Funny thing about them Hunters....

PBzeer · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006

Just a casual observation from sailing Galveston Bay over the past month. Those "worthless" Hunters seem to be the majority of the boats out sailing. While we've got most every brand around in this area, it seems I always see more Hunters out there than any other. Not that it really means anything, I just find it funny that the most dumped on brand seems to be the one being most used.

kjsailingSpring · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2006

It makes complete sense...They're cheaper than most and will do the trick if you aren't going to cross oceans. I talked a good talk against them when I was out looking for my current boat but in the end, price screamed louder than my errogance against floating bleech bottles and it was the most boat I could get for my buck.

I don't see too many of them on the East coast. When I lived in San Diego, CA in the 90's, every other boat seemed to be a catalina or hunter. As I try to get comfortable with the choppy waters of the Atlantic, I can imagine why there are not as many Hunters here.

I love my Hunter because I'm a newbie as a captain of my own boat and it is very forgiving of my dozens of mistakes I've alreay learned from. They're simple in their set-up, use a durable, reliable engine and allow the owner to be out sailing instead of treating teak or working to pay off the mortgage.

Just a humble opinion -

KJSailing

Melrna · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

I am not sure why all production boats have a bad rap. Every manufacture of boats have a niche in the the community of sailors. Each boat is made for a specific purpose. I would not take my Hunter 33 around the world but it works great for what I do with it, daytime and some coastal cruising. I have no problems taking the boat out in 20+ winds. She handles great and doesn't pound to much. I can single handle the boat with no problems and do most of the time. Maybe what it really comes down too is the sailor and not the boat!

Melissa
SV Freedom

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

I pulled into a Wal-Mart last weekend and all I saw in the lot was Chevy's and Fords...wonder why?

Just kidding folks...having owned Catalinas and O'days...you sail what the budget allows...the important thing is to SAIL (and to know your limitations).

PBzeer · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

So true! That is what it's all about.

kwaltersmi · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006

Nothing wrong with hunting the seas in a Hunter. You're the captain and you can sail what pleases ya! Cheers to anyone with enough ambition to ride wind!

GoLikeaFish · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006

PS has a good article on the new Hunter 49:

http://www.practical-sailor.com/issu...ew/5324-1.html

Bottom Line: "In our opinion, the 49 offers moderate passagemaking potential with sufficient comfort, and relatively low maintenance to justify its base price of $320,000."

T37Chef · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006

Personally I would never own a Hunter...but whos cares! If Hunters, Bene, Catalinas get more people sailing than I'm all for it.

jms2550 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2006

Personally I have sailed Beneteau, Catalina, Jenneau, and Hunter.
Hunter by far, is the best boat for the money.

redcorvette1995 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006

One thing to keep in mind about the hunters is there entire lineup is designed for single-handing. So you can have a BIG boat and still sail it yourself. It lets you get out on the water whenever you want to without crew.

I own an Ontario 32, and I can tell you that the a 45 foot hunters is easier to sail than the O32, not as much fun, but easier, and eaiser to make it go fast.

These two points appeal to a lot of people.

To say nothing of the price.
For what you pay for what you get it's a good deal.

Now would I cross the Atlantic in one... no...