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READY2GO · 13-06-2008, 05:30

Hey all,
My wife and I are new to cruising. We have limited experience and are enrolling in a sailing school later this summer. We are looking at buying a boat. So far, of everything we have looked at, we like the Hunter 37 the best (early to mid 80's) Our plans are coastal cruising to start with, and then if all goes well, blue water cruising. My question is. Is a Hunter 37 a sturdy enough boat for extended blue water crusing?
Thanks for all your help.
Mike

**Hud3** · 13-06-2008, 06:43

Mike,

I'm no Hunter expert, and so won't hazard an opinion. But there's been a bit written on this topic here on CF. You can pull up a lot by using this customized Google search engine:

Cruisers & Sailing Forum

READY2GO · 14-06-2008, 18:12

Hud,
Thanks for the link. I found a wealth of info.

JiffyLube · 15-06-2008, 21:33

I'd recommend that you take your classes and sail on as many boats as you can first, then you'll start to know what boat you would like to have...and do a lot of reading.

eyschulman · 15-06-2008, 21:44

Asking for advise regarding a popular production boat is like getting into a political debate. Best you read a lot, sail on as many different boats as possible and form your own standards based on things like cost, use pattern, comfort, performance and maintenance needs. Most of the production boats are safe enough provided good crew and adequate preparation.

**Ex-Calif** · 15-06-2008, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by READY2GO

"extended blue water crusing?"

Defining what that means goes a long way to answering the question. However that definition usually starts a fight around here - LOL!

I agree with the others. Get out there sailing. Get some miles under your keel and have fun.

Hang out here and join in the many topics of conversation about sailing and cruising and over time you will make up your own answers.

With the very limited info I have from your post I would recommend a smaller production boat in the 28-30 foot range as a starter boat. Get one with lazy jacks and furling genny that is easy to single hand. This will encourage you to get on the water a lot and that's a great thing. When you sell it you shouldn't lose much but will have gained tons of experience.