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Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing
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Chafe Protection for Dock Lines
Waxing and Polishing Your Boat
Reducing Engine Room Noise
Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals
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- Sailboat Reviews
The 70s Dream Endures: Hunter 30
If you grew up sailing in Florida in the 1970s and 80s as I did, you probably spent many hours daydreaming and looking at Hunters, or if you were fortunate, sailing one. Those memories might not exist at all were it not for bit of luck and perseverance. While the U.S. economy was caught in a global recession, the Hunter Marine plant in Florida was still churning out sailboat hulls by the dozens.
Photo courtesy of Noel Gingerich
You didnt have to spend a lot of time on these boats to realize that they werent the paragon of craftsmanship. The laminated floor and furniture seemed dated even back then, and the rough glasswork betrayed the boats mission: to persuade the average Joe that even he could still afford a clean escape. By the mid-1980s, it seemed as if every third sailboat in the Columbus Day Regatta-Biscayne Bays waterborne bacchanalia-was a Hunter.
While Hunters marketing genius is enviable, the true achievement in its early boats like the Hunter 30 (see page 26) is that theyve managed to endure at all. The first Hunter 30 was launched in the wake of the 1973 oil embargo, and the design survived through nine years of stagflation and rising unemployment.
Fortunately, for Hunter and other builders who prevailed in that era, significant improvements in fiberglass construction methods coincided with the need for lower production costs. Laminate schedules were getting thinner, and the higher fiber-to-resin ratio was more economical. Sailboat building could still be lucrative, but profitably often required a few corners to be cut.
Almost any sailing forum on the Internet has a resident boat snob who compares fixing up an old production boat from the 70s to putting lipstick on a pig. Certainly, the Hunter 30 has some inherent flaws, but none are irredeemable. In the same way a vase cracked during firing holds a charm lacking in the one that emerges pristine, an old Hunter can grow on you. The photos that accompany this months review are the clearest proof of this.
The hand-written surveys in our dusty decades-old file on the Hunter 30 were growing stale, so for this months review, we turned to current owners for their impressions. Several responded with detailed responses to our questions; some answers were astoundingly extensive.
The owners custom improvements were fascinating, but the personal stories behind the boats were what stuck with me. One Hunter 30 had been passed down through two generations, another had sailed to the Caribbean and back, and another had served as an affordable home while its owner pursued a graduate degree.
Browsing the photos of the Hunter 30s owned by Joel Tesoriero, Kasi McCain, and Noel Gingerich featured this month, I was reminded that a boats pedigree is a terrible gauge of a boats true worth. No, a Cherubini-designed Hunter-despite the exotic-sounding name-is not a Morris, a Hinckley, or a Swan. But in the hands of an owner who appreciates his good fortune, a modest Hunter 30 is worth more than the finest megayacht.
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The Hunter 30 is a 30.4ft masthead sloop designed by John Cherubini and built in fiberglass by Hunter Marine (USA) between 1973 and 1983.
1000 units have been built..
The Hunter 30 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.
Hunter 30 for sale elsewhere on the web:
Main features
| Model | Hunter 30 | ||
| Length | 30.40 ft | ||
| Beam | 10.17 ft | ||
| Draft | 5.25 ft | ||
| Country | United states (North America) | ||
| Estimated price | $ 0 | ?? |
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| Sail area / displ. | 15.99 | ||
| Ballast / displ. | 42.27 % | ||
| Displ. / length | 253.62 | ||
| Comfort ratio | 25.14 | ||
| Capsize | 1.91 |
| Hull type | Monohull fin keel with rudder on skeg | ||
| Construction | Fiberglass | ||
| Waterline length | 25.75 ft | ||
| Maximum draft | 5.25 ft | ||
| Displacement | 9700 lbs | ||
| Ballast | 4100 lbs | ||
| Hull speed | 6.80 knots |
We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt
| Rigging | Masthead Sloop | ||
| Sail area (100%) | 453 sq.ft | ||
| Air draft | 0 ft | ?? | |
| Sail area fore | 256.60 sq.ft | ||
| Sail area main | 196.65 sq.ft | ||
| I | 40 ft | ||
| J | 12.83 ft | ||
| P | 34.20 ft | ||
| E | 11.50 ft |
| Nb engines | 1 | ||
| Total power | 0 HP | ||
| Fuel capacity | 12 gals |
Accommodations
| Water capacity | 33 gals | ||
| Headroom | 0 ft | ||
| Nb of cabins | 0 | ||
| Nb of berths | 0 | ||
| Nb heads | 0 |
Builder data
| Builder | Hunter Marine (USA) | ||
| Designer | John Cherubini | ||
| First built | 1973 | ||
| Last built | 1983 | ||
| Number built | 1000 |
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1977 Hunter 30, Go or No Go?
