Looking at a Hunter....

[737sail]

...Just looking for some input: Preface: we have 2 small children and abide by their school schedule, plus work, and thus are looking for a comfortable, affordable, fun boat, in the $100,000 range, for some time away from home. We are currently looking at a Hunter 380, 1999 (definitely used, though does have AC and many other options that I want), for Chesapeake Bay, VA "usage" (note - I did not say "cruising") - "usage" to include simple day sails on the bay, sometimes two+ days out (bay area; oftentimes overnight at other marinas or anchored in a creek), much time at the dock with mommy and 2 little ones (marina has a pool plus close friends, with same age children) and perhaps, time permitting down the road, down the ICW and to places in NC....we figured if we wanted to go to the Caribbean, chartering (time wise) would be the way to go...for whatever reason, and certainly not to be of critical of other comfort, production boats, I have really liked the layout of the Hunter as compared to some others, and we have had a smaller Hunter (1998 310) in the past and it was a great boat. That being said, I am looking to see if anyone may have additional comments/suggestions? Thanks!

Note - if there were to be any serious cruising down the road, perhaps at the time we would have more time and money for a suitable boat for just that....

[camaraderie]

That's what they are made for. If you've found one you like, there's no reason not to get one. Get a good surveyor and diesel inspector and go from there. There are several for sale in your geographic area so it may be worth looking at few to get the "best" one for you.

[737sail]

...for the validation! Just needing some of that (validation) before we take the plunge...we've been looking at several in the mid-atlantic region and think we can get a better price on this one....

[blt2ski]

I'd agree with cam, that is what they are made for. Their are two folks with Hunters on my dock here in puget sound, both love their boats for weekending around here, daysailing, and the occasional week to 2 weeks int he san juans on a yearly basis.

marty

[Valiente]

I think people are being very polite here, but for your purposes, a Hunter loaded with amenities is pretty much a no-brainer. They are made to satisfy a lot of niches somewhat divorced from sailing itself, and with two kids, there's plenty of room to stow 'em.

[737sail]

....and thanks again for the comments; while we had talked about other boats, perhaps more of a "cruiser", at this time in our lives reality prevails....kid-friendly, comfort, and ease is what it's about this decade....The offer will go in early this week!

[BarryL]

Hello,

For day sails and the occassional overnighter, why do you want such a big boat? I would think that something around 34' would be more than big enough for 4 people to spend a weekend on. For the same $$ you will would be able to get a newer boat in better condition.

Good luck,
Barry

[Cruisingdad]

737,

You might want to take a look at the Catalina 380 first. They are all over the gulf of Mexico and some in more distant locations. Cost difference probably would not be that much. I lived aboard and cruised with my wife, kiddo, an 2 dogs on a 380 and will attest for its durability It is awesome for island hopping. It is heavy enough to take a beating. It has a seperate shower, comfortable masters berth, nice seperate nav station, and good accessibility to your systems. It came out of the old Morgan mold and is solid.

Just take a look first. Boats are such a big investment, consider all of your options. Also, unless you are going to pay cash, it can be cheaper to have a boat loan that exceeds 100k after down payment. 100k often gets % point breaks and 20 year terms.

Take care.

- CD

[Giulietta]

737..don't do what CD is telling you to do....get a Swan...that's much better, or a Reichel Pugh....nice litlle boats

[sailingdog]

If you document the boat, the loan is often a Marine Mortgage, rather than a personal loan, and has much better terms generally. Also, the mortgage interest on a boat can be tax deductible in some cases, provided the boat has a permanent head and galley on-board, as it can qualify as a residence.