84-88 Hunter 40... what do you think?

[Acadia]

Hello,
Your thoughts.... I am seriously thinking of a 1984-1988 Hunter 40. I find these boats reasonably priced and offer a nice layout. I know the boat is not a bluewater ship and I don’t intend on using it that way. I will use the boat mostly around Tampa Bay for little weekend coastal getaways. With more time off I would like to take it down to the Keys. I think these little journeys fit the bill on what this boat could safely do. But, what about crossing the Gulf to Mexico, or Caribbean cruising? Is that pushing it for this boat?
Any comments greatly appreciated?

Thanks!!

[camaraderie]

Here's a bunch of owner reviews of the boat that may give you some insight.
Hunter 40 owner reviews

From my own perspective, this boat will do what you want it too...certainly coastal and down through the Bahamas and beyond if you exercise reasonable prudence. For the money they are good values for your purpose if well maintained and if the one yu are looking at surveys well. You might also want to look at the same vintage Catalina 38's.

[AnchorageGuy]

There is an interesting discussion over at the SSCA board on the Hunters

SSCA Discussion Board :: View topic - Hunter

[slomotion]

I crewed on an H40 ('87 I think) from Cape May, N.J. to Bermuda. It was a fast capable boat and the passage was uneventful, but the boat was only a couple of years old at the time.

We also boat-sat an '85 H40 in Grenada for 2 weeks in 2001 - that boat was the single biggest thing that convinced us (well, it sure convinced my wife - took about 15 minutes) that we needed a bigger boat than our 34'. If we didn't develop health issues in 2002, we probably would have bought one. The '80's Hunter Legend 40s provide an excellent liveaboard platform for Caribbean cruising - often better than much newer 40 footers - and they are perfectly suitable for your intended use. All these boats are now 20 years old; and of course, you have to subject them to same scrutiny you would use when considering any boat of that vintage.

[Acadia]

Wow fast reply. Thank you all for your opinions. I’m thinking this boat will suit my needs for the years ahead. Would anyone have any other suggestions for boats that would be as roomy and comfortable as the Hunter 40 in the 50,000 price range?
Thanks for all your help

[nancynana]

We really enjoyed this boat...fast, good living, good entertaining, you will find it will be great for what you described.

[never monday]

The late 80's were transition years for Hunter. They were done with the Cherebuni designs and learning fast how to slim down costs and maximize boat. There are a lot of positive things about those years, but get a good survey.