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Hi ya'll. I am a college student in Charleston, SC. My grand plan is to live aboard on a mooring in Charleston Harbor (and on my friends couches) for my final semester next fall. After that I hope to head South to Florida and maybe down the islands. One of the boats I am looking at is a 1977 Hunter 30. It is the full draft model with a 25hp universal diesel. The boat comes fully equipped with solar panels, dingy, life raft, EPIRB and all electronics. I have seen some negative comments on Hunters and was wanting to get some more feedback. Provided I pick my days, would this boat suffice for island hopping? Any advice on good boats for this purpose in the 30-35 foot range would be greatly appreciated. My budget is about $12000 +/-. Thanks, Colin
The jury is kind of split on Hunters. There are some who own and sail them and are very happy with them. Some not so. I think that the consensus is that they are not the best built boat out there, but suitable for light-duty use i.e.: you don't want to get caught in heavy weather in one. Personally, I would think that a boat of that size, for that price will have problems that need to be rectified before you leave the dock for anything more than an afernoon's sail. Not because it is a Hunter, but because it is a 30 foot boat for $12,000.00. If you think the boat is in great shape, then go ahead and get a survey done. If you have doubts, my recommendation would be to look at smaller boats in better shape. They are still quite capable of doing what you want.
Hunter had earned a reputation for making shoddy boats for a while...which is probably how they survived when other boat makers went belly up. The Hunter 30 Cherubinis are fairly well respected when many of the others are not...but I don't know whether the boat you are looking at is a Cherubini model. Many boats are capable of island hopping if you pick your weather window very carefully. However, there are many boats that would be better suited for what you're planning on doing. If you're planning on single-handing the boat, it might be wise to look at some slightly smaller boats... The Cape Dory 28 comes to mind, as do the Pearson Ariels and Tritons. Living aboard requires a shift in mindset. Are you sure you're ready to do that? It also, generally, requires getting rid of most of your possessions, since a boat has rather limited stowage.
Thanks for the replies. I looked into it, and I can't tell whether this boat is the Cherubini model or not, but I think he redesigned the 30 the next year. The boat looks to be in excellent condition. Here is the link to the boat B.M.S.& S.Inc. Dba Indiantown Yacht Sales (Indiantown, FL) I looked at the Cape Dories and Pearsons and the only ones within my meager price range looked like they need a lot of work. I also need a boat with a head/shower to avoid offending my classmates. As far as the change in lifestyle, I think I can handle it. I don't have much stuff and I don't use most of what I have, so why not get rid of it. Peace, Colin
Don't go near it !!!! The $3,000.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit tells you right now that the boat has a problem that shows up on survey. This is a highly unusual stipulation. I might go so far as to say unique. Buy this one - it is twice the boat. B.M.S.& S.Inc. Dba Indiantown Yacht Sales (Indiantown, FL) Also think about the one that is listed as "Owner Built Sloop". B.M.S.& S.Inc. Dba Indiantown Yacht Sales (Indiantown, FL) That boat looks a lot like a Cape Dory or an Alberg (maybe an early Bristol) - all of which are very desirable boats. GO in and offer him $2,500.00 and then spend a little while fixing it up. Believe me - it is well worth it !
If your mooring is at a marina, then you would likely be able to use the shower facilities at the marina. Using a shower on a boat, especially a smaller boat, is no fun... it tends to leave the boat a mess, make it smell, and create a good environment for mold aboard the boat. BTW, looking at the ad for that boat, I saw several big warning signs. First, they say the boat is "AS IS". Second, they say that there are no refunds on the deposit. I'd also be curious as to how a boat that is homeported in Nevada City, CA ended up in Florida. Maybe, I'm just more cynical and suspicious than you are... but a lot of boats down in Florida and the Gulf Coast area that are being sold for cheap, that look like really good bargains, are hurricane salvage boats.
