT them. And if you're trying to justify the purchase of ANY boat, new or used, based upon the value at selling time down the road, maybe you're overthinking it. We've all got different levels of financial tolerance. To each his own. God Bless America. We live in a land of choices. And when it comes to boats, there's some great ones out there, both new and used.
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bill
what happened to the 426
The 426 (both AC & DS) have been re-badged as the 44 for model year 2004. With the introduction of the new 41, Hunter needed to create some space in the marketplace to distinguish the 41 from the 426/44. Hard to justify the $30,000 price difference between the 41 and a 426 or the almost $50,000 base price difference between the 41 and the 426DS. Easier to justify if the boat is a "44." The 356 is now a 36.
The 426 (both AC & DS) have been re-badged as the 44 for model year 2004. With the introduction of the new 41, Hunter needed to create some space in the marketplace to distinguish the 41 from the 426/44. Hard to justify the $30,000 price difference between the 41 and a 426 or the almost $50,000 base price difference between the 41 and the 426DS. Easier to justify if the boat is a "44." The 356 is now a 36.
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Ed
Have seen and been on them all!
I am the owner of hull #1 426 DS. Love the boat. Have just returned home after liveing aboard for two months in the Northeast. The boat will get here in a couple of weeks. While there I was docked at the Hunter Dealers meeting and had the oportunity to see feel and touch the 36, 44, 44DS, and 41. The 44 is the 426 with a few minor changes. The aft cabin gets the bed reoriented from port and starboard to fore and aft. No other changes that I could see. The 41 is a very nice boat with what looks like the same bow hollow hull design the 426 and 356 have. I think it will have the same sailing caricteristics - but I haven't sailed on it - and last guys that did were not in any mood to be asked as last time I saw them they were looking at the bottom of the boat in a sling as they had just piled it into some rocks - very hard - and had destroyed the keel and rudder! A new keel was on the way from the factory as I was leaving. But the boat is quite livable and has great lines. The 36 is the 356, but has some nice upgrades in the galley. Upright refer, and a new layout. Still a great boat. They now measure the 426 from the bow roller and get this new 44 lenght. Some one asked the question why would you get the 426 Vs. the 410. The answer in our case is that we like the hull design better, the cockpit layout suits us better - although I would argue the 410 cockpit to be more seaworty - I like the space and convienence of the 426, like the swinging companionway doors and straight seats on the side. Also the DS at 7 foot head room is simply great if you are living aboard. Take a look at the boat shows. These are three very nicely apointed boats a good price point. Oh yea, check out the the new 216 - fun boat. ED
I am the owner of hull #1 426 DS. Love the boat. Have just returned home after liveing aboard for two months in the Northeast. The boat will get here in a couple of weeks. While there I was docked at the Hunter Dealers meeting and had the oportunity to see feel and touch the 36, 44, 44DS, and 41. The 44 is the 426 with a few minor changes. The aft cabin gets the bed reoriented from port and starboard to fore and aft. No other changes that I could see. The 41 is a very nice boat with what looks like the same bow hollow hull design the 426 and 356 have. I think it will have the same sailing caricteristics - but I haven't sailed on it - and last guys that did were not in any mood to be asked as last time I saw them they were looking at the bottom of the boat in a sling as they had just piled it into some rocks - very hard - and had destroyed the keel and rudder! A new keel was on the way from the factory as I was leaving. But the boat is quite livable and has great lines. The 36 is the 356, but has some nice upgrades in the galley. Upright refer, and a new layout. Still a great boat. They now measure the 426 from the bow roller and get this new 44 lenght. Some one asked the question why would you get the 426 Vs. the 410. The answer in our case is that we like the hull design better, the cockpit layout suits us better - although I would argue the 410 cockpit to be more seaworty - I like the space and convienence of the 426, like the swinging companionway doors and straight seats on the side. Also the DS at 7 foot head room is simply great if you are living aboard. Take a look at the boat shows. These are three very nicely apointed boats a good price point. Oh yea, check out the the new 216 - fun boat. ED
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Terry
Hi all, we just love our 1991 P42, actually 44',..
if you include the bow roller. It weighs in at 24,000 pounds plus and handles like a dream. It is a much different boat than the 420...heavier, stiffer and more sail area. Besides my first mate really likes the aft cabin. Terry
if you include the bow roller. It weighs in at 24,000 pounds plus and handles like a dream. It is a much different boat than the 420...heavier, stiffer and more sail area. Besides my first mate really likes the aft cabin. Terry
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Tom
426?
How does the 426 perform in 8-10 foot seas and 20-30 knot winds? What kind of spped through the water in 15 knot winds and 4'seas? Just curious. Does she plow or stay on her feet?
How does the 426 perform in 8-10 foot seas and 20-30 knot winds? What kind of spped through the water in 15 knot winds and 4'seas? Just curious. Does she plow or stay on her feet?
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Paul
Cracks me up
I get a big kick out of this marketing shenanigan. I can see rounding up 35'6" to "36", I suppose. But how does 43'5" get get to either "426" or "44"? Shouldn't it be 436? Or 43? Still love my 356/36 by any name, but I guess now I should send Hunter a few extra $$ because my boat is suddenly bigger.
