hunter 140 sailboat review

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Hunter 140 purchase advice

• Thread starter mshute
• Start date May 3, 2013
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Day Sailers

Hello all, considering the purchase of a priced to sell Hunter 140 (1998 model) for my first sailboat. Given all the discussion of cracking issues in these boats, I am extremely hesitant, however the subject boat has only one hairline crack about 9 inches long. Given its age, I would guess that if it was in fact built with a substandard plastic resin, it would have developed more cracks by now. Thoughts, advice?? This boat has supposedly always been stored in a barn and I plan to store in my garage. Thanks!  

I might be wrong, and I'm sure others may offer their advice, but that's kinda the approach I took to my 170. I too was concerned about the cracking issues but I really liked the design of the boat. I found a 2003 with only a single 4 inch long surface crack on the floor which looks more like it happened from something being dropped on the floor rather than a stress fracture. My thinking was if the hull hasn't cracked apart in 9 years I'm probably going to be ok. I did drill and repair the crack with Devcon though shortly after I bought it.  

johnhamburger

I recently bought a 170 as well (2000). I found only 1 crack that I would consider a stress crack. there were others that were from abuse, but overall, it's a great first boat.  

I currently have a JY-14 (earlier version of the Hunter 140) and can attest that a majority of the cracking that I have noticed occurs at the mast step. My boat spent a lot of time in the Northeast, so it was subject to significant temperature changes throughout the year. I don't remember when it cracked exactly, but it has been that way for quite sometime. I would recommend inspecting the mast step area thoroughly. None of the cracks on my boat create any kind of functional impairment whatsoever. However, I did have cracks on the gunwales of my boat due to rough landings at the dock which i was able to easily repair using the ACP repair methods on this website. i dont think I would let a 9 inch hairline crack keep me from buying the boat if you really like it. Like I said, mine has been cracked for a number of years now and despite them I havent had any problems with it. If you want you can always dremel out the crack, fill it with resin and epoxy, and sand it smooth once its dried.  

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Review of Hunter 140

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The Hunter 140 is built with a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a gennaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed.

DaggerBoard aka Sword

The Hunter 140 is built with a daggerboard keel. A daggerboard is a lifting keel that can be lowered and raised, allowing the boat to enter shallow waters as well.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 0.91 - 1.01 meter (2.99 - 3.29 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Hunter 140 is about 50 kg/cm, alternatively 285 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 50 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 285 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

Maintenance

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Hunter 140 it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

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Hunter Sailboat Quality?

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I'm looking at purchasing a 1986 Hunter. Is this a well built boat and are there any costly items that I should consider? Any comments would be a great help.  

Intended Usage? That is a pretty broad question? Just curious what your have budgeted for a boat purchase? What your intended use of the boat would be? What is the general condition of the hunter 36? It is a 22 year old boat and I would ask what has been replaced and how recent? Personally, I an looking at multi hulls so any mono hull is out of the question.. That being said, My dad purchased a hunter 33 04' and maintains it well and it has had no problems. In fact He is leaving Tomorrow for three weeks of WA state and Canada sailing. My Aunt owns a Hunter 420 (older) and has had no problems. She will also be out sailing as well.. I have attended the annual Hunter marine get to gatherings for the past three years in the PNW and have had the oppotunity to go on many of the boats and also talk to many of the owners. Very few seem dissappointed in thier purchase. To my knowledge most purchased new or relatively new boats and have maintained them. A 22 year old boat will probably have had many owners and many systems should have been replaced after 22 years usage... If I was buying a 22 year old car, RV or home I am thinking how it was maintained might tell me if the item will be a head ache... As far as Quality, well that is a pretty subjective question... After 22 years any boat could be a piece of crap if neglected... Like wise a 20 year old sedan might meet my needs- then again if I was pulling a boat or RV, I am thinking I might desire a 4x4... Goes to usage... That hunter will not take you across the ocean. It should be pretty inexpensive and might make a fun boat sailing in protected waters... If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net.. Many of them I have noticed get real OVER sensitive when the same is said about the boat they own, ie: The Spendy Tartan and its recent mess ups to include the company cover up... Another thread.... The same people will be quick to boat bash Hunters, Catalina and the Bene's however, lol... Hope you find the Boat that meets Your Needs in your price range... Have Fun and enjoy... Best of Luck....  

serenity4u2 said: If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net.. Many of them I have noticed get real OVER sensitive when the same is said about the boat they own, ie: The Spendy Tartan and its recent mess ups to include the company cover up... Another thread.... The same people will be quick to boat bash Hunters, Catalina and the Bene's however , lol Click to expand...

XJ...whatever you do...get a survey and get a separate engine survey. Hunters of that era were not particularly well made and were designed to hit a price point and serve well for basic sailing needs in protected waters. As such they can be an excellent value today if they have been kept well and your need are for a boat in protected waters and weekend cruising.  

