[TSOJOURNER]

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.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

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.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Well, after a season and a half of fixing it, I finally went sailing with it last week. I like it but wish it was a bit beamier (is that a word?). I put a roller furler on it. The boom was bent so I put a new boom on it. Rebuilt the mast, put a new traveller on it. Had the engine checked and fixed (cost about 6 thou. just for the engine work). Oh, yes, I had the main sail reconditioned. Still needs work inside to brightener up a bit. Everyone tells me she will be very seaworthy. Still having trouble with the transmission cable, it doesn't shift well into reverse. Prop is a two blade prop and is enemic in reverse. But it's my first boat and I like it. Oh, and I had the shore power rewired, and had to put a galvanic isolator on it. The surveyor found lots of stuff to fix, including soft spots on the deck. So I've learned to fiberglass and use git rot. If I can sort out the transmission cable, I'll be pleased and next year, I get a three blade prop for it. don't buy anything until a surveyor looks at it, that's the best recommendation I can make.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Hughes 29

Check out my web site as I am restoring a hughes 29 and have been in contact with Howard Hughes the builder and designer. Have 4 Hughes of various sizes in our club. danceonavolcano.ca/hughes.htm