Too much boat too soon?

jetdrvr393 · #1 07-16-2011

Hey all,

We have had our S2 7.3 for 2 years and been sailing her regularly. We have been looking for something bigger and have found a really sweet deal on a Hunter 34. Someone has told me that we are moving up in size too fast. We just did the basic keelboat course on a Tartan Ten and had no issues with the size. We have plans to take the basic cruising course on the Hunter when we get it. Are we biting off more than we can chew with the size increase?

Thanks

deniseO30 · #2 07-16-2011

someone lied to you!

blt2ski · #3 07-16-2011

I know a few that STARTED with 40+ ft boats. So I doubt going up the amount you are talking about would be bad. Then again, I went combined sailing an 8' pram and paretns 21' trailer sailor, took 20 yrs off, and went right to a 29'ish foot boat. Probably could have gone longer yet, with out missing a beat!

Marty

mitchbrown · #4 07-16-2011

I started with a CnC 34 and loved it. What a great boat, Man I loved that boat. Ya get my drift

Mitch

bljones · #5 07-17-2011

If it feels right, it is right. One thing to remember is that, from a maintenance standpoint, you may have only increased LOA by 30%, but you have increased area by 150%, so bottom painting, topside cleaning, etc, will take longer and require more material. Running rigging is also beefier, longer, and therefore more expensive. From a sailing standpoint, you are gonna love it! longer waterline and more ballast means easier motion and higher speed. Enjoy!!!

overbored · #6 07-17-2011

Only thing you will notice is that the bow is further away and the weight makes docking a little different. it weights about 4 times the S2. Go for it the hunter 34 is a great boat

tomperanteau · #7 07-17-2011

In the event that this may be a friend, I won't refer to them as a moron, but they are misleading you.

It's up to you as to whether or not you are ready. In three years we moved from a 26 footer, to a 31 footer, to a 36 footer, and we never looked back.

If you are sure as to your goals and what you ultimately want, then you are on track.

sailjunkie · #8 07-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by bljones

If it feels right, it is right. One thing to remember is that, from a maintenance standpoint, you may have only increased LOA by 30%, but you have increased area by 150%, so bottom painting, topside cleaning, etc, will take longer and require more material. Running rigging is also beefier, longer, and therefore more expensive. From a sailing standpoint, you are gonna love it! longer waterline and more ballast means easier motion and higher speed. Enjoy!!!

Yup. I would be more inclined to worry about the number of boat systems than the additional length. However, you already have 2 years ownership experience, so this may not be as big a jump as your "adviser" thinks.

Go for it!

JiffyLube · #9 07-17-2011

I've been on many different size boats through the year, but these were all owned by others. When I decided to get my own boat, I went straight to a 36 footer. It took me a little while to get used to the size, but now it feels quite comfortable...sometimes now I think I should have gone larger.

jetdrvr393 · #10 07-17-2011

Thanks a lot everyone. I didn't think I would have an issue, just wanted some feedback to be sure. Lets hope she surveys ok!