What would you change....

[Bob Knott]

To Phil, Bly and all HOW readers.I've always felt the Hunter has the best Custonmer Service of any large manufacturer, but how 'bout we all use this space to tell them one thing, and one thing only we wish they'd change about our specific boats. Remember be constructive not bitchy, and limit yourself to one thing only.Hunter 380:I wished they'd include real mattresses like the 410. I sleep onboard probaly 40 to 50 nights and year and hate the backache. Costs for me to upgrade $1,000+ I wish they were included.Hope this stirs some debate and results in improved Hunter Yachts for all of us to enjoy!Bob KnottHunter 380To Eddie Breedan, head of Customer Service at Hunter who silently watches these posts in the backround.. Keep up the good work, and maybe some of these suggestions might be possible without breaking the bank, we'll see how creative us "Owners" can be.))

 

[Bruce Grant]

PYI as standard equipment

I would think that dripless packing as a standard would be a good one.Not a lot of money after the fact, but I always like factory installed versus after the fact.And yes I ordered this as an option on my new boat, will it be factory or dealer installed, I don't know.Regards.Bruce.Neon Moon

 

[Bruce Grant]

Sump for Ice Box Drain

How about a seperate sump/pump for the ice box drain (as opposed to refrigeration).I will be adding one after I get the new boat, cost around 100 bucks, but again a dry bilge is a thing of beauty.Regards.Bruce.Neon Moon

 

[Jay Hill]

My One Wish

...may be already implemented on newer models, but since I can't afford a newer model, if they make the change now, I might get to enjoy it in about 15 years.Better engine access especially to the oil dipstick. Checking oil is only slightly a pain on an H31, but changing it requires removal of the shelf under the galley sink which, of course, requires removal of everything you have stowed there. Well, same subject, second request: Can Hunter encourage Yanmar to mount the oil filter in a vertical manner versus horizontal? When removing the oil filter, no matter HOW careful, oil is spilled on the side of the engine. (Normally, I pump out the pan first, then heel the boat to starboard to get as much oil out of the filter as possible, but this takes time and extra effort.) A vertical mounted filter would really make things easier to deal with.Has this already been done on newer models?Otherwise, I am very pleased with most systems, access, room, sail plan, etc. and wish to extend kudos to the entire Hunter design team for a job well done in 1985. Just one thing, huh? That's tough so I'll break the "rule" and suggest that Hunter also offer a second line of boats for "purists." A boat with "old" lines above the water line. Naturally, only a few models such as a 30-footer, 36/7/8 footer, 45 footer, and 50-footer would be possible or possibly marketable. There's a challenge: Make a classic boat with a BandR rig! Same parts, systems, rig, sails, etc. different hull and deck. Sheesh, I don't want much do I?

 

[Greg Stebbins]

A modest proposal

How about a version of each boat specifically set up as a pure racer. Carbon-carbon hulls Flat decks (red so the blood wont show) more bulkheads, serious keels and rudders, retractable bow sprits and BIG rigs and even bigger sails. Put the fleet together, haul it to Key West next January and make a name for yourselves (and us!).Racing improves the breed – maybe. But it definitely improves the mystique associated with the name. You may have a “plain-Jane” coastal cruiser but if your brand name carries a high performance reputation, it rubs off. Jaguar and Mercedes pulled this off completely. Their sedans are just good sedans but they are more because of their incredible completion dominance in the 30’s – 50’s and that is still part of their package even today. Plus racing get a lot of free Mag space and winners get a boat load (so-to-speak).

 

[Jeff Walker]

Electric halyard winch

Having sailed on a H376 and H410, I think an electric halyard winch is a must. Those full roach mainsails are heavy and the tracks create a lot of resistance. It is a very popular option these days and I think Hunter might as well add it right up front. If you get creative, you can run the headsail furling line and jib sheets over there also for a little assistance.Jeff

 

[Howard Kornack]

Real Mattress - Oh Yeah!!!!

Bob, Couldn't agree more about the mattresses. Was at the Miami boat show last week and was horrified to see the price of a simple mattress - over $1100!Perhaps Hunter could also llok into some curtains or shades for the aft cabin windows as well - we stuff a towel under the headliner to keep the light out.

