Joining the hobby/first sailboat

[alcapown]

Found out, its eighteen and a half feet.

[alcapown]

I've read some interesting things on hunters online, seems there are quite a bit of people that think they are poorly made boats, but then again some that swear by them. Hmm. Also, I need to ask more questions, wonder what some really helpful ones would be, over the phone, before I make the drive, if I do. This does appear though to not be too bad of a deal, but no motor.

[zedboy]

Originally Posted by alcapown

I've read some interesting things on hunters online, seems there are quite a bit of people that think they are poorly made boats, but then again some that swear by them. Hmm. Also, I need to ask more questions, wonder what some really helpful ones would be, over the phone, before I make the drive, if I do. This does appear though to not be too bad of a deal, but no motor.

Hunters are what they are - not for crossing the Atlantic. Any similar trailerable is going to be lightly built. You wouldn't want to spend forever attaching triple stays etc etc, you want to get the mast up quick and get out there.

Instead of questions, ask the seller to send pictures showing chainplates inside and outside, bilge, rudder post, centerboard pin & winch, etc etc. You can ask him if there are any soft spots on the deck or cabin top.

[neoxaero]

I bought my first boat last summer - a Santana 21

I found it listed on Craigslist for $2000
It had a 7.5HP Chrysler outboard and the sails were in "decent" shape and it was "ready to sail"

The boat was down in Corpus Christi - About 4 hour drive away - so i called the guy and asked what was his lowest bottom dollar number he would reasonably take for the boat. He said $800 so I said I'll be there tomorrow

Great deal IMO - BUT:
When I bought the boat I had to put two new rims on the trailer (about $150 total) before I could even tow it home.

Once I got it home I found a brand new (still in the bag from the sail maker) main sail and some other goodies..

I had replace the chain plates as they were completely rotton from corrosion and completely replace the standing rigging. All the running rigging was 3 strand rope/wire so I replaced all of the halyards and I've added a few other goodies to the boat.

Anyways, My point of this story is - Be ready to put some money in to what ever you buy - and haggle haggle haggle...

All said and done I've spent about 2500 on this boat + marina fees to keep it at the marina (stepping a mast every time you want to take the boat out becomes a real pain in the butt real fast)

Everything I've bought for this boat I've gotten for at least 10-15% cheaper because I was willing to ask "whats the best price you can give me on ...."

Hopefully I can get a new spinnaker and genoa for this boat on the cheap too.. I'll find out later this week i suppose

[peoples1234]

Originally Posted by alcapown

I've read some interesting things on hunters online, seems there are quite a bit of people that think they are poorly made boats, but then again some that swear by them. Hmm. Also, I need to ask more questions, wonder what some really helpful ones would be, over the phone, before I make the drive, if I do. This does appear though to not be too bad of a deal, but no motor.

There are a lot of Hunter haters out there, but I wouldn't hesitate to get one. Actually, I have one.

Also, there may not be much wood, but the wood that is there is structural. Keep that in mind if you go and look at it. It is not just trim pieces. There is also wood used for deck core in the transom, chainplates, and mast step area.

Good luck, but don't shy away from it because of what you read on the net. It would be a great boat for you.

[alcapown]

Well, unresponsive to my texts today, but the first day the guy was responding in a split second, so I will see if maybe I get a text/response tomorrow, but it's pretty odd that on his side communication seems to have halted, but maybe just a busy day so we will see.

A bit worried now, I really hope everything checks out and is in great condition, but I currently am unarmed with the knowledge to really know everything there is to, but I will try my best. I just want to be out on the water so bad now lol, can't wait to own a boat, whenever that day will come.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by alcapown

Well, unresponsive to my texts today, but the first day the guy was responding in a split second, so I will see if maybe I get a text/response tomorrow, but it's pretty odd that on his side communication seems to have halted, but maybe just a busy day so we will see.

A bit worried now, I really hope everything checks out and is in great condition, but I currently am unarmed with the knowledge to really know everything there is to, but I will try my best. I just want to be out on the water so bad now lol, can't wait to own a boat, whenever that day will come.

I'd recommend looking at the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started in the Boat Buying forum...as it will help you get an idea of what shape the boat is really in.

[alcapown]

Well called today, he sold the boat. On to the next one. :/