Hunter Boats: Top Models, Features, and Buying Guide 2023
Hunter Boats Limited is a prominent British boat builder with a rich history and focus on producing high-quality glassfibre sailboats. Established in 1969 by Michael Polard as the Essex Boat Company, it later became a brand of Lauren Marine of Southampton under the name British Hunter in 2009. The company's commitment to design innovation, rugged construction, and customer value has made it a leader in the North American sailboat and sailing yacht manufacturing industry.
Throughout its history, Hunter Boats has aimed to cater to a wide range of sailing enthusiasts. From blue water sailors and coastal cruisers to small-boat energy aficionados, the company offers a diverse lineup of boats that suit various needs and preferences. With an impressive catalogue of sailboat models and an unwavering dedication to quality, Hunter Boats has earned a loyal following among watercraft owners and enthusiasts alike.
History of Hunter Boats
Hunter Boats Limited is a British boat builder, specializing in the design and manufacture of glassfibre sailboats. The company's origins date back to 1969, founded by Michael Polard under the name Essex Boat Company1. Initially located near the Wakering marshes in Rochford, Essex, the company's designs quickly gained popularity in the UK, providing production cruising and racing boats2.
In the United States, a separate company emerged in 1973, known as Hunter Marine. This sailboat manufacturer set up in Alachua, Florida, with John E. Cherubini as its designer3. The founder, Warren Luhrs, engaged in protected ocean racing, leaving the company to management, which led to some difficulties in 19884.
However, the British company underwent a change in 2009, becoming a brand of Lauren Marine of Southampton, under the name British Hunter1. Since then, the company has continued to produce high-quality glassfibre sailboats, combining classic designs with modern materials and techniques.
Throughout their history, both the British and American Hunter boat manufacturers have overcome challenges and adapted to their respective markets. Their shared name and dedication to crafting exceptional sailboats have made them popular choices among sailors around the world5.
Footnotes
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Boats">Hunter Boats</a> ↩ ↩2
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<a href="https://www.darglow.co.uk/a-history-of-hunter-yachts/">A History of Hunter Yachts</a> ↩
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Marine">Hunter Marine</a> ↩
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<a href="https://www.hunterassociation.org.uk/home/HunterYachts">Hunter Boats</a> ↩
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<a href="http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?13729-History-of-Hunter-Boats">History of Hunter Boats</a> ↩
Types of Hunter Boats
Hunter Boats, now known as Marlow-Hunter, LLC, offer a variety of sailing vessels designed for different purposes. This article will explore the main types of Hunter Boats, including sailing boats, cruising boats, and daysailers.
Sailing Boats
Hunter sailing boats are designed for both recreational use and competitive racing. These boats come in various sizes and configurations, such as the sloop, racer/cruiser, and center cockpit. Some popular Hunter sailing boat models are:
- Hunter 33: A common sloop with a length of 33 feet, suitable for relaxed sailing and comfortable cruising.
- Hunter 340: A larger sailing boat with a length of 34 feet, accommodating more crew members and offering enhanced performance.
- Ranger 265: A Thomas-designed racer/cruiser with a balance of speed and comfort, ideal for competitive sailing.
Cruising Boats
Hunter cruising boats are built to provide a comfortable living experience while sailing for extended periods. Typically, these boats have more spacious cabins and additional amenities like a galley kitchen, ample storage, and private sleeping quarters. A few notable Hunter cruising boat models include:
- Hunter Horizon 30: A cruiser with a length of 30 feet, providing enhanced stability and ease of handling.
- Hunter 37.5: A cruising boat with a wing keel, spade rudder, and a length of 37.5 feet, offering reduced draft and increased maneuverability.
Daysailers
Daysailers are smaller sailing vessels designed specifically for day trips or short overnight stays, as opposed to long-range cruising adventures. These boats prioritize ease of use, allowing less experienced sailors to enjoy the water comfortably. Hunter Daysailers include:
- Hunter 20 Sport: A simple daysailer perfect for new sailors, focusing on performance, ease of handling, and safety features.
- Hunter 20 Mini C: Another compact option, the Mini C is suitable for coastal cruising and trailer-launching, making it ideal for those with limited space or resources for boat storage.
In conclusion, Hunter Boats offer a diverse range of sailing vessels, whether one is seeking a leisurely day on the water or a challenging racing experience. From versatile sailing boats to comfortable cruising boats and accessible daysailers, there's a Hunter boat to fit any sailing enthusiast's needs.
Hull and Design
Hunter Boats is a name associated with some of Britain's most successful production cruising and racing boat designs, with their first boat being built in 1969 (source). The design elements and innovations in the hulls of Hunter Boats play a vital role in their performance, stability, and overall handling.
