Do Hunters Make Good Bluewater / Liveaboard Boats ?

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Bash

Well, we can at least agree on that. I'm amazed at the amount of disinformation I hear about Hunters, even on this thread. No place to store SCUBA tanks? Really? On the same thread where half the people are slagging Hunters because of how roomy they are?

Fact: I currently have four tanks aboard my Hunter, and could easily store twice as many in the same locker. None of the three other brands of boat I owned previously, back in the days when I was still an active SCUBA instructor, could accommodate tanks as well.

More than a year ago we had a gathering of CF moderators in SF bay, a group who came in literally from all over the world. I took them all out for a sail. Many of these folks had never been aboard a Hunter, and were amazed not only at how nice the boat was, but at how well she sails. At one point, when we were reaching along at 9+ knots, I counseled one of the mods to lighten up on the wheel, and he was amazed that he could control the boat at that speed with two fingers. The consensus of the day was that Hunters had been getting bum rap on internet forums. Including this one.

I honestly think that a lot of the Hunter-bashing has to do with macho posturing, and I've written about this before. My boat is the exact opposite of a man cave, and it's basically been designed around a capacious galley that women absolutely love.

Gotta be something wrong with that. Right? So lets all start pounding our chests and bark a bit about how these boats will fall apart in the middle of the ocean.

Thing is, isn't just the SCUBA gear. It's that PLUS everything else.

I'm jealous of you. I have a TEEENY galley! The nav table is opposite it, and I use that as well. But I did know that before I bought the boat.

I would not have room for SCUBA tanks on my boat. I have other things stored that are more important to me.

But then, I don't SCUBA.

[elliebell]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Did the OP ever answer this on the thread and I missed it? Whatever side you may be on doesn't matter unless you know the boat being "discussed".

Sorry, missed the question somehow.... Looking in the 30'-33' range.

[Chrisgo]

If you want a Hunter in that range, and want to sail the carib and beyond as you say, I would strongly recommend buying one already in the Virgin Islands or nearby, and, if after a couple of years you want to do the beyond part, sell it for something that is more suitable for rough ocean passages.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Bash

Well, we can at least agree on that. I'm amazed at the amount of disinformation I hear about Hunters, even on this thread.

Well, lots of it should just be ignored, like:

- all negative comments from those who don't own a boat (yet)
- all negative comments from those with a smaller boat (envy?)
- repeat for cheaper boats, same reason
- repeat for those with ancient design boats, who will just reject anything that is based on science

I like a Hunter that is out cruising much better than a Hallberg Rassy that is deserted by her owner in some posh marina. If I would buy a brand new HR, there would be a hundred things that fail my expectations and need changing. Jedi had more than a hundred modifications and I'm not finished yet.

There are some deep rooted reasons why some hate what they call "production boats" (HRs are production boats too, as are Oysters and Sundeers etc.). Like design guidelines that are centered around things as interior volume instead of more traditional aspects. What they don't realize is that those naval architects are hot shots in their profession and succeed to create good designs regardless the guidelines they have to accept. Any of these modern designs is better and safer than a hundred year old design like DOJ so colorfully described.

But yes, a HR is better. Good that it is because it's twice the price or whatever it is today. These differences only start to matter in extreme conditions that 99% of boats never experience.

To come back at your comment Bash, is there a lot that we don't agree on? I'm not aware of much, if anything really.

cheers,
Nick.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by elliebell

Sorry, missed the question somehow.... Looking in the 30'-33' range.

Still need to know what model; Hunter has made lots of boats 30-33' and they they can not all be talked about the same. Go to yatchworld and look at some for sale. Check owner reviews at Hunterowners.com.

Come back with a new thread asking about a specific model to restart all the fun.

[Chrisgo]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Since need to know what model; Hunter has made lots of boats 30-33' and they they can not all be talked about the same. Go to yatchworld and look at some for sale. Check owner reviews at Hunterowners.com.

Come back with a new thread asking about a specific model to restart all the fun.

