Looking for info on Hughes 29 (1972)

[quicksilver]

Found this boat recently. The boat is in absolutely amazing shape. It was refitted and renovated by the current owner. He was going to keep it for cruising during retirement but elected to live aboard and bought a bigger boat.

To say that the boat is **** and span would be an understatement. The price is right and much lower than the cost of overhaul (I saw the actual receipts).

It''s a fiberglass boat with all the conveniences of a much more modern boat. The construction seems to be solid, overdesigned if fact. But, I''m a little concerned about buying a 30 year old boat. Should I spend 2 to 3 time the amount and opt for a mid 90''s boat of similar size? What am I getting for my money if I do?

Is anyone familiar with the Hughes 29 line of boats?

I''d be willing to provide more info on the boat and have a discussion about it''s various aspects if someone wants to engage me in this discussion.

I can tell you that according to a SailCalculatorPro web site I found, the Hughes 29 is rated to be more stable and comfortable than both the Catalinas 28 to 32 and Hunters of similar size. It''s a tad (half knot) slower than either due to it''s large weight displacement. It is also less beamy by about a foot or so than either the Catalina or Hunter of similar size.

I''m looking to use the boat as my weekend cottage on water. I plan to do some weekend cruising on the Chessapeak with my wife and two small children. The boat should be roomy enough to fit all of us but a beamier boat would be a plus. Still I''d hate to let a remarkably good used boat slip through my fingers.

[roy1948]

I also am interested in finding out more about the Hughes 29. I just bought one on ebay, it is actually a 29.5 foot boat with a rebuilt Atomic 5 engine and from the photos it looks very good. I'm planning to go see it next weekend. But it's heavier than most boats it's size so it should be pretty stable in the water. People I've talked to have told me the older boats are overbuilt, much better fiberglass construction. I was looking seriously at a pretty solid Pearson 26 ft Commander, but the Hughes was cheaper and had a much better layout and an inboard motor which seemed like a much better idea to me. Mine was built in 1971, I'd love to hear about yours, not to many around.

[sailingdog]

Roy-

As the person above posted that message SEVEN YEARS AGO, chances are they're not even active on the forum, and not likely to answer anytime soon. As I mentioned previously, in your other revived Hughes thread, you'd be much better off posting a new thread.

Please read the post in my signature to help you get the most out of sailnet. and please stop reviving dead threads.