To Hunter 375/376/380 owners

[rmf1643]

I have just purchased a ''98 Hunter 376 pending survey and sea trial. Have any of you encounters any problems with this boat that I might look for and possibly be considered a "common" problem.

[Jeff_H]

Look at hull to keel joint and pan connection ot hull at keel area. Also check deck for core delaminations.
Jeff

[audbydez]

HUNTER 376

The most critical par tof sailing hunters is down wind sailing. since you cannot let the boom out forward enough for true down wind sailing you will often be on broad reaches. without a backstay (your hunter has B&R swept back spreader rig but no arch) only the leach of the sail gives additional rearward tension to the rig. the forward loads of the jib onthe forestay and the huge mainsail on the mast put enourmous forward pressure on the entire rig. an accidental gybe with so much sail area puts way too much forward pressure on the rig and it may prone to demasting. Some of the caribbean charter fleets (although they do not publish this) experienced near 60% demasting of hunters in their fleets.
You may want to check with a rigger at the feasiblity of adding an adjustable backstay. This would enhance both performance and safety.
By the way - are you buying this boat from Cape Yachts in New England . If so, I know this boat and it''s priced way above it''s true value (offer $10,000 or more less - the sails are UK tape drive - good but not great).

Its previous owner bought a Tartan 3700. That should tell you something about the Hunter 376.

good luck!

Captain Ron

[rmf1643]

Capt Ron,
Accidental gybe''s can cause damage on any boat. I rigged a preventer on my Catalina 30 whenever I was running to prevent the gybe. Based on your comments I will be doing the same, or perhaps a boom brake. I understand the differences between a hunter vs tartan. For now the hunter fits my use and my budget. The boat is in S. Cal, not NE.
Bob

[ldecoster]

Assume you own your 376 now. We traded our 1998 376 for a 2000 460. We had many regrets up to the very last day we owned the 376 only because we loved it. Hope you enjoy your 376 as much as we did.

Hunters are terrific values for coastal cruisers. We have owned 4.

P.S. We love the 460. If you decide to upgrade later, compare its value to a Tartan 3700.