Exactamundo. Just post a link to the one or two specific models you are thinking about.

[Ex-Calif]

DoJ and Bash's points about what do you want to cross an ocean in vs. what do you want to be at anchor on get to the crux of the problem with "What boat do I need threads"

This thread is about a "brand" of boat not a specific model. I personally would not cross the pacific in a H28.5 but if you want to go ahead. I would however go anywhere in Bash's boat, having been one of the lucky mods on the great SFO mod bash! And Bash is a cool guy, a great sailor and an awesome host!

He also let everyone who wanted a turn at the wheel! And zooming along at 8+ knots was awesome! Although I did have to use more than two fingers to pull strings even with the electric winches!

So there is a ton of exoerience on this forum. If you really want to show your smartness when these threads pop up, instead of saying, "No. You will die ina a Hunter, Benneteau, jenneau or what ever..." ask instead, "what are planning two use the boat for and what soecific boat are we talking about." so that you have a remote chance of helping the original poster.

The reality is >90% of boats are not making daily ocean crossings. Most are used for coastal and day sailing and once in a while passages. If you buy your boat thinking circumnavigation and end up beer can racing and it is a 25ton "bluwater cruiser" (whatever that is) you will not have fun on that boat.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

To come back at your comment Bash, is there a lot that we don't agree on? I'm not aware of much, if anything really.

Hard to argue with that.

[four winds]

Bash said, "Many of these folks had never been aboard a Hunter, and were amazed not only at how nice the boat was, but at how well she sails. At one point, when we were reaching along at 9+ knots, I counseled one of the mods to lighten up on the wheel, and he was amazed that he could control the boat at that speed with two fingers"


Though I haven't the street cred to sway opinion here, I must agree with these comments.

While still in Gulfport, FL with my Pearson I sailed many, many times on a Hunter 310 that belonged to a dockmate and friend. We both took our boats out regularly, single-handed or double up on one or the other boat. Sometimes we took both boats out the same day.

My friend, Captain Kim, was instrumental in helping me transition from a beach cat to my 32' sloop.

The point however, is the Hunter was an absolute delight to sail. Truly two fingers on the wheel. I had the pleasure of acting as helmsman many times. It was a breeze.

That experience set a benchmark for my own adjustments to the standing rig, which needed attention on my boat. A mast step issue had my mast out of plum and I had heavy weather helm. I've got that all sorted now, though with a temp fix on the step. Sailing Kim's Hunter helped me judge whether I had improved my setup.

I miss that Hunter and Kim, but I'll be heading back that way sometime.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Still need to know what model; Hunter has made lots of boats 30-33' and they they can not all be talked about the same. Go to yatchworld and look at some for sale. Check owner reviews at Hunterowners.com.

Come back with a new thread asking about a specific model to restart all the fun.

Or let him continue on this one.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by four winds

Bash said, "Many of these folks had never been aboard a Hunter, and were amazed not only at how nice the boat was, but at how well she sails. At one point, when we were reaching along at 9+ knots, I counseled one of the mods to lighten up on the wheel, and he was amazed that he could control the boat at that speed with two fingers"


Though I haven't the street cred to sway opinion here, I must agree with these comments.

While still in Gulfport, FL with my Pearson I sailed many, many times on a Hunter 310 that belonged to a dockmate and friend. We both took our boats out regularly, single-handed or double up on one or the other boat. Sometimes we took both boats out the same day.

My friend, Captain Kim, was instrumental in helping me transition from a beach cat to my 32' sloop.

The point however, is the Hunter was an absolute delight to sail. Truly two fingers on the wheel. I had the pleasure of acting as helmsman many times. It was a breeze.

That experience set a benchmark for my own adjustments to the standing rig, which needed attention on my boat. A mast step issue had my mast out of plum and I had heavy weather helm. I've got that all sorted now, though with a temp fix on the step. Sailing Kim's Hunter helped me judge whether I had improved my setup.

I miss that Hunter and Kim, but I'll be heading back that way sometime.

