Hunter 30-2 1991

[SailorKy]

Hello

First post on this forum. I currently own a hunter 30-2 91’ and would like to see what the forum thinks about sailing it to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal from SF,CA,USA.

My surveyor stated that this boat was made for coastal cruising so does making the trip the Caribbean fit that?
Testing my luck with this model boat?
Route recommendations in Caribbean?
Modifications to my hunter to properly prepare for trip?

Any and all advice is highly appreciated!

Thanks,

- new sailer

[daveandsara2016]

I have the same boat. I don't think the Caribbean would be considered coastal cruising. The prior owner of my boated sailed it from Boston to Halifax, NS which is about 340 miles.

I don't have route recommendations. I believe the Panama Canal has a minimum speed of 5 knots, which should not be a problem in the 30-2.

I know there are several things that I can I think of that would need to be upgraded: the tankage would need to be increased, I believe the stock water tank is 37 gal and the fuel tank is 18 gal. If you don't have it already, add solar. The rig should be inspected and the stays upgraded as necessary. I am sure there are other things that would require upgrading.

This would not be my first choice for cruising the Caribbean, but I am sure it can be done with the right upgrades and the right weather window.