Nomenclature Differences

[b00kem]

If this has been answered already, please feel free to direct me to the thread, as I have searched and searched and found nothing.

My question regards the naming of boats from manufacturers and their hierarchy. Confusing I know, but let me provide an example.

What is the difference in the Hunter 38, 380, and 386? They seem to overlap the same years.

Curious

Thanks

[denverd0n]

Not sure what you are asking. Are you wondering if there is some sort of standard that is used, in naming boat models? The answer to that is no, definitely not. Some manufacturers will make up their own sort of a standard, but that can (does) change over time. So, in the end, it just means whatever the particular manufacturer wants it to mean.

[Sailmonkey]

Typically when a manufacturer names like your example it covers slight differences. Either same hull/different deck, or same length, next generation. However there is no standard convention

[b00kem]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Not sure what you are asking. Are you wondering if there is some sort of standard that is used, in naming boat models? .

No, I am not asking if there is a standard. Take Hunter's for example, what is the difference in the Hunter 38, Hunter 380, and the Hunter 386 when they all span the same years? Are there upgrades to designs, electronics, capabilities, etc that sets them apart?

[Calif.Ted]

Can't speak to Hunter, but for Catalina, when the manufacture changed to the hull and liner method they went from 2 digits to 3. The 270 was a hull and liner boat completely different from a Catalina 27. The 30' was replaced by the 310 then the 309, the 38 became the 380, then with a hull change the 387. The 36 was replaced by the 350 then the 355, all 3 being very different hulls. Hunter had a reputation for changing designs and models more rapidly than other builders.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by b00kem

No, I am not asking if there is a standard. Take Hunter's for example, what is the difference in the Hunter 38, Hunter 380, and the Hunter 386 when they all span the same years? Are there upgrades to designs, electronics, capabilities, etc that sets them apart?

They don't. You (or likely the brokers who's boats you are looking at) are misinformed. Of course it's actually hard to find accurate data for some reason— but likely because they all share the same hull and basic layout. As far as I was able to tell these are pretty close the accurate dates (the only one I know for sure are the 386):

1996-2000 Hunter 376
2001-2002 Hunter 380
2003-2004 Hunter 386

Different boat altogether:
post 2005 Hunter 38

The 376 didn't have the arch. The 380 and 386 have slightly different interior configuration.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by b00kem

Take Hunter's for example, what is the difference in the Hunter 38, Hunter 380, and the Hunter 386 when they all span the same years? Are there upgrades to designs, electronics, capabilities, etc that sets them apart?

I don't know. Probably. You would have to look at each boat, and determine the differences. That is what people are trying to tell you. There may be major differences, or it may just mean a different sort of trim on the interior. There is no way to know without digging into the specific differences between those specific models.

If you are looking for a Hunter expert, who can tell you more about these specific models, then there are a number of Hunter-specific groups and forums out there. You would probably get better information at one of those.

[Blue Stocking]

They give them a number so a 386 owner can feel superior to a 380 owner.
Madison Ave trick as old as time.

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1, removed by mods !!

[Celestialsailor]

This should answer all your questions...

Sailboatdata.com is the worlds largest sailboat database.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

This should answer all your questions...

Sailboatdata.com is the worlds largest sailboat database.

Unfortunately it does not. Sailboatdata's dates are all over the map when it comes to these models. Again I think it must have something to do with them sharing the same hull.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

They give them a number so a 386 owner can feel superior to a 380 owner.
Madison Ave trick as old as time.

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1, removed by mods !!

I do feel superior to a 380 owner! I have a bigger shelf over the chart table!