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Why design discontinued
I am in the market for a boat this size and love the layout of the Vision-32. Does anyone know why this great design was discontinued?
I am in the market for a boat this size and love the layout of the Vision-32. Does anyone know why this great design was discontinued?
What I Was Told...
...is that the free-standing rig was expensive and that the design was too radical for most traditional-thinking buyers. I recall the cost new was somewhat more than a Catalina 34 and more than a Gulf 32. I had one for nine years and can confirm it is an excellent boat that sails well overall and lives well both in a seaway and in a slip. The current series Hunters mimic the sail plan and the interior now looks less 'different'. Rick D.
...is that the free-standing rig was expensive and that the design was too radical for most traditional-thinking buyers. I recall the cost new was somewhat more than a Catalina 34 and more than a Gulf 32. I had one for nine years and can confirm it is an excellent boat that sails well overall and lives well both in a seaway and in a slip. The current series Hunters mimic the sail plan and the interior now looks less 'different'. Rick D.
What about speed?
Thanks Rick, I was concerned that it was technical issues with the design. I like the fact that it is a radical design. I have not seen any mention of larger genoa's or spinnakers. Has anyone added more sail area to make it go better in light winds?
Thanks Rick, I was concerned that it was technical issues with the design. I like the fact that it is a radical design. I have not seen any mention of larger genoa's or spinnakers. Has anyone added more sail area to make it go better in light winds?
something to think about...
If the spar ever failed, I doubt that you could find a replacement. Never heard of one failing, I'm just speculating here.
If the spar ever failed, I doubt that you could find a replacement. Never heard of one failing, I'm just speculating here.
Fred:
..the fellow who purchased my former V32 put a set of UK Tape Drive sails on, including a larger Genoa which helped a great deal in SoCal's light winds. I can't remember what overlap. Think it was a 135. He also put a A/S on it. The main had extra roach as well. So, to answer your question, the boat rig is certainly tweakable. Also as to Steve's comment regarding spar replacement: Another poster had contacted Hunter who advised a replacement spar is obtainable. This is a good boat that just isn't as traditional as some and ahead of its time in other ways. FWIW, I moved to a 40.5. My wife and I were shocked to find ourselves scrambling for storage space! If you have not, read the owner reviews. Rick D.
..the fellow who purchased my former V32 put a set of UK Tape Drive sails on, including a larger Genoa which helped a great deal in SoCal's light winds. I can't remember what overlap. Think it was a 135. He also put a A/S on it. The main had extra roach as well. So, to answer your question, the boat rig is certainly tweakable. Also as to Steve's comment regarding spar replacement: Another poster had contacted Hunter who advised a replacement spar is obtainable. This is a good boat that just isn't as traditional as some and ahead of its time in other ways. FWIW, I moved to a 40.5. My wife and I were shocked to find ourselves scrambling for storage space! If you have not, read the owner reviews. Rick D.
v32 discontinued
It was mentioned to me that the supply of Isomat spars was one thing,But also most hunter models are only made 5 to 6 years then changed anyway.Another thing about the mast Quite a few other brands use unstayed masts including Nonsuch,Freedom,Whylie Good luck in your hunting. V32 Prolouge (89)
It was mentioned to me that the supply of Isomat spars was one thing,But also most hunter models are only made 5 to 6 years then changed anyway.Another thing about the mast Quite a few other brands use unstayed masts including Nonsuch,Freedom,Whylie Good luck in your hunting. V32 Prolouge (89)
My Two Cents on the Vision
I have owned my Vision-32 for three years and have these thoughts/experience to share on the subject of the Vision-32. I live about 45 miles from the Hunter manufacturing facility and have visted them a couple of times (it's great) and asked the question about why they discountinued the Vision series. The real reason is that they needed the line production capabilities for the more traditional boats. As to the expense reason I don't think that the Vision series was more expensive to build, just they could sell more conventional sail boats faster. I wouldn't worry about breaking the mast. My general feeling is that your boat would be sunk and it would be a non-issue. Worrying about it though I did and there are alternatives if you needed to replace it. You could even get a carbon fiber mast if you wanted to. It wouldn't come cheap but you can replace it. The boat is fast and stable in big wind. It is extremely slow in light air and will always wind up in last place. My most recent race was off shore and finished 2nd in my class and third overall in a fleet of about 22. The wind was perfect. I have a bigger Jib. It's actually a genoa 155% but because of the fractional rig it still looks little. I had to install a second track rail on the deck to handle it but it did help, especially in light air. Hunter told me that up to 155% wouldn't be a problem. I also have an APC for the system. Works well for light air cruising. Probably does for bigger air racing but I race non-spin cruiser. The room aboard is incredible. Feels bigger than it is. I have the 32'version. If I gave it up I would look at the Vision 36. It must be absolutely GREAT. It's a very good boat for single hand operations. I have an autopilot and I don't have to worry about getting crew. Mine has the electric winch which also is helping my "advanced age". It should help to keep me sailing longer. I am very happy with the Vision. I think that you'll find that 98% of the Vision owners are and the ones that traded out or up to a more conventional boat miss their old Vision's a lot.
I have owned my Vision-32 for three years and have these thoughts/experience to share on the subject of the Vision-32. I live about 45 miles from the Hunter manufacturing facility and have visted them a couple of times (it's great) and asked the question about why they discountinued the Vision series. The real reason is that they needed the line production capabilities for the more traditional boats. As to the expense reason I don't think that the Vision series was more expensive to build, just they could sell more conventional sail boats faster. I wouldn't worry about breaking the mast. My general feeling is that your boat would be sunk and it would be a non-issue. Worrying about it though I did and there are alternatives if you needed to replace it. You could even get a carbon fiber mast if you wanted to. It wouldn't come cheap but you can replace it. The boat is fast and stable in big wind. It is extremely slow in light air and will always wind up in last place. My most recent race was off shore and finished 2nd in my class and third overall in a fleet of about 22. The wind was perfect. I have a bigger Jib. It's actually a genoa 155% but because of the fractional rig it still looks little. I had to install a second track rail on the deck to handle it but it did help, especially in light air. Hunter told me that up to 155% wouldn't be a problem. I also have an APC for the system. Works well for light air cruising. Probably does for bigger air racing but I race non-spin cruiser. The room aboard is incredible. Feels bigger than it is. I have the 32'version. If I gave it up I would look at the Vision 36. It must be absolutely GREAT. It's a very good boat for single hand operations. I have an autopilot and I don't have to worry about getting crew. Mine has the electric winch which also is helping my "advanced age". It should help to keep me sailing longer. I am very happy with the Vision. I think that you'll find that 98% of the Vision owners are and the ones that traded out or up to a more conventional boat miss their old Vision's a lot.
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