One of the key factors influencing the effectiveness of a boat's hull is the choice of boat hull type. In the case of Hunter Boats, the emphasis is placed on the monohull design. Monohulls are widely known for their versatility and adaptability to various sailing conditions, making them a popular choice for cruising and racing crafts alike (source).
In addition to the monohull design, Hunter Boats feature a wide beam which contributes to the stability and comfort while sailing. A wide beam provides increased living space on the boat, while at the same time enhancing the overall balance and safety of the sailing experience (source).
When designing the hull of a Hunter Boat, weight distribution also plays a significant role. Proper balancing of the boat's weight - including the boat's construction, occupants, and gear - is essential in optimizing the underwater volume of the hull. This helps maintain a well-distributed center of gravity, improving the boat's performance in various sailing conditions (source).
In conclusion, the hull and design of Hunter Boats is focused on providing a balance between performance, stability, and comfort. By combining key design elements such as monohull design, wide beam, and attention to weight distribution, Hunter Boats have secured their place as a major force in the sailing industry, with models that cater to various types of sailors and sailing enthusiasts.
Propulsion Systems
Hunter Boats offers a variety of propulsion systems to suit the specific needs of their boat owners. The main types of propulsion systems available in Hunter Boats are inboard, outboard, and electric engines.
Inboard engines are typically found on larger sailboats and provide reliable and efficient power. These engines can be powered by either diesel or gas fuel, depending on the owner's preference. Diesel engines are known for their durability, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions, while gas engines provide faster acceleration and are often more cost-effective.
Outboard engines are more popular for smaller boats and are available in various configurations, such as outboard-4s (four-stroke) engines. These engines are known for their light weight, easy maintenance, and better fuel efficiency compared to their two-stroke counterparts. Outboard engines' versatility makes them a popular choice for boaters seeking a portable and efficient propulsion system.
In recent years, Hunter Boats has embraced alternative propulsion technologies, such as electric engines. Electric propulsion systems offer a cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional gas or diesel engines. Elco Motor Yachts has developed AC induction motors for marine propulsion systems, known for their reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
In summary, Hunter Boats offers the following propulsion system options:
- Inboard engines
- Diesel
- Gas
- Outboard engines
- Outboard-4s (four-stroke)
- Electric engines
By providing a wide range of propulsion systems, Hunter Boats caters to various boating needs, ensuring an enjoyable experience on the water for their clients.
Specifications and Equipment
Hunter Boats, specifically Marlow-Hunter, are known for their innovative and practical designs that cater to a variety of sailing needs. This section focuses on the specifications and equipment found on various Hunter sailboats.
Displacement
Displacement is an important aspect of a sailboat, as it determines the boat's stability and performance. The displacement of Hunter sailboats varies depending on the model. For example, the Marlow-Hunter 50 has a displacement of 32,813 lbs (14,878 kg).
Draft
The draft of a sailboat is the depth of water needed to float the boat. Hunter sailboats have different draft options to accommodate the sailing environment. The Marlow-Hunter 33 has a shoal draft of 4'4" (1.32 m) and a deep draft of 5'6" (1.68 m).
Beam
The beam of a sailboat is a critical dimension that affects its stability and interior space. Hunter sailboats have varying beam measurements, with the Marlow-Hunter 40 featuring a beam of 13'2" (4.01 m).
Specifications
Common specifications for Hunter sailboats include:
- LOA (length overall)
- LWL (length at waterline)
- Beam
- Draft (shoal and deep options)
- Displacement
- Ballast
- Sail area
- Mast height
- Fuel capacity
- Water capacity
- Holding tank capacity
Equipment
Hunter sailboats come with various equipment to enhance the overall sailing experience. Some notable equipment found on Hunter boats are:
- Mainsheet traveler arch: a unique feature found on many Hunter boats, which provides better sail control and a spacious cockpit.
- B&R rig: a backstayless rig that reduces weight and simplifies sail handling.
- Furling mainsail system: allows for easy reefing and stowing of the mainsail.
- Self-tacking jib options on some models: simplifies upwind sailing.
- All lines led to the cockpit for easier sail handling.
- Quality winches, blocks, and cleats for efficient and reliable operation.
Hunter sailboats are designed to meet the needs of various sailors, offering models with different specifications and equipment to cater to specific sailing preferences. The combination of well-thought-out design and quality equipment makes Hunter boats a popular choice among sailing enthusiasts.
Hunter Models and Pricing
Hunter Boats, known for their design innovation and rugged construction, have a variety of sailboat models catering to different sailing enthusiasts, whether they are blue water sailors, coastal cruisers, or small-boat energy enthusiasts Marlow-Hunter, LLC.