I agree with SD..."as is" and "no refund" of deposit are big warnign signs. I also worry about what nice new paint jobs on engines are covering up. It is just too cheap to not have problems. As to living on a mooring in Charleston harbor...I thought they were taking out the moorings and I also thought that live aboards were not permitted there. That is a wicked place to try to live on a boat anyway given the currents, chop and traffic. Do you KNOW that you will be allowed to do what you are proposing if you DO get a boat? Great town...good luck!
I actually had some of the same questions about the moorings. I called the Charleston Coast Guard Station and Charleston City Marina and as far as either of them could tell me no one controls the mooring field. Coast Guard just said as long as you are not in the channel, it is all fair game.
Fishstick- Who owns the moorings then???
As far as the Coast Guard knew, no one owns the moorings. I guess it is just a free for all.
Fishstick...the city marina used to collect rents on those moorings...If I recall correctly, they stopped because of the condition of the moorings and did not want to or did not have the funds to replace them. Someone local there should know the full story. Are they simply sitting there free now? In any event, when they were actively rented they were fine for a night or two for transients or for keeping a boat on weekends. As I said earlier...they are quite exposed in a blow, the current and tidal forces are significant and it is a long way in to the docks in a dinghy if the weather kicks up. (BTW...where will you tie up your dinghy?) It would not be my choice for a place to try to live aboard. Also...with limited tank storage on that hunter...you're going to have a lot of pump out trips and expenses...and with the coast guard a hundred yards away...I would think that you'd be subject to frequent inspection as a live aboard. If I were trying to live at anchor in the Charleston area...I'd be looking for someplace up a creek...not in the main harbor.
I run from anything that had a non-refundable deposit. period.
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It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5
The Hunter 30. Designed by John Cherubini and built from 1974 to 1983, the Hunter 30 is a coastal cruiser that was designed to offer a lot of boat for little money. With a focus on streamlining construction to boost production volume, Hunter aimed to offer an affordable coastal racer-cruiser.
The first Hunter 30 was launched in the wake of the 1973 oil embargo, and the design survived through nine years of stagflation and rising unemployment. Fortunately, for Hunter and other builders who prevailed in that era, significant improvements in fiberglass construction methods coincided with the need for lower production costs.
The Hunter 30 is an American sailboat that was designed by John Cherubini as a cruising boat and first built in 1973. The boat was also supplied as an unfinished kit for amateur completion as the Quest 30. The Hunter 30 was the first design marketed by the manufacturer under that name. Later ...
4-6'. New Jersey. $14,500. Description: This 1977 John Cherubini design Hunter 30 (displacement 10.5K), tall rig, is one of the few remaining of the original classics built to his high standards. Berthed on the Forked River to sail the Barnegat Bay, she has never raced. This is a comfortable cruiser sailing New England and the Chesapeake Bay often.
Hunter 30 is a 30′ 4″ / 9.3 m monohull sailboat designed by John Cherubini and built by Hunter Marine between 1973 and 1983. ... The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL ...
Find Hunter 30 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Hunter boats to choose from.
1977 Hunter 30. Flowery Branch, GA, US. Listed Apr 11. Expired. $3,500 USD. Save. Share ... Powered by a Renault 1 cylinder. The Hunter 30 needs clean up and a main sail. Edson wheel steering. The boat is located on Lake Lanier at Aqua Land and the slip is transferable. The haul out rate is $12/ foot. De-masting is $125. ... Sail area in square ...
Re: Questions about 1977 Hunter 30. I have been on a few Hunter 30s they seem like pretty decent boats. My family had an 1981 36 foot Hunter as our first keel boat from 1992-1998 (same designer and build period). It served us very well. She was with us during those first few awkward years of sailing and was abused by us amateurs learning the ropes.
The Hunter 30 is a 30.4ft masthead sloop designed by John Cherubini and built in fiberglass by Hunter Marine (USA) between 1973 and 1983. 1000 units have been built. The Hunter 30 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized.
