I'm finally one of you!!

[Rohan]

After years of posting on this forum, I always felt like a fraud because I wasn't a boat owner. Well no more, I finally have my own - a 2006 Hunter 36. Been waiting to write this post for a long time!

Essentially my choice boiled down to taking out a partial mortgage and getting a Hallberg Rassy 36 (or a couple similar boats), or purchase the Hunter 36 outright. I know most people on this forum would prefer an HR36, but not taking on debt meant having my wife much more on board.

I know Hunters don't get a lot of respect on this forum but I am very happy with my choice. The layout on this boat is amazing. It has the best shower/head I have ever seen on a boat this size. The cockpit locker is enormous, as is the aft cabin. The forward cabin has a V berth but it is big enough even for someone as tall as me, 6'2". The galley has a nice dish drain locker with a fan, I don't know any other boat make that has this. There are other clever features I'm still discovering.

It's not perfect - it's not the fastest boat in the bay (although that could be from my lack of experience with it). And locking up the companionway using a three piece system is a huge pain in the ass. Systems are a little noisy. I would have also liked a self tacking jib.

Although it's 13 years old, this particular boat was lightly used and almost looks new. The downside is that it was lightly used, so several of the non critical systems (like stove, water heater, etc) had been neglected for awhile. But that is stuff I can handle myself.

I am a recent military retiree, and purchased in the Annapolis area, but eventually will move the boat to Virginia.

BTW, this was a process of many months and I worked with different brokers in the Annapolis area. Rod Rowan, Deanna Sansbury, and Roger Johansson. All of them were very helpful and responsive, answering my 1000 questions as I have never bought a boat before. I would recommend them to anyone.

[thinwater]

Condolences?



Actually, we're glad to have another member of the clan!


(Before you more the boat to VA, do investigate the differences in taxes. Just sayin.' I live in VA but keep my boat in MD.)

[SVRocinante]

Welcome aboard!

You have a boat, enjoy it!

[daletournier]

Well done mate.

I'm sure the hunter will serve you well, sure theres some boat snobs but your boat is fine ,have fun. It's a good life (mostly..lol).

[Rohan]

Originally Posted by thinwater

(Before you more the boat to VA, do investigate the differences in taxes. Just sayin.' I live in VA but keep my boat in MD.)

I can be closer to my boat in Virginia, and it's cheaper, per my research.

MD has a 5% sales tax, while 2% in Virginia. And Virginia got rid of property taxes on boats back in 2011. If I am wrong on either of those counts, someone please tell me.

[sailorboy1]

Congrats!!

Did you get a Hunter 36, or a 356 (almost a perfect couples boat for the size)

[redhead]

Congrats - I can hear the happiness in your post!! Have a ball, learn a lot, come back safe and use her well!

[MV Wanderlust]

Congratulations!

[Fiftybucks]

i looked long and hard at hunter 36, a lot of comforts for the price. and you have the furling main?

[Knotical]

Congratulations and welcome to the club, I also became a new owner this summer and enjoying my boat. Also, no need to defend your choice of a Hunter, have fun.

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Rohan

I can be closer to my boat in Virginia, and it's cheaper, per my research.

MD has a 5% sales tax, while 2% in Virginia. And Virginia got rid of property taxes on boats back in 2011. If I am wrong on either of those counts, someone please tell me.

You are right, it has changed. It is now a local tax and depends on where you are.

[CSY Man]

The HR may be a “true” blue water boat and very well built, but I would not want one because of the teak deck: There is enough maintenance and headaches on a boat, external wood just adds to it.
Hunters are good boats in my humble opinion, yes, a production boat but so what, I drive a Ford pick-up truck rather than a Ferrari and happy to do so.
Be happy with your boat and take good care of her..

[Cthoops]

Congratulations!!

[boatpoker]

Hunters get a bad rap from circumnavigators or more specifically wannabe circumnavigators. After more than 5,000 surveys, I've concluded that while not built for circumavigation, they are among the better built production boats.

Congratulations.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

The HR may be a “true” blue water boat and very well built, but I would not want one because of the teak deck: There is enough maintenance and headaches on a boat, external wood just adds to it.

Hunters are good boats in my humble opinion, yes, a production boat but so what, I drive a Ford pick-up truck rather than a Ferrari and happy to do so.

Be happy with your boat and take good care of her..

The draft kept me from even looking.