 

[Rick D]

Wish List

I guess I'd like to see more in the way of factory engineered options that are popular and could benefit by Hunter's economy of scale. Things like watermakers, battery banks, etc. Having made the wish, I recognize that Hunter does a good job outfitting the boat as you want it if you order it made, so that may already be the case. Of course, there may be some delicacy as relates to their relationship with their dealer network too. After all, they make some money on commissioning.Despite all the rambling, I don't think I'd be in favor of adding costly options as standard equipment if they are available options.The notion of a performance fleet or one design for the carbon fiber crowd is an interesting thought as a brand-builder. Catalina made a fleet for the Congressional Cup, I think it was. Of course, Hunter has had some teasers and prototypes out there, but I think we're talking about something available to a limited audience for puposes of competition.

 

[Bill Sheehy]

Keep it basic

I think Hunter first started selling their boats as just a plain jane boat. That way each person buying a boat could add what they needed. Catalina used to sell you a basic boat and then you added everything to the boat. I remeber that hot water used to be a option. The name of the game is to keep the price as low as you can. Also someone may not like the name brand equipment that the boat builder puts on. I would like to see the provisions installed (thru hull, wiring)so I can install what I need on the boat.

 

[John Nantz]

Provisions for Add-Ons

One wish? That's tough! Like what others have said, something that wouldn't cost a lot would be to provide in advance a place to put certain items: watermaker, generator, inverter, refrigeration, additional batteries, additional tankage (fuel or water), additional winches, access to the outside of the icebox so additional insulation can be added, etc. Provide conduits or raceways and backing plates (such as for winches) as needed. Then provide a sheet telling the owner where these places are (like backing plates for winches or turning blocks).The incremental cost for this should be very little but would really improve owner satisfaction.

 

[anonymous]

just back from New England boat show...

One thing to change?Right set of features, lots of nice finishing touches, reasonable value for the price, reasonable build quality, reasonable performance vs. comfort. Small quibbles sure (slippery lexan windows right at the base of the mast?) I do think the aluminum toerail was safer and I'll take a backstay thank-you. But I could live with these things.But these boats are BUTT UGLY. I've been a Hunter fan for years (I own a Cherubini style 30) and I like plain, sturdy boats. What did you guys do, hire the team that almost killed the Ford Taurus? Ford FIRED those guys and you should too! Black windows and bulbous swollen shapes everywhere, a hot tub where the cockpit should be, and a saggy looking stern. Viewing the 320 in profile, there are *5* differently shaped ports *none* of which belong together or follow the lines of the boat. It's sharp and angular at the bow and rounded and organic at the stern with a pointy pyramid for the instruments right in the middle. The cabin house looks as tall as the topsides. Yuck!Fix the look of the thing!

 

[Bob Knott]

One bad apple

See the nut that just vented in the previous post is the problem we all face here. This was supposed to be constructive, with one suggestion, something Hunter could implement in models we actually own, that would please owners without raising costs through the roof and making Hinckley's out of Hunters, with the resulting sky high pries. Annonomous flammers are not needed on this site. Put your name behind it, be constructive, or get off!Thanks for letting me vent, and I'll sign mine since I'm not ashamed of what I write, then again you might not have the brains to be ashamed. To think that Hunter would positively respond to a post with your bad tone and attitude shows your not serious with your post or your intention to help with problems and quit being one of them! Read the original questions and try to keep it plausible and polite.ThanksBob Knottrjkphotog@capecod.netH380

 

[Been there]

Maybe easier solution for icebox drain

Buy a plastic gate valve and put it on the end of the drain hose. When the water backs up into the icebox, or when you put in new ice, hold the hose end over a bucket, open the valve, and drain it. This keeps the cold in the icebox where it belongs.That said, I agree that nothing should drain into the bilge. All grey water that has no other destination should drain into a sump.

 

[Steve Cook]

Ice Box sump

I like the idea,a dry bilge!!! I will be installing a sump/pump in my H310 this spring.Steve,s/v The Odyessy...

 

[arthur boas]

Speaking of Ed Breedan

Ed Is a class act, who has always put the customer first. The one thing I would NOT want to change about Hunter is the way Ed treats the customers.

 

[Alex]

Long-term mentainance and serviceability..!!