One of the well-known classic Hunter models is the 1980 Hunter 33. This sailboat is available for purchase in Coeur D'alene, Idaho, with a price of $25,000 Hunter boats for sale - Boat Trader. Another noteworthy model is the 1983 Hunter 34, which can be found in North, Virginia, for $33,999 Hunter boats for sale - Boat Trader.
Marlow-Hunter has also introduced newer models, like the 2002 Hunter 356, available in Cabo Roho Hunter boats for sale - Boat Trader. For a more comprehensive list of Marlow-Hunter models, pricing information can be found on websites like Top Boats and itBoat.
A few of the current Marlow-Hunter offerings include:
- Marlow-Hunter 15: LOA: 4.4m, Beam: 2.0m, Draft: 0.2m. Pricing is available upon request itBoat.
- Marlow-Hunter 18: LOA: 5.6m, Beam: 2.2m, Draft: 0.2m. Pricing is available upon request itBoat.
In conclusion, Hunter models come at a range of costs, depending on the size, age, and features of each individual sailboat. Fortunately for potential buyers, there is a wide selection of classic and newer models available in the market.
New Vessels and Dealerships
Hunter Boats offers a diverse range of new vessels depending on the sailor's preferences and requirements. The company is well-known for producing high-quality sailboats, including their Marlow Hunter Yacht series.
The Marlow Hunter Yacht series includes a variety of models suitable for different sailing purposes, such as the Marlow Hunter 15, Marlow Hunter 18, and Marlow Hunter 22. These Fiberglass Trailerable Daysailers are crafted for excellent performance and ease of use.
Aside from the Marlow Hunter Yacht series, the company also offers a range of larger cruising sailboats. Notable models in their lineup include the MH 31, MH 33, MH 37, and up to the MH 50 Center Cockpit. These boats cater to those looking for coastal cruising or even blue water sailing.
When it comes to boat dealerships, Hunter Boats has a strong presence, particularly in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, and Cyprus, making it easy for potential buyers to find a dealership or broker nearby. They have established partnerships with experienced yacht brokers and boat dealerships to ensure exceptional service and support.
In summary, Hunter Boats offers a diverse range of new vessels catering to sailors with varying preferences. With an extensive global network of dealerships and brokers, finding a new Hunter Boat is a breeze for buyers located across different countries, including the United Kingdom.
Activities and Usage
Hunter Boats Limited is a British boat builder known for designing and manufacturing high-quality glassfibre sailboats (source). Ideal for a variety of activities, these boats cater to the needs of boating enthusiasts.
Water-based activities are at the core of Hunter Boats' mission, providing suitable vessels for both freshwater and saltwater applications. Whether it's crossing local lakes, rivers, or traversing the open seas, these boats can handle diverse water conditions and environments.
Notably, Hunter Boats facilitate overnight cruising, allowing sailors to embark on extended trips in comfort. The boats feature cozy living spaces, well-equipped galleys, and functional navigational systems, ensuring that multi-day journeys on the water are enjoyable and safe.
Watersports enthusiasts can also make use of Hunter Boats' offerings. Their versatile sailboats are great for towing water-skiers, wakeboarders, or even inflatable tubes. The stable and responsive nature of these craft makes them ideal for both beginners and experienced watersports participants.
In addition to these exciting activities, Hunter Boats are perfect for day cruising. The spacious and comfortable seating areas invite friends and family to come together, enjoy the sun, and take in the scenic surroundings. The boats also offer ample storage, making it convenient for those who'd like to pack a picnic or store their recreational gear.
In conclusion, Hunter Boats cater to a wide range of water activities, from overnight cruising and watersports to relaxed day-cruising. With their durable and versatile design, these boats are perfect for both casual boaters and adventurous sailors exploring different state waterways.
Conclusion
The Hunter 50AC is a well-built boat that provides excellent performance and is easy to sail. It has the necessary systems, deck layout, and accommodations to keep its crew comfortable and safe while cruising 1. While the Hunter 37, a smaller sistership to the Hunter 40, has proven to be an able 37-foot cruiser with ample space and an easy-to-handle rig 2.
When it comes to construction, Hunter uses innovative techniques and materials. For example, composite construction and molded liners are used to stiffen the hull, reducing costs while maintaining integrity 3. Hunter boats are suitable for both racing and coastal cruising, with the Hunter 340 being a spacious, comfortable, and innovatively designed sloop 4.
The price range for Hunter boats is quite broad, from more economical models starting at $2,703 to luxurious yachts priced at $249,900 5. The horsepower of the engines varies from 6 to 105, depending on the intended use and performance requirements 5. Therefore, potential buyers have the option to choose a Hunter boat that meets their specific needs and budgets.
In summary, Hunter boats offer a range of options, from small cruisers to more luxurious yachts, designed with comfort, performance, and affordability in mind. Their innovative construction techniques ensure a balance between quality and cost, making them an appealing choice for sailing enthusiasts.