1996 Hunter 40.5

[moorings101]

Hello
I have narrowed down the choice of which boat to purchase with the H40.5 being at the top of the list for a number of reasons, the important ones being condition, fit and finish, interior styling and sailing characteristics. If it helps provide suggestions, we are coastal sailors which means different things to different people - to us, that means east coast, ICW, Bahamas and island hopping in the Carib. Would appreciate any comments on what others think of this choice

[Vasco]

I'm sure you'll get a flood of responses saying it's not a "bluewater boat" but for what you have in mind it'll do fine. You like it, go for it. I am not a Hunter fan (although their latest models look a bit more like sailboats now) but there's lots of them doing what you intend to do.

[moorings101]

thanks for the response Vasco - looking forward to other's input.

The appearance of this one, to me, seems to look like an Oyster - can't complain there...

[camaraderie]

moorings...have you seen this site with 28 reviews from H40.5 owners? Should give you a good overview of the boat and good and bad points from a probably favorbly biased group of actual owners.
http://www.sailboatowners.com/review...ter&model=40.5
It is capable of doing what you plan.

[moorings101]

have seen those review on the hunter site but was looking more for unbiased opinions. thanks

[camaraderie]

Moorings... if you have already looked at the comparably sized and priced Catalinas and Beneteaus and Jeanneaus and you like the hunter better then it is probably the right boat for you...since those are the main competition and the build quality is about the same in all IMHO.
To get something equally comfortable but with better build quality, you'd have to get something considerably more expensive or older.