Doeas anyone have a problem-free Hunter ???

[Sailormann]

Going through the search thing - looking for the right boat. Grew up with a less-than-stellar impression of the quality of Hunter boats. But I look around and they are all over the place. Have they changed ? Are people less demanding than they used to be ??? Comments ??

[pigslo]

There are so many of them because they do what they were intended to do quite well.
pigslo

[SailorMitch]

In general, probably all of the big 3 (Benehuntalina) make better boats now than they used to. Probably market driven? Still, you get what you pay for -- most of the time.

One other thing I suggest is to sign up for the Sailnet email lists for the manufacturers you think you might be interested in. Just read what people write about -- problems, things that break, good points, bad points, projects, factory support, etc. You don't even have to post yourself. By lurking on the lists for a while, you'll find out a ton of info and get the scoop on what's good and bad about each manufacturer.

[tommyt]

I agree with Pigslo and SailorMitch. It just depends on what your expectations and usage are.

The title of this could just as easily be "Does anyone have a problem free boat?" If they do they are probably missing something because the nature of the beast is that things break.

[sailingfool]

SM,

Despite occasional minor gaffs and bumps, Catalinas and Beneteaus have always made good quality boats for the money, I don't think they're any better now than in 1980, they don't need to be...I owned a 1980 Beneteau and although I criticised some elements of that design, it was a very nicely constructed boat...I would never hesitate to consider a Beneteau or Catalina for consturction quality reasons.

Hunters are very common because they are inexpensive.

[T34C]

Originally Posted by Sailormann

Going through the search thing - looking for the right boat. Grew up with a less-than-stellar impression of the quality of Hunter boats. But I look around and they are all over the place. Have they changed ? Are people less demanding than they used to be ??? Comments ??

I look around and Wal-Marts are all over the place too, and for much the same reason.

[PBzeer]

You don't say if you're looking at new or used boats. Or, how you expect to use it. As already said, most any boat will have some issues. And they are also usually targeted to a particular segement of the market. Defining how you'll use the boat and where, should be your primary goals, then you'll know what kind of boat to be looking for. Don't limit your choices though by simply accepting perceptions of others or yourself. Take a look see before you cross anything off.

[k1vsk]

It's always contentious to make comparisons between 3 essentially equivalent brands which are all made to similar design and construction standards for the same market. I just did a quick yachtworld comparison for grins and came up with the following for advertized price range:

2000-2001 used Catalina 42 $180 - $190k
2000-2001 used Beneteau 42 $120 -$160k (by far more on the market then the other 2)
2000-2001 used Hunter 42 $190 -$220k

Clearly this is not a scientifically or statistically valid comparison but these numbers don't bear your original implication

[Sailormann]

Growing up (in the Maritimes) Catalinas were considered acceptable, Beneteaus were non-existent and Hunters were pretty well pariahs. There was a story that circulated there about a sailor whose HUnter deck lifted off his hull at the stern while he was racing in Chester. Didn't see it myself, hence can't vouch for the accuracy of the tale, but it served to scare most of the locals off. This was late seventies, and by all accounts they have improved quite a bit. I was amazed however, when we started looking, to see the number of Hunters on the market here in Ontario. Checked out the Hunter Owners forum and found a lot of reports of leaks, lack of attention to construction detail, etc. Most owners seemed to indicate that they would buy again however, so I guess they're doing something right. Anyway, moot point now. We have settled on a C&C 30 MkII that is in great shape, new engine, wiring, sails, paint, and we're going have some additional upgrading done. So we'll end up with an almost new boat for a bit less than a new price. The original plan was to go out spend 10K on a beater to carry us through until we bought "the boat". Well... the best laid plans and all that...but what the heck...you're only middle-aged once huh ?

[camaraderie]

K1VSK...One of the gross ways in which your sample is distorted is that ALL 6 Beneteau 42's on the yachtworld site are in Europe or Asia. With the dollar so badly devalued...you can't make international price comparisons like that. Furthermore...there is no background on the boats but Bene's are far more likely to be charter boats than the other two so one would expect lower prices.
The only real way to compare these brands I think is at the boat shows for similarly equipped boats new. They are usually pretty close.