Hunter 345 comments
 

well, my wife and I have decided (maybe) that our ultimate sailboat is the
mid 80s Hunter 345. we like the looks, layout and what we have read as far
as how she sails and performs is good. Any comments on this boat?

Hunter 345 comments
 

I don't much like Hunters in general, but if that's what's going to work
for you, go for it. They're listed in the local rag as good starter boats.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"FamilySailor" wrote in message
...
well, my wife and I have decided (maybe) that our ultimate sailboat is the
mid 80s Hunter 345. we like the looks, layout and what we have read as far
as how she sails and performs is good. Any comments on this boat?

Hunter 345 comments
 

Just closed the deal on a Reinel 26' It will be a long time before we could
get a Hunter 345. But I don't want it as a starter boat. I want to
eventually have it as my last boat. We want something to take across the
Gulf of Mexico to winter in the Caribbean (If "W" says I can leave the U.S.
that is)

Hunter 345 comments
 

well, my wife and I have decided (maybe) that our ultimate sailboat is the
mid 80s Hunter 345.

LOL.......... I didn't know a Hunter made it onto anybody's "ultimate" sailboat
list. Usually a Swan, Baltic or Oyster might.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

LOL.......... I didn't know a Hunter made it onto anybody's "ultimate"
sailboat
list. Usually a Swan, Baltic or Oyster might.

Well, it has to be within my price range, which is $20,000 to $25,000. I
don't want to take a loan to get it. I just want to buy it.

While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually get my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Hunter 345 comments
 

While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually get my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Cheap construction. Balast/displacement ratios probably not suited to ocean
sailing. Interior layout would not be conducive to your Carib. cruise plans
which requires days at sea.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

I'll second Loco on the Ballast/Displacement ratio.

I used to teach on these boats and we were required
to write up three probelms on every boat we took out.
The joke for these Bent-e-toads was the instructors
put "Not enough lead in keel" for a probelm.

In any kind of wind you are reefing down. Roller furling
kills the shape of the head sail. Offshore, with reefed sails
the leeway is horrible. You are lucky if you get 1 knot made
good upwind.

These boats are for inland and coastal waters where you can
anchor at night.

SAIL LOCO wrote

While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually get
my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Cheap construction. Balast/displacement ratios probably not suited to
ocean
sailing. Interior layout would not be conducive to your Carib. cruise
plans
which requires days at sea.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

Why do you think Caribbean cruising "requires days at sea"? On a trip
from Ft. Lauderdale to Trinidad there are only 4 areas that are more
than 73 nmi. Turks and Cacous to Dominican Republic 78 nmi, D.R to
Puerto Rico (Mona Passage) 76 nmi, Virgin Gorda (BVI) to St. Martin 81
nmi, and Grenada to Trinidad 73 nmi. All the rest of the Eastern
Caribbean is basically coastal cruising, 6 nmi to 30 nmi between
islands. Been there, done it.
krj
s/v Isle Escape

SAIL LOCO wrote:
While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually get my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Cheap construction. Balast/displacement ratios probably not suited to ocean
sailing. Interior layout would not be conducive to your Carib. cruise plans
which requires days at sea.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

by all accounts of people who have spent extended times cruising in the
Caribbean, Hunter sailboats are uncommon cruising in the Caribbean.

I have had brokers -- some who would sell their mother if she would only stop
screaming -- say they would not list a Hunter that had been cruised in the
Caribbean. A boat out in 20 knot tradewinds for ten 70 mile trips has about
the same use as a boat with one 700 mile trip.

If you would like a newish boat on the truly cheap, go to the Bahamas as
looking around for a Mac 26 the owner is afraid to try to sail back to Florida.

