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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Admiralty Forum

Catalina 30 .vs. Hunter

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Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/11/2011 : 06:40:30

gasp, I am asking a potentially loaded question, esp in a Catalina forum.

So the Admiral is konking her head too frequently in the C25: SO the next boat will likely be a 30. We have looked at some earlier model hunters that have a nice layout (1988-1992) but didn't like the newer models. Does anyone have direct sailing experience on these models .vs. the Cat 30's? From what I've heard the Legend series do not sail well?

I'll take opinions and factual content, just let me know what you are contributing. Thanks.

s/v No Worries, O'Day 28
PO Moe'Uhane - C25 SR/FK #1746

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 07:47:03

I've only sailed the C-30, but I'll still offer one observation on Hunter. After watching an H-240 mast come down in its slip (not purposefully!), I wouldn't buy one of the 3-digit model numbers (about 2000 on) due to the backstay-less B&R rig. I just can't be comfortable with holding that big a rig up without a backstay--you can't convince me the geometry of the swept spreaders is as robust. As far as I know, all of the earlier, two-digit models have traditional rigs with backstays.

BTW, the mast extrusion on that boat, which snapped on the way down, was sorta like a Coors can--I helped them get it onto the deck. The whole thing came down when a shroud touched a piling as they were backing out of their slip. Who knows what would have happened on a C-25... but I saw what I saw.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/11/2011 07:53:58

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 08:24:51

I've helmed a Legend 37.5 a couple of times and they are slower than molasses in January in International Falls!
I was crewing on one once when, in a 20k wind, the owner got it stuck in irons - that has to be some achievement!

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 08:35:17

Not much on newer Hunters but almost bought a 1980's 34. Large cabin, back stay

, nice boat and I've seen'em for $30,000 and less. Of course I've seem them for much more too.

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PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 08:35:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Derek Crawford
 I've helmed a Legend 37.5 a couple of times and they are slower than molasses in January in International Falls!
I was crewing on one once when, in a 20k wind, the owner got it stuck in irons - that has to be some achievement!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We beat an Legend 37.5 last night on a four mile course in a C-27.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 15:24:36

Peter I'd be very disappointed if you hadn't! I can beat one running just a genoa that's how slow they are.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2011 : 21:32:27

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Derek Crawford
 Peter I'd be very disappointed if you hadn't! I can beat one running just a genoa that's how slow they are.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I know TSU is quick, but 37.5'? How did Hunter do that? I mean, really, how did they?

Maybe conditions have something to do with it... I was out today in 20-25 knots and 2-4' seas (spray flying everywhere), and would have liked another 10' to go through it... I had to hold my speed down to 15-17 knots.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/11/2011 21:34:38

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2011 : 05:00:28

My uncle had a 1980 Hunter 30 and a few years later a Hunter 36 -- both Chernubi (sp) designs, which I sailed with him back when. They were great boats. My view is that the early Hunters were like early Catalina's: solid, mid-market production boats designed for cruising and buoy racing. Their is a Hunter 36 from that period on the hard near my club that, despite age, looks like new where it counts -- no "smile", very little crazing, etc, etc. If you are looking for a cruiser/day sailor I would think that a Hunter built in the late 70's into the early/mid 80's would be fine. After that, unlike Catalina, the focus changed (and changed, and changed). The Hunter's made today are really light weight and appear to be Beneteau wannabies

Regarding sailing characteristics, what I remember is that they were stiff, comfortable boats and at the time pretty fast.

Edited by - bigelowp on 08/12/2011 05:03:27

KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2011 : 08:00:40

I bought a Hunter Vision 32 in 1989 and owned it for several years. I loved it, it was a great boat to sail, easy to handle and fast. It is the model with an un-stayed mast the size of an interstate light pole. The main is very large compared to the jib and is the primary power source when sailing. I believe it is called a 5/8 fractional rig. Many of the other 80s/90s hunters have a similar rig but with stayed mast.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2011 : 12:52:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by DaveR
 Not much on newer Hunters but almost bought a 1980's 34. Large cabin, back stay

, nice boat and I've seen'em for $30,000 and less. Of course I've seem them for much more too.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Whatever boat you look at, 'specially the H34, try out the V berth, like, get in it. You'll find that because of the hull shape you'll barely have room for your own two feet...

And don't forget the basics: Catalina is still in business and Catalina Direct has all the parts you'd ever want. Hunter is still in business, but I don't think they've made the same boat for more than two years in a row in over two decades.

And there may not be a whole bunch of specific Hunetr one design class websites either.

Gee, what's the choice again?

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