I get a big kick out of this marketing shenanigan. I can see rounding up 35'6" to "36", I suppose. But how does 43'5" get get to either "426" or "44"? Shouldn't it be 436? Or 43? Still love my 356/36 by any name, but I guess now I should send Hunter a few extra $$ because my boat is suddenly bigger.
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frank arndorfer
Paul...it's our fault
Hey Paul (and all others)....... I guess this whole thing can be blamed on us guys. We were the ones way back who coined the phrase "size matters."!!!!!!!! For WHATEVER reason.!!
Hey Paul (and all others)....... I guess this whole thing can be blamed on us guys. We were the ones way back who coined the phrase "size matters."!!!!!!!! For WHATEVER reason.!!
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Larry Templeton
Whither goest the 450?
With these changes in Hunter's big-boat aft-cockpit lineup, what do you folks expect will be the fate of the 450? It hasn't been significantly upgraded since it was new in 1997.
With these changes in Hunter's big-boat aft-cockpit lineup, what do you folks expect will be the fate of the 450? It hasn't been significantly upgraded since it was new in 1997.
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Paul
frank
I'll say this: I see your 426/436/43/44 out the office window and it's a very good looking boat no matter what it's called today.
I'll say this: I see your 426/436/43/44 out the office window and it's a very good looking boat no matter what it's called today.
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Martin
New models/rounding up?
My understanding is that they won't be 'touching' the very successful 456 and 466 models for at least a couple of years. The new models are 44 (renamed 426 but with some small changes based on initial customer feedback), 41 (brand new model) 39 (I think being 'old' 386) and 36 (I think being 356). I recently visited their Florida factory and it's very impressive. They seem to be very much in touch with their customers and continually upgrading/modifying models to the extent that the 'marketing' brochures hardly keep up. I am trying to decide between 44 and 466 (does size count!) One significant change introduced into 426 is that the mast has been (relatively) moved forward so that boom/main is now even bigger (relatively) and job smaller. I'd be interested in anyone's views as to why they did this. Was it to get the really big saloon in the 44/426 without the mast compression post in the way? It seems to me one of the downsides is that an even bigger main increases risk of strong weather helm, rounding up and even broaching in gusts when sailing downwind because of difficulty in 'de-powering' main quickly because of swept back spreaders. Any views/comments?
My understanding is that they won't be 'touching' the very successful 456 and 466 models for at least a couple of years. The new models are 44 (renamed 426 but with some small changes based on initial customer feedback), 41 (brand new model) 39 (I think being 'old' 386) and 36 (I think being 356). I recently visited their Florida factory and it's very impressive. They seem to be very much in touch with their customers and continually upgrading/modifying models to the extent that the 'marketing' brochures hardly keep up. I am trying to decide between 44 and 466 (does size count!) One significant change introduced into 426 is that the mast has been (relatively) moved forward so that boom/main is now even bigger (relatively) and job smaller. I'd be interested in anyone's views as to why they did this. Was it to get the really big saloon in the 44/426 without the mast compression post in the way? It seems to me one of the downsides is that an even bigger main increases risk of strong weather helm, rounding up and even broaching in gusts when sailing downwind because of difficulty in 'de-powering' main quickly because of swept back spreaders. Any views/comments?
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frank arndorfer
Big boat and big sail
Hi Martin.... We have in-boom furling on our 426DS (aka 44) and you're correct, it is a HUGE boom and the boat flies a HUGE mainsail. We haven't done a lot of direct downwind sailing because I don't yet have a boom preventer rigged. I do NOT want to accidently crash-jibe this boom.!! But we have broad-reached in winds of 12-15kts and the boat behaves itself quite well. We've also gone to wind with wind speeds of 30kts (an obviously reefed mainsail) and still found it behaving itself. We put a reef in the main at anything above 18kts. It flattens the boat but at 18kts with full main there is not an excessive amount of weather helm. By all accounts she's a pretty calm sailor. One big advantage of that big main......several weeks ago we were out with some friends who accompanied us with their Beneteau 473. At light wind speeds of 8-12kts we were able to sail leisurely circles around them. It wasn't until wind speed picked up to about 16-18kts that his water line started to make a difference.
Hi Martin.... We have in-boom furling on our 426DS (aka 44) and you're correct, it is a HUGE boom and the boat flies a HUGE mainsail. We haven't done a lot of direct downwind sailing because I don't yet have a boom preventer rigged. I do NOT want to accidently crash-jibe this boom.!! But we have broad-reached in winds of 12-15kts and the boat behaves itself quite well. We've also gone to wind with wind speeds of 30kts (an obviously reefed mainsail) and still found it behaving itself. We put a reef in the main at anything above 18kts. It flattens the boat but at 18kts with full main there is not an excessive amount of weather helm. By all accounts she's a pretty calm sailor. One big advantage of that big main......several weeks ago we were out with some friends who accompanied us with their Beneteau 473. At light wind speeds of 8-12kts we were able to sail leisurely circles around them. It wasn't until wind speed picked up to about 16-18kts that his water line started to make a difference.
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