1977 Hunter 30, yanmar 12 HP diesel. Recent updates include: Packing gland, bottom paint, replaced holding tank, updated cushion covers, recent head sail, and recent nonskid on deck. A great weekend boat for Two Harbors and along the coast. For her age, she is in good condition from the standing rigging to the bottom paint to the fresh keel bolts.
30' Hunter sail boat 1977 w/Diesel inboard engine, includes YSB 12,10'2" beam,5'3" daft,spinnaker,storage cradle and many other add on's. Boat is in beautiful shape. Boat's appraised value is $18,000.00 Boat survey is available on request. Equipment: Location: Aurora, Indiana. L42948 . 5132390849. Contact Seller. Material. Hull.
Gorgeous sailboat for sale in southern CA. 1977 Hunter Cherubini 30' sloop. This is beautiful! She is Set up for single-handed sailing for an easy adventure to Catalina. Included on the boat is 130% Genoa Head Sail, New Main Sail, Full matching canvas with dodger, and Roller furling. She has a Beautiful Old world teak interior with an ...
1977. 30' 10'2' 5'4' Georgia. $3,500. Description: Freshwater used on Lake Lanier for most of its life. Powered by a Renault 1 cylinder. The Hunter 30 needs clean up and a main sail. Edson wheel steering. The boat is located on Lake Lanier at Aqua Land and the slip is transferable. The haul out rate is $12/ foot. De-masting is $125.
One of the boats I am looking at is a 1977 Hunter 30. It is the full draft model with a 25hp universal diesel. The boat comes fully equipped with solar panels, dingy, life raft, EPIRB and all electronics. ... Not because it is a Hunter, but because it is a 30 foot boat for $12,000.00. If you think the boat is in great shape, then go ahead and ...
New to this forum and new to sailing for the most part. I recently was able to aquire a 1977 Hunter 30' . I have not seen the boat personally only what has... Menu Menu. Search. Search titles only. By: Search Advanced search. Search titles only ... Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale. Parts.
1977 30' Hunter 1977 sailboat for sale in Presque Isle Marina Pennsylvania
A sailboat built by Hunter, the 30 is a cruisers vessel. Hunter 30 boats are typically used for overnight-cruising, sailing and watersports. These boats were built with a fiberglass monohull; usually with an inboard and available in Diesel. Got a specific Hunter 30 in mind? There are currently 8 listings available on Boat Trader by both private ...
Go to Sailing Texas classifieds for current sailboats for sale. Hunter 30, 1977. l.o.a. 30 ft. beam 10 ft 2 in. draft 4 ft. wt 9700 lbs. 1 main sail & 1 working jib with furler. 6 winches 2 anchors & rode, davitts, cushions, autopilot, gps 15 watt solar panel & regulator, vhf radio. rewired with marine grade wiring & all new led lights, engine ...
Hunter 30 sloop, 1977, Harvest, Alabama, yacht for sale, sailboat for sale. 10/30/14, ... Go to Sailing Texas classifieds for current sailboats for sale . Hunter 30 sloop, 1977 fix keel, pedstal with wheel, yanmar diesel engine, mast with spreaders, recent bottom paint,
3. Hunter 1977 Hunter 30 Eagle Mountain Lake. Apr 7, 2011. #1. Ahoy Fellow Hunter 30 Captains; I'm up to my neck updating a '77 Hunter 30, which among other things needs new ports. I'm replacing all five (5) "opening" ports in the cabin with 512 Beckson ports - which install easily and look great. However, I can not find any information on the ...
Continue shopping. Collection: Hunter 30. Sails for your Hunter Sailboat in-stock. Coastal 135% Furling Genoa - 39.30M. Sale. Coastal 135% Furling Genoa - 39.30M. Regular priceFrom $1,732.50 USD. Regular price$1,925.00 USD Sale priceFrom $1,732.50 USD. Unit price/ per.
Hunter Cherubini 30, 1977 Shoal draft version Wet slip paid through October 1st ($165/month) includes water, electric, baths w/ showers) Roller furling headsail and mainsail w/covers in good condition Edson pedestal steering 6'4" headroom Low hours Perkins diesel(630 hours) serviced regularly Bottom cleaned 2 months ago All cushions covered and in good condition Head w/toilet and shower ...