Why do you think Caribbean cruising "requires days at sea"? On a trip
from Ft. Lauderdale to Trinidad there are only 4 areas that are more
than 73 nmi. Turks and Cacous to Dominican Republic 78 nmi, D.R to
Puerto Rico (Mona Passage) 76 nmi, Virgin Gorda (BVI) to St. Martin 81
nmi, and Grenada to Trinidad 73 nmi. All the rest of the Eastern
Caribbean is basically coastal cruising, 6 nmi to 30 nmi between
islands. Been there, done it.
krj
s/v Isle Escape

SAIL LOCO wrote:
While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually get
my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Cheap construction. Balast/displacement ratios probably not suited to
ocean
sailing. Interior layout would not be conducive to your Carib. cruise
plans
which requires days at sea.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

I agree with krj, it does not required days at sea. It is only a 4 to 6 day
sail from Galveston to Cancun, then hopping around like you said. we just
want a boat that is comfortable enough to live on when we are on the boat.
And, the layout of the early to mid 80s Hunter 345 is perfect for us to be
comfortable. I like the queen sized berth under the cockpit. The stern rides
much smoother than the bow. I think the full keel model would be perfect.
All sailboats need to reef down when the wind picks up. It will be our
floating home while we are away from the old land base. What other sailboat
would you recommend for 20 to 25 Gs that is as comfortable?

Hunter 345 comments
 

talk to a broker, dude. they like to sell high end boats, to be sure, but they
see a LOT of boats owners want to sell.

I agree with krj, it does not required days at sea. It is only a 4 to 6 day
sail from Galveston to Cancun, then hopping around like you said. we just
want a boat that is comfortable enough to live on when we are on the boat.
And, the layout of the early to mid 80s Hunter 345 is perfect for us to be
comfortable. I like the queen sized berth under the cockpit. The stern rides
much smoother than the bow. I think the full keel model would be perfect.
All sailboats need to reef down when the wind picks up. It will be our
floating home while we are away from the old land base. What other sailboat
would you recommend for 20 to 25 Gs that is as comfortable?

Hunter 345 comments
 

Why do you think Caribbean cruising "requires days at sea"

Well, you have to get there!
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

The stern rides
much smoother than the bow.

What?

I think the full keel model would be perfect.

I think you would have a hard time finding a "full keel" 84 Hunter. Do
you mean deep fin keel?
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

"FamilySailor" wrote
And, the layout of the early to mid 80s Hunter 345 is perfect for us to be
comfortable. I like the queen sized berth under the cockpit.

you sound like a woman, or a bobsprit shopping for a boat.



.. What other sailboat
would you recommend for 20 to 25 Gs that is as comfortable?

You can buy a 345 for 20k?

SV

Hunter 345 comments
 

"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
The stern rides
much smoother than the bow.

What?


it's an articulated design.

SV

Hunter 345 comments
 

yea, not the shoal draft feel

Hunter 345 comments
 

you sound like a woman, or a bobsprit shopping for a boat.

I sail with my wife and one of my concerns as her husband is to take care of
her and make her comfortable. She says I don't have to worry about her, but
I do.

And "Scott Vernon" I have been going through all your little comments you
post about people and have come to the conclusion. You are a REAL ASSHOLE! I
feel for those who have to be around you.

Hunter 345 comments
 

Did you read my post? Getting there was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Overnight sail to Bimini (41 nmi) then day sailing down the Bahamas. If
you are on the east coast, you can get to Ft. Lauderdale by day sailing
down the east coast or the ICW. No "required days at sea" unless you
want to sail from say Newport, RI, to Bermuda, then down I-65 to the
Virgin Islands.
krj

SAIL LOCO wrote:

Why do you think Caribbean cruising "requires days at sea"

Well, you have to get there!
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

What?

You can become airborne sailing into the wind, while sleeping in the v-berth
and even the quarter berths, not so in the stern. I used to commercial fish
and I built a 70' longliner (with a stern cabin). The stern is more
comfortable. And, if you are taking shifts at the helm in rough weather,
being able to sleep is a good thing.

Hunter 345 comments
 

You can buy a 345 for 20k?