My 31' Hunter is a hoot to sail! When you get everything *just right* she takes off like a stallion. You can feel the boat galloping forward through your feet. It's a real thrill, frankly.

Then for me, at the end of the day, she's a very comfortable boat to live on (once I learned how to tuck in my elbows in the head -- grin). And, I should point out that while I have raved about the storage, my main storage is what the designer intended to be the biggest berth -- aft, under the cockpit. Talk about a "low bridge, everybody down" situation! Anyone who need to use that space as a berth might find the storage more cramped. There's lots of space under the settees, but they aren't terribly convenient storage. There's a TINY clothing locker right off the aft berth. I use it for a pantry.

[bella]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

Then *I* was able to make an intelligent judgment about whether or not it would be an issue *for me.*

It's just as another person just said -- a Cherabini was out for him/her because of no space for scuba tanks. One person's issue is another person's asset, but you have to be aware of of a fact in order to evaluate it.

.

I said that and its not hard and fast... IF it were me alone.. I would probably find a way to do what I wanted.. But the other half is not a sailor, so we compromised. At the time I was writing that my brain went to tanks in the cockpit. I would probably put the tanks ondeck with the water and fuel jugs. Each person has to adjust what they want to do with a boat.
If I were to go back to sail.. we are trawler hunting... the Cheribini Hunter would be in the top 5 for me. or even top 3. I love the interior layout.. and I have sailed one and its sails well.. in fact the comment "sails like a scalded dog" was apt. oh gods, don't get me going again. I agreed to let him get a trawler, I must be good... santa can see me and I don't want another bag of coal for christmas... last one ... oh never mind..

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by bella

I said that and its not hard and fast... IF it were me alone.. I would probably find a way to do what I wanted.. But the other half is not a sailor, so we compromised. At the time I was writing that my brain went to tanks in the cockpit. I would probably put the tanks ondeck with the water and fuel jugs. Each person has to adjust what they want to do with a boat.
If I were to go back to sail.. we are trawler hunting... the Cheribini Hunter would be in the top 5 for me. or even top 3. I love the interior layout.. and I have sailed one and its sails well.. in fact the comment "sails like a scalded dog" was apt. oh gods, don't get me going again. I agreed to let him get a trawler, I must be good... santa can see me and I don't want another bag of coal for christmas... last one ... oh never mind..

Hey at least he likes the water. Another problem with the Cherubini I looked at was that it had kevlar layered sails. They were only a year old and the mailsail was already molded and delaminating. But that was the PO's choice to put those sails on. Most Cherubinis have more standard sails.

[knotnow]

Originally Posted by Chrisgo

If you want a Hunter in that range, and want to sail the carib and beyond as you say, I would strongly recommend buying one already in the Virgin Islands or nearby, and, if after a couple of years you want to do the beyond part, sell it for something that is more suitable for rough ocean passages.

Well good buddy that sound a little presumptuous on your part. Last November we delivered a Hunter 45CC to Puerto Rico from North Carolina about the same time the Caribbean 1500 was going the same way. If you want to look back that was one hell of a weather pattern. Over 1500 miles latter we arrived a bit tired but she was still intact.
To infer that you should just gunk hole around then buy something serious for Caribbean cruising is just silly. Doing the Windwards AND the Leewards means the longest (Anagda Passage) is 80 some KM.

BTW - We did 65W not the Thornless path

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by knotnow

Well good buddy that sound a little presumptuous on your part. Last November we delivered a Hunter 45CC to Puerto Rico from North Carolina about the same time the Caribbean 1500 was going the same way. If you want to look back that was one hell of a weather pattern. Over 1500 miles latter we arrived a bit tired but she was still intact.
To infer that you should just gunk hole around then buy something serious for Caribbean cruising is just silly. Doing the Windwards AND the Leewards means the longest (Anagda Passage) is 80 some KM.

BTW - We did 65W not the Thornless path

But in fairness, the OP is looking at 31' - 33] -- not 45'. There would be a huge difference in how the two sizes would handle, for instance, high waves.