Why Hunter 41DS vs Beneteau 423

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Jun 10, 2006
43
Hunter 41DS Massapequa
I am trying to decide whether to buy a 2006 Hunter 41DS or a 2006 Beneteau 423 and need your help. The items I like about the Hunter are: wider beam, better interior layout, has a bilge and doesn't have a fiberglass liner, keel is lead in lieu of steel, and lower price. I am not sure about the resale value though. Does the Hunters retain their resale value? Which boat do you think is better and why? Kind Regards, Ray
 
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Larry

Hunt and peck

When I think of your dilemna I can only say Wow I would stay with Hunter for the liveability as well as Support. I own a 1994 29.5 when I call service or parts I get an answer if I leave a message I get a call back and they have always answered my question or sent parts right away. Your choise 41DS is my dream I have sailed a Beneteau 40.7 and 343 The ease of the B and R Rig no back stay to get hung up on. Sailing on a Colorado Lake I have to tack often and sailing (BOB) our 29.5 is a pleasure Hopes that helps,
 
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Jerry Clark H356 SV Persistence

Both pretty close

Both the Hunter and Beneteau are sold at Lighthouse Landing where we sail. They are about equal in numbers with a slight tilt towrd the Hunters. From what I have seen, the two manufacturer's are pretty equal in construction quality. I don't see a major difference in resale value for those here on the lake. The better taken care of the more resale value. We kept our first Hunter for five years and got about 78% of the original purchase price on trade. It was a fairly basic 1998 Hunter 260 with little added over the standard boat. (Had bimini, fixed keel - not ballast, and wheel steering with pressure water system) I currently own an 03 Hunter 356 with about everything you can put on one. I think Hunter has more light inside and offers a tremendous living environment for the money. We stay on our boat about 80 days per year from March through November. We have a very well equiped boat with Generator and KVH tracking antenna. We have looked at the 41DS. It is a winner! Either boat would be fine for you, but I would prefer the Hunter over the Beneteau due to the light interior and larger feel inside. Beneteau has darker wood and less port-light than Hunter. These items are purely personal preference. I have two close friends who both own Hunters. One just returned from the Bahamas from last winter on a Hunter 42 and said most boats there were Hunter, Beneteau or Catalina. They cruised the Exumas. Our other friend has a 356 and they are now in the Hudson River area on the Great Loop. They are both pleased with the performance of their boats. I have a good friend who has a Hunter 460 and a Cabo Rico 38. He and his wife were in our boat last weekend and he is amazed at the space in our 356 for the length. I think the 41DS has a similar feel as our 356 and feels bigger than his 460 to me. I also agree with the lack of a back-stay. There is one drawback to the B&R and that is it's height versus a back-stay rig. Check around where you will be sailing and make sure you can clear the bridges. Add about 2 feet to the published mast height for antenna, mast light, wind etc. for clerance.
 
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Gene Cassis

H41

Hi Ray, The improved forward visability and easy of sheeting afforded by the smaller jib was an important criterion in chosing a H41 over Catalina similarly sized boats. Gene Cassis H41 - 247 Stella di Mare Portsmouth, RI
 
B

BAYHAWK

HUNTER OR BENETEAU

We have a Hunter 380. This past fall we were on a Beneteau 46. It sailed well but there was less storage space then our 380. The layout, down below, was not as nice as the Hunter and there was not as much light in the cabin. If I were looking for another boat, I would look for a used 42'Hunter. This is the same boat that is now the Hunter 44. Go luck on your next boat.
 
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John McWilliams

Hunter's arch

Considering Beneteau and Hunter comparable, I like what the Hunter's arch gives you. With the traveler overhead, a great place for cockpit speakers, and a solid base for the bimini, I am suprised that X-Yachts and Hunter are the only boat to utilize this feature.
 
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kkb

Our experience with 41 DS

As we are on our 2nd year with our H41 DS my opinion is slightly bias,however I would like to offer a few observations that we made in buying our boat. Everyone's comment regarding the light in the cabin is something that we agree with. Also the headroom in the boat is wonderful. We felt that the overall layout and storage was better on the Hunter. Another factor was the organization of the boats systems and thru hulls was great. Of course the Hunter's overall look in our opinion is very impressive and the equipment is strong and made by well known manufacturers. One thing I would suggest you look into are the numbers that both boats have. (capsize ratio, motion comfort, D/S etc.) We found the Hunter's numbers were better in several areas to those that comparable Beneteaus and Catalinas had. Of course in the end it is all about one's own personal preferences and only you can decide that. Whatever your decision turns out to be you are considering a couple of great boats. I have never sailed on the Beneteau that you are considering but as far as the Hunter is concerned I will say that it is a solid boat that will carry a large or small crew comfortably and safely to just about any destination that you would want to go. (and it's fun to say thanks when people see her and say things like, "Wow, what a beautiful boat!" ;)
 
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waldo emerson

comparisons

I had a Beneteau 393 now a Hunter 44. The comparisons are best understood by sailing what is to be compared.Numerical parameters are interesting but observe the performance and I used a notebook to record how they each sailed and offered various features.
 
Jun 10, 2006
43
Hunter 41DS Massapequa
Beneteau 393 vs Hunter 44 Numbers

Hi Waldo: Could you please give me the comparison numbers you recorded between the Beneteau 393 and the Hunter 44? Thank you, Ray R.
 
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Garrett

Comfort

We looked at the same boats for a live aboard and the hunter won hands down. The salon area with the big U shape seating area is the most comfortable that we had been on and that was looking at numerous boats from old Hinkleys to new beneteau's. We found that we would have to get a Beneteau 473 in order to even come close to the hunter 41DS. The 423 just pals in comparison to the hunter, from head room, light, storage and just overall liveability. Sailing, some say the Beneteau others say Hunter, I think they are both about the same but i do like the hunters sailing characteristics and sail plan over the 423. Bottom line, we love our hunter 41DS.
 
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Bill

hunter 41ds

for an extra margin of safety, Hunter wraps the forward part of the hull in kevlar. Beneteau does not do that.
 
Jun 10, 2006
43
Hunter 41DS Massapequa
Just bought a 41DS

Well we made the plunge and just put a down payment on a 2007 41DS. Thanks for the all the feedback concerning the 41DS vs the Beneteau 423. We agree with them and hope to enjoy our 41DS for many years to come.
 
Jun 8, 2004
28
Hunter 38 Glen Cove, NY
congratulations

Wow, that is great. Where will your harbor be. We live in Seaford but have our H 356 in Glen Cove.
 
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Ray R.

Great South Bay

Tom, Thanks. We are looking forward to sailing her. We will be sailing mostly on the south shore except for extended trips. I am ordering my boat with a shortened mast and also a shortened keel and rudder. This way I can get under the Captree bridge (60 ft vert clearance) and sail in most places with a 4'8.5" draft. The winds on the south shore in the summer are fairly strong coming out of the south east to south west which is perfect for sailing up and down the coast. I do not have to have any bridges open where I sail unless I want to go out Jones Inlet and sail up the Hudson or other great places. Hope to see you at a raft up either in Oct or next summer since my boat will most likely not be commissioned until mid Sept. Kind Regards, Ray
 
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