I have run across several from $22,500 to $25,000 you just have to be ready
to jump on it fast. They don't last long. We are not ready yet. Don't have
that much extra cash set aside for something like a sailboat.

Hunter 345 comments
 

FamilySailor wrote:
And "Scott Vernon" I have been going through all your little comments you
post about people and have come to the conclusion. You are a REAL ASSHOLE! I
feel for those who have to be around you.

I've met Scott Vernon, and he's not a real asshole. He's not even a fake
asshole. You seem to have a defective sense of humor.

DSK

Hunter 345 comments
 

JAXAshby wrote:
by all accounts of people who have spent extended times cruising in the
Caribbean, Hunter sailboats are uncommon cruising in the Caribbean.

This is JAX admitting that he has never been sailing in the Caribbean
himself.

DSK

Hunter 345 comments
 

FamilySailor wrote:
.... What other sailboat
would you recommend for 20 to 25 Gs that is as comfortable?

"Comfortable" is in the eyes of the beholder. Here are some of my picks

Islander 36. Well built, sails well, probably not as roomy or fancy as
the Hunter, but more practical
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...id= 1406&url=

I like the way these older IOR boats look. And this one seems to be
nicely done up for cruising.
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...43&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...50&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...id= 1502&url=

If you're smart, for cruising the Gulf and Bahamas, you'll pick a boat
with less draft rather than more
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...53&slim=quick&

Hope this helps

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Hunter 345 comments
 

I've met Scott Vernon, and he's not a real asshole. He's not even a fake
asshole. You seem to have a defective sense of humor.


I could be wrong. I hope so for his sake I am.
If it is just humor, it's no problemo, but I was beginning to thinking of
him as "Scott Venom"

Hunter 345 comments
 

Islander 36. Well built, sails well, probably not as roomy or fancy as
the Hunter, but more practical

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...id= 1406&url=


The Islanders have big following. Most are pretty proud of them. Kinda
pricey. I would love to have one.

Hunter 345 comments
 

it's an articulated design.

Cool. I have an articulated steam locomotive.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

yea, not the shoal draft feel

What?
Hey, the 'f' key is nowhere near the 'k' key.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

You can become airborne sailing into the wind, while sleeping in the
v-berth
and even the quarter berths, not so in the stern.

Well then wouldn't that bwe true of any boat? Why did you post that the Hunter
rides better in the stern than the bow?
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

SAIL LOCO wrote:
Cool. I have an articulated steam locomotive.

Mallet or Yellowstone?

DSK

Hunter 345 comments
 

"FamilySailor" wrote

And "Scott Vernon"

what's with the quotation marks?


feel for those who have to be around you.


could get me in big trouble at the office.

''Scott'' "Vernon"

Hunter 345 comments
 

Watch out Loco, he'll call you an ''asshole'' .

'''SV'''

"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
yea, not the shoal draft feel

What?
Hey, the 'f' key is nowhere near the 'k' key.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

I'll second the comments on poor performance with any kind of wind. I took
a Hunter 310 out for a weekend at a local anchorage. In 15 knots sailing
upwind there was extreme weather helm even with the traveler eased quite a
bit. Even after putting in a reef the handling was very poor compared to a
Catalina 30 or Beneteau 323. The 310 is nice for taking my non-sailor
friends out for a daysail though. It's cheap to charter for a day, and they
all think it's a beautiful boat.

I took a Hunter 420 to Catalina Island for a 3-day weekend. With the center
cockpit, this thing had a spectacular aft cabin with queen sized bed,
standing room, nice head. But in 18 knots of breeze she was out of control.
It was better after I rolled in some of the main (effectively reefing). But
honestly, this much difficulty handling wind in a boat this size? Awful
performance. Also, the roller furling main was a nightmare. Okay, I
suppose it provides an infinite number of reef points. But the sail shape
is horrible, and it's MUCH more work than just hoisting a sail with a
halyard - I don't see the point at all.

