*Thinking* about a bigger, better boat

[arf145]

Originally Posted by Faster

Though I kind of hate to say it, we really liked the layout and setup of the Hunter 355 Legend (91-94) best of all of them. Frac rig, decent cockpit (but smaller than the Cats) arguably a better layout below and arguably 'sexier' looking but of course that's subjective. The biggest knock for me on the h355 is the rarity of a deep keel version - not an issue for you...

This is why I put the question to the braintrust here! I thought all Hunters had the B&R. That is a nice looking boat, for sure. The 37.5 too. I could ding it for what looks to be a keel stepped mast, I guess. Which makes me ask: Am I being too picky on that issue? How do those who have these handle the rainwater that makes its way in, or is that not that common?

[chef2sail]

arf,

Maybe also consider some of the more performance oriented boats like the Sabre 34/36 or The C&C 35 like we have or the CS36 like Mainesail has. a liitle slower but also nice the Tartan 34 or 37.

They are very comfortable as cruising boats but are a lttle more performance oriented tha Catalinas and Bennes.

They also have the traditional lines like your Peason had

The problem is the deck stepped mast. Is that a deal breaker. We have a virtually dry bilge as we have a dripless shaft.

Dave

[Faster]

Originally Posted by arf145

This is why I put the question to the braintrust here! I thought all Hunters had the B&R. That is a nice looking boat, for sure. The 37.5 too. I could ding it for what looks to be a keel stepped mast, I guess. Which makes me ask: Am I being too picky on that issue? How do those who have these handle the rainwater that makes its way in, or is that not that common?

Both the 355 and the 375 are deck stepped.. so no worries there. The whole deck/keel issue can be overblown. But truth is even with well sealed partners at the deck, a dripless shaft seal, etc, you are still likely to get water down the inside of the mast, esp when windy and raining, through halyard slots, tang fittings, etc. A deck stepped mast does avoid that and is attractive from that point of view.

It's a manageable issue, (ie keel stepped) so if you find a boat you love otherwise I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand (btw, all Cat 36s, even MKIIs, are keel stepped unlike the others)

[BarryL]

Hey,

I don't think there is any real significant advantage or disadvantage of deck stepped vs. keep stepped mast. Yes, a keel stepped mast is more likely to let rain water enter the boat, either through the mast or where the mast passes through the partners. However, a good mast boot will most most / all of the water. On the plus side, the keel stepped mast is probably stronger than deck stepped. It is also way easier to get the wiring from the mast into the boat (no connectors going through the deck). You don't need a compression post inside the boat.

My mast is keep stepped. I used to get a lot of water inside after a rain. Then I did a proper job of installed the mast boot and I also used some mast boot tape. Now I get very little (like a few drips) water inside after a rain storm.

Regarding some other boat suggestions, the Hunter Legend models (33.5, 35.5, 37.5) are pretty nice but they are getting old now. The last models were made in 1995 or so, so they are now approaching 20 years old. Personally, that doesn't bother me, but you stated you wanted boats that were more like 10 years old. Lastly, those boats do have a B+R rig with swept back spreaders. They still have a backstay and don't use the arch like newer models, but you still can't ease the main all the way out b/c it will hit the spreaders.

Barry

[Faster]

Originally Posted by BarryL

Lastly, those boats (Hunter Legends) do have a B+R rig with swept back spreaders. They still have a backstay and don't use the arch like newer models, but you still can't ease the main all the way out b/c it will hit the spreaders.

Barry

Just a point of clarification..


The rigs on the 33.5/35.5/37.5/40.5 Legend series are not really B&R rigs. B&R rigs are characterized primarily by the "X' pattern of shrouds and long, severely swept spreaders. The older h40 had a masthead version of the B&R also with a standard backstay..

The 89 - 95 Legends have regular uppers and lowers, slightly swept spreaders and a standard backstay. Once Hunter went to the "6" series (336, etc) the backstay disappeared, the spreader sweep got extreme and the B&R's "X" shrouds reappeared.

Swept spreaders can interfere with the main on a dead run but it's not all that big a deal (our boat is similar in that regard) We generally avoid running DDW in any case..

[arf145]

Originally Posted by BarryL

Hey,
I don't think there is any real significant advantage or disadvantage of deck stepped vs. keep stepped mast. Yes, a keel stepped mast is more likely to let rain water enter the boat, either through the mast or where the mast passes through the partners. However, a good mast boot will most most / all of the water. On the plus side, the keel stepped mast is probably stronger than deck stepped. It is also way easier to get the wiring from the mast into the boat (no connectors going through the deck). You don't need a compression post inside the boat.

The structural advantages of the KS mast seem a wash to me. And no offense, but those plus points seem a little dubious. Sure, once you put a mast-sized hole in your deck it's easier to get wires through, and yes, you don't need a compression post because you've got a much bigger post-like mast running through your cabin. Like saying chopping off your hand has removed the need for a glove. But it does sound like the water thing--which was my only consideration--may be less than I thought. I might put that question out on the board separately.

I am indeed trying to move to a newer boat, but I'm also trying to keep an open mind. The "newer" desire is partly about design, etc. and also about trying to get a boat before water has gotten through the deck fittings, sun has had it's way with the gelcoat, and PO's have had less time to make questionable repairs, etc.

[jrd22]

As dear old Dad told me- "If you're even THINKING about a bigger boat, go and completely wash and wax the one you have first, and then decide how much bigger you really want." :-))

[arf145]

Originally Posted by chef2sail

Maybe also consider some of the more performance oriented boats like the Sabre 34/36 or The C&C 35 like we have or the CS36 like Mainesail has. a little slower but also nice the Tartan 34 or 37.
.
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The problem is the deck stepped mast. Is that a deal breaker.

Good ones, Dave. I have stalked the CS on YW in the past because MaineSail liked his so much. Not many of them in this neck of the woods, but I see that some do have a shoal keel. And I've looked at C&Cs--I like a lot about them, but generally they're going to have only a quarter berth aft, true? Was hoping to take a couple of guests out with us.

But I'm bending on the KS vs. DS mast.

[arf145]

Originally Posted by jrd22

As dear old Dad told me- "If you're even THINKING about a bigger boat, go and completely wash and wax the one you have first, and then decide how much bigger you really want." :-))

Not fair. Way too realistic! Especially considering the shape I was in the last time I washed/compounded/polished/waxed my 28 footer. But see, I was hoping I could avoid a couple of those middle steps if I go with a newer boat with less beat-upon gelcoat. And then boatyard fairies will scrape and paint the bottom, and ...

[capttb]

As dear old Dad told me- "If you're even THINKING about a bigger boat, go and completely wash and wax the one you have first, and then decide how much bigger you really want." :-))

OMG, I'd have to go back to my Lido 14 if required to wash and wax myself. It got to be like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, by the time I finished it was time to start again.
I have an '02 C320 and it would certainly suit the purposes of the OP, the door to the forepeak is ridiculous narrow as Faster said earlier.