tgn22
I have owned
hull #942 since 2006.
In that
price range you will not find a
boat that is a better value or
sails better. Lots of form & fit issues not found on expensive boats but if you are a relatively good do-it-yourselfer, you can fix those.
I have sailed her across the Gulf from
Key West to
Pensacola and never once felt unsafe. I have had her at over 20 kts with rooster tails coming off the sterns - in 40
knot winds heavily reefed and never felt unsafe.
We purchased a demo in Stuart Fl and sailed her to Hollywood in 15 ft seas with no incidents. We're not super experienced sailors either.
Lots of
fiberglass anomalies, hard to find
wiring &
plumbing paths-due to construction methods and would appreciate more
motor occasionally.
Other than that it is likely the best beginner cruiser available.
Keep it as light as possible. Keep it balanced (the Starboard
hull seems to always be lighter). And reef early in big
weather. It does really well with 30+kts reefed. Lowers the COG and it is so light that I've almost lifted a hull. On the comfort side, if you are more than 5 deg. off horizontal, you are probably making 12 kts or better. Set your coffee down and if seas aren't too rough, it will be there when you get back.
Don't know about the
Hunter boats but mine is great. The only other mfr I would choose over
Gemini would be Fusion Kits and they are over 300k all complete. The daggerboards are the secret.
Best of luck!
Greg