I am no expert in sailing. It's possible I didn't have the boats properly
trimmed. But these experiences sure left me with a poor impression of
Hunters.

"Bart Senior" wrote in message
t...
I'll second Loco on the Ballast/Displacement ratio.

I used to teach on these boats and we were required
to write up three probelms on every boat we took out.
The joke for these Bent-e-toads was the instructors
put "Not enough lead in keel" for a probelm.

In any kind of wind you are reefing down. Roller furling
kills the shape of the head sail. Offshore, with reefed sails
the leeway is horrible. You are lucky if you get 1 knot made
good upwind.

These boats are for inland and coastal waters where you can
anchor at night.

SAIL LOCO wrote

While we are "OT" (on topic), What are the down falls and faults with
Hunters? Give me the down and dirty facts. I don't want to eventually
get
my
dreamboat and find it is a nightmare! :-O

Cheap construction. Balast/displacement ratios probably not suited to
ocean
sailing. Interior layout would not be conducive to your Carib. cruise
plans
which requires days at sea.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

yea, not the shoal draft feel

What?
Hey, the 'f' key is nowhere near the 'k' key.

"feel" is how you tell where the bottom of the water is.

Hunter 345 comments
 

I built a 70' longliner (with a stern cabin).

sure, you did. and in your backyard, summers when you weren't teaching high
school French classes.

The stern is more
comfortable.

how would you know?

And, if you are taking shifts at the helm in rough weather,
being able to sleep is a good thing.


boy, you ARE a genius, aren't you? So, why do you want a bouncy, side,
skittish boat with known problems with gear failure and 800# of water under the
v-berth?

Hunter 345 comments
 

Hunter 345 comments
 

sorry, , but scottie really is a fake, for he only sails a boat of
value. a really hero like you -- who loves his wife -- sails a nimrod 34
without tabs on the bulkhead.

From: "FamilySailor"
Date: 7/14/2004 2:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Message-id:

I've met Scott Vernon, and he's not a real asshole. He's not even a fake
asshole. You seem to have a defective sense of humor.


I could be wrong. I hope so for his sake I am.
If it is just humor, it's no problemo, but I was beginning to thinking of
him as "Scott Venom"

Hunter 345 comments
 

you don't have much cash set aside and you want to buy a nimrod 34 for 1/3rd
the price of a Dana 24? what kind of dunderhead are you?

You can buy a 345 for 20k?

I have run across several from $22,500 to $25,000 you just have to be ready
to jump on it fast. They don't last long. We are not ready yet. Don't have
that much extra cash set aside for something like a sailboat.

Hunter 345 comments
 

This is JAX admitting that he has never been sailing in the Caribbean
himself.

DSK

no, it isn't. it is adding to my experience with the experience of thousands
of others.

Hunter 345 comments
 

dude, you are gonna quit the game within a month.

From: krj
Date: 7/14/2004 11:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Message-id:

Did you read my post? Getting there was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Overnight sail to Bimini (41 nmi) then day sailing down the Bahamas. If
you are on the east coast, you can get to Ft. Lauderdale by day sailing
down the east coast or the ICW. No "required days at sea" unless you
want to sail from say Newport, RI, to Bermuda, then down I-65 to the
Virgin Islands.
krj

SAIL LOCO wrote:

Why do you think Caribbean cruising "requires days at sea"

Well, you have to get there!
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"

Hunter 345 comments
 

On my boat the quarter berths are as close to the stern as possible. I
think is generally agreed the the smallest motion is experienced near
the center of gravity i.e. nearer the center of the boat

Cheers

FamilySailor wrote:
What?


You can become airborne sailing into the wind, while sleeping in the v-berth
and even the quarter berths, not so in the stern. I used to commercial fish
and I built a 70' longliner (with a stern cabin). The stern is more
comfortable. And, if you are taking shifts at the helm in rough weather,
being able to sleep is a good thing.