Iflyka200s said: ...If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net... Just like Catalina bashers... Great and well reasoned post BTW... Nicely done.. Click to expand...

I've been cruising the Bahamas and FL Keys on my 1981 Hunter 30, mostly single handed, since 2000. My boat has proven perfectly adequate for my needs. That being said, any older boat should be surveyed before purchase. I would point out that the problems I have had with my boat; broken prop strut (electrolysis), water pump, alternator, exhaust hose, shifter cable, standing and running rigging, chain plates, bow pulpit, etc., were replaced because of age, not quality of construction. The only unusual repair I had was making an epoxy container to fit around the corroded metal block my mast was stepped on. I have found my Hunter 30 to be more than suitable for coastal cruising and trips to the Bahamas. I would not hesitate to purchase another Hunter product.  

I also have the 1981 Hunter 30 with a 2qm15. I am new to sailing and boats in general. I would like to talk to you about this boat when you have a chance  

I've had a 34 foot '83 Hunter for two years without any real complaint. Most of my issues have been with PO "upgrades". Like some of the other posters have said get a good survey. Like the birds say the nice thing with Hunters is they are cheap, cheap, cheap. Sailing in the Cheasapeake bay I couldn't see spending big $ on a boat. Now if you are talking long distance ocean crusing you might want to look at something else.  

My father had a late 70's hunter 33 that he bought new. It was totally neglected all of its life. It got a haul out every 4 or 5 years. And my dad does not believe in preventive anything, so nothing got touched unless it was broken. After 20 plus years of ownership he finally sold the old girl to someone more caring and I am told she is still sailing around Lake Ponchatrain. We never had any real problems even though we never took care of our boat. Used boats or like used cars (IMO), Check them out as much as you can, try to negotiate a good deal for yourself and hope for the best. Good Luck!  

As other have implied, it's all about the condition of the boat; not the nameplate on it. A derelict Morris or Alden will cause problems for you, regardless of where or how you sail, much moreso than a well-maintained Hunter or any other brand for that matter. One of the reasons most people avoid this forum is the apparent density of self-proclaimed experts who seem to enjoy bashing anything other than what they currently own and I seriously doubt any of them have sailed a Hunter extensively offshore enough to form an informed objective opinion. I've had the opportunity to cruise extensively when younger and can tell you first-hand that no one anchored in any S Pac motu spend any time talking about which brand boat is best/worst suited for cruising - they all spent all their time talking about repair and maintenance issues regardless of who made it. It should be apparent to you how seriously you should take anyone who makes generalized criticisms of anything.  

k1vsk said: I've had the opportunity to cruise extensively when younger and can tell you first-hand that no one anchored in any S Pac motu spend any time talking about which brand boat is best/worst suited for cruising - they all spent all their time talking about repair and maintenance issues regardless of who made it. Click to expand...

Mike...welcome. The 20 is a decent boat to learn on but carefully check the keel centerboard trunk for leaks and the winch for proper operation. This seems to be a real problem spot on these boats but it is not a big deal to fix. Some owner reviews here: Hunter 20 owner reviews  

camaraderie said: Mike...welcome. The 20 is a decent boat to learn on but carefully check the keel centerboard trunk for leaks and the winch for proper operation. This seems to be a real problem spot on these boats but it is not a big deal to fix. Click to expand...

I posted a review in the hunters forum for all the interested in a Hunter boat. It is too long to repeat here.  

Remember the Original Post The original post was regarding a 32 y/o boat... Hunter or any 32 y/o boat will obviously need a survey. A 32 y/o hunter will probably be a very inexpensive price... As posted in earlier post, I sail on two family owned Hunters... Both newer and also maintained well... As I posted earlier- be it a Boat, RV, Auto or even a Home... Many people buy what they "think" they can afford... Meaning they can afford the payment and not much more.... I know people who buy expensive cars and have not enough money to properly maintain them, where as some Dodge owners do the regular scheduled maintenace... A Dodge Intrepid is No BMW... Yet, I'd prefer a well maintained used Dodge over a poorly maintained BMW... As a home owner, I change my central air filters every month- I have a friend who when seeing me purchase a new filter asked how often it should be changed... He had not changed his in FIVE years- it was black... Like wise I have my AC & Heating serviced by the company that installed it every Six months.... I am amazed at how dirty the inside of my Gas furnace is after SIX months as well as the heating and the cooling element / coil... In reality a 32 y/o Hunter is a low end production boat that in ALL likely hood will have had numerous owners. A real likely hood that you will not have a 32 y/o well documented history of boat upkeep... That being said, it should be a fairly inexpensive boat and may meet coastal and sailing in protected waters... If the boat meets your needs and "real" cost (not just purchase price)- enjoy it and take care of it for the next buyer... Best of Luck.....  