As an owner of an early 'H-29.5' , probably a 'test-bench-model' , on which Hunter had much input experience for building (much improved) later models , I could write a book of many many details - many of them ,frankly, corrected and improved later in short period of time- that were 'done' with disrespect to basic accumulated knowledge in the industry at that not long ago(94-95) time . Viewing and sailing improved later and mostly bigger Hunter models since, one can be aware on one conceptual issue mostly still ignored :long term servicability , and mentainability (for boats 10 years old and more);since good GRP hull-deck life can get to 25-30 years or more ,practical way should be planned for to mentein them this long. By half that age , many parts and larger sub-system might need dismanteling , repairing or replacement .But who will stock 10-15 years from now these big 3D custom made large windows ,or wing cockpit lockers lids , of my now descontinued "old" '95' model ?how to get to these deck hardware back-plates some inaccesable behind the moulded inner liner ? and if accessed at , how to replaced these 'embeded for life' back plates ?..or how to get to stancions back plate if bolt broken into it without canibalising half a boat ? where I will get these S.S. spreaders inner support ribs units, the Aluminum spreaders hold ( and probably corrode by slowly..) to, which are ccustomly made 10-14 years from now ? or how to get to clean or replace those embeded water tanks , or deal with loose engine bed ( plainly screwed in wood , no bolts)..? In 2007 and later ,according to production numbers ,there will be many many frustrated owners , sruggling to deal with these problems, worlds apart from the feeling they ,(or the first and second owners)had when sailing their -then -new shining flasy Hunter ,or trading-in their 3-5 years 'old' for a new one.. Frankly this is not Hunter problem only in modern market; but Hunter, prowdly leading in advanced inovative design field on many welcomed features of boats ,felt short in inovation on these long ago aknowledged and recognized issues of long term serviceability .

 

[Been there]

They want to sell you a NEW boat in 10 years

Hunter does not benefit by making boats that are easily maintained for 30 years. They DO benefit if the owner of a ten year-old boat, not wanting to rebed a large unframed port for the second time and knowing that he will have to saw apart liner to replace a leaking holding tank, figures it is time to move up anyway.Most new boat buyers do not look at how a boat is made and how that will affect maintenance, use, and resale 10 or 15 years later. Part of this is the excitement of buying a new boat. Part of this is short-term thinking. Part is "learning" about construction quality from brokers and other owners of newer models. Hunter is not the only builder guilty of the practices that Alex describes. I fear, though, that the solution can come only from some sort of consumers' initiative from we boat owners. Builders do not benefit by designing and constructing their product for 30 years of service and maintainability. (And why not 40 or 50 years?)

 

[DJ Dreyer]

RE: Oil Filter

When changing the horizontal oil filter on my yanmar, I use a qt zip lock bag. Break the filter loose using a filter wrench (but not loose enough to start dripping), Put the bag over the filter and put the bags opening under the oil filter-mounting flange. Hold the bags opening still with one hand and use the other hand to unscrew the filter through the bag. If you are careful, all the oil from the filter ends up in the bag. I then zip up the filter (and its oil) in the bag and dispose of it in an environmentally careful manner (bring it to my county recycling site; it is free there vrs several dollars at the marina!)

 

[John R. Mance, M.D.]

What would you change

I think every one will be surprised how long this Hunter 380 will last. The attention to details i.e. solid core where holes are drilled, the quality of every thing on the boat is excellent. I would not judge what is made now by what was made 10 years ago. Yes, real mattresses but what else on the boat is second rate. I really have not found much at all except for things that really do not matter in the long run. I would aslo point out how well Hunters hold thier resale value. If you are Hunter and you want to sell another boat in 10 years, it is easier if I am happy and easier still if I can get a real good price for my boat. Hunter is sells a lot of boat for the money because the sells a lot of boats. Every manufacturer or supplier who Hunter buys from can count on sold sales in bulk. John R. Mance, M.D.

 

[Clayton Hintz]

Wiring Conduits

I have a couple of items that should be low cost additions at the time of manufacture but are major pains afterward.The addition of wire conduits with pull lines in place would go a LONG way toward making upgrades simpler. I added a washdown pump to my 310. The project took about two days with at least half of that time trying to fish wires from the starboard settee (next to the hot water heater) to the electrical panel. I ended up disconnecting the bilge pump wires and using them as a pull to get to the bilge and I used fish tape to get the rest of the way. This work necessitated the removal of the forward panel in the hanging locker and a number of sole panels. Conduit or at least a pull line would have made this a 10-minute job. There are other thing I would like to add but lack of access to wiring runs and/or pulls makes me think long and hard about whether it is worth it. On the positive side, I have not spent as much $ on upgrades as I could have….Second, please, please put some steel backers under the engine mount points and replace the lag bolts with some machine bolts. I now have at least two lags that are stripped after aligning the engine twice. At this rate in a couple of years gravity will be the only thing holding it in place. Does anyone have a sure-fire way of fixing this short of pulling the engine and rebuilding the bed?