Bummer What a bummer, although I have met no unhappy hunter owners on the past three or four hunter gatherings here in the PNW.... I know that 45CC is pretty spendy-mmm thinking 300K.... Thinking if I was spending that kind of money I'd look elsewhere then a hunter. At least they service it lol... Depending on your location- thinking I could do better on a water front condo in the 300K range and be content with my 37' tayana...  

serenity, it was 478,000 when all was said & done and yes, I am very, very content with my Tayana  

Wow Wow Pappy, that is very spendy and about 100K more then I would have thought... Like I said, I would have boaugt a waterfront condo on land and kept my tayana... Thinking a 30 y/o tayana 37 probably lists for around 75K- Just a Guess.... I have had family and people I know who have had great luck with thier hunters... I still would NEVER spend 475K on a hunter 45CC... I have not priced Tayana's.. I am thinking tayana's are comprable to Valients- sorry if they are not and that offends any out there... I am thinking you could have boaught a slightly used Tayana or Valient in the 45 foot range for a half a million... Or better- ditch ALL three and get the new PSC 40PH.... Just my bias and not meant to be offensive...  

Thanks for all the input. I've heard around the Yacht Club the same talk I'm hearing in this forum. How then would a Hunter compare to a Tartan, Irwin or Ericson? Mid 1980's, 30 to 35 ft. I'll be using it to sail the Great Lakes and a little dock condo-ing! Thanks again!  

Apples to Oranges Xj, You get what you pay for, in the case of Tartan's and Ericson's you pay more you get more. My 1986 Hunter 31 (previous boat) was a very nice Ches. Bay boat worth every penny I paid for it, I know simply because that is what I paid for it. Personally I could have lived on it, after I put 5k into the interior and some much needed maintenance it was a fine old boat worth exactly what I sold it for- again, I know that because that's what I got when I sold it. Now, show me two boats for the exact same price, same length, same intended usage and then we can compare red apples to yellow apples.  

Love my Vintage Hunter In part it may be because I know no other boat as well as I know my own, but I love my 77 Hunter. The PO didn't do much in his last years of ownership but at least he did no harm. While I have not faced a hurricane on her on open water in the Chesapeake she has brought me home when I have heard others mounting distress calls. When I brought her home after I bought her 2 years ago we left the quiet waters of the Putexent into the teeth of a 40 mph wind with gusts into the 60's. If we'd known what we were heading into we would have never left port, but as it was it brought us home safe. Being a green sailor, its only my 4th year on the water after a 40 plus year layoff I have done my share of stupid things, but she has always forgiven me and gotten us both home. There are no doubt stronger better boats out there but there are few as forgiving. I also would point out virtually nothing its age can go to wind like this boat does. Several times I have out run far newer longer boats when heading to wind, that with a green sailor at the helm so don't let people talk you out of an older Hunter.  

The one Hunter I would avoid is a 1975 to 1977 27 footer. On this boat Hunter made a huge design flaw. On mine the entire bottom of the boat delaminated around the keel and it nearly fell off while they were launching it! It was 6 years old at the time. The flaw was that rather than molding a keel stub on the hull which increases the thickness of the internal stringers, they molded a recess in the hull to fit the top of the keel. This recess cut into the stringers at the center and made them way too thin to support the keel stresses. The problem got fixed on the 1978 version. Gary H. Lucas  

I would be very interested in hearing about the details on why you would not purchase a Hunter. I can see why someone would navigate towards a Bristol. Yet, a Hunter is one boat that I have never tillered. On the Sailboat Data website they don't list what the ballast was/is. As these are often 1970s and 1980s boats, that makes me nervous as I have owned two late 1960s Columbias and I knew exactly what that keel was. I have zero experience on Hunters and want to learn more so I know more about what what I am looking at. Thank you.  

Well, if the Korean War can end after almost 70 years, then maybe there's hope for ending the Hunter bashing. Naaaaaaahhhh!  

As others have mentioned, condition is the most important consideration when buying a 30 year old sailboat. One very costly item is sails. I can't over-emphasize the importance of having sails with a good shape. They are the "engine" of the boat. The shape of dacron sails deteriorates long before they start to fall apart. The structure may appear to be sound (ie no rips), but the shape might be old and baggy to a skilled eye. Unless the dacron cloth is crispy and new and clean, and are less than 5-10 years old (depending on how much they have been used), they are probably due for replacement sooner or later. Shape is hard to evaluate for an untrained eye. If you want help evaluating the shape of the sail, you may want to snap a few pictures during the sea trial. Take pics looking up from under the middle of the foot and post them here and PM me and I'll take a look at the shape for you. Judy Sailmaker  

Sock puppet perhaps.  

When buying an 30+ year old boat, - a boat has been constantly upgraded and maintained is a better choice.  

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2003 Hunter 140

2003 hunter 140 specs.

• Boat Type : Monohull Sailboats
• Hull Material : Plastic/Fiberglass
• Beam : 5'10"
• Length : 14'
• Net Weight : 225 lbs
• Looking for the Boat Manual? 2003 Hunter Boats 140 Request Boat Manual Now

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