NOOOO stop telling people about the Hunter legend. Your driving the price up for me. My plan is to buy a 40.5 in a couple years. Just messing with you. Love the video.
This boat might have just shot to the top of my list, Tim great vids as always, do you think there will be good condition 40.5 Legends around in 6-8 years?
Ive delivered a ton of these "production" boats. They were intended for the "mostly weekend but some coastal cruising" crowd. Hunters and Catalinas are a good value. If the boat surveys well and you like it, you cant go wrong provided you use it in the manner intended. Ive found them to be sturdy enough. With the Hunters and Catalinas, you can depend on the drawers opening when you want and the doors staying shut in a seaway. Some of the more "flexible" boats, not so much. Its true that the sugar-scoop stern makes for easy boarding. Snakes, alligators, racoons, nutria and if youre on the west coast, sea lions, all concur.
Really enjoy your opinion on various boats at a price for us middle class people. There's a huge swath of boats out there and its good to hear your take on them. Keep it up!!
I have a 1985 Hunter 40 Legend ❤ it's a remarkable boat, loads and loads of space, a huge king sized island bed in aft cabin, with 2 doors, shower, basin &toilet en- suite, spacious v-berth with own shower,head & basin, very spacious kitchen, saloon as spacious...... and she's FAST! I solo sail and handle her easily... love this boat 👌🏼⛵
We have a 87 Hunter Legend. Great value. Comfortable and spacious below and we still regularly outsail many in our marina. Thanks for showing the Hunter Legend the love it deserves.
Good video! I've looked at countless boats and found our Legend 40.5 to be special. Hunter introduced a build quality improvement in the late 80s which set up the better build quality of the Legend series. The build quality is good (ie Catalina+, better than a Beneteau imho), all brand name components, great wiring, lead keel etc. Like all boats has its quirks - large mainsail (but points well, even more so for a shoal-draft) with difficult to access blocks that need to be maintained. Also, going upwind you'll run out of reefs surely much sooner than an Island Packet, so then you're a motor boat or drifting on a sea anchor or bare poles. Doesn't track super easily, so a modern autopilot is a must and is equal to more than one additional crew member. Due to the backstay, making a solar arch takes more thinking as well, however I have over 1kW on my boat with nothing overhanging. Overall, I've had her in 20'+ seas and 40 knots+ wind (downwind) and she handles great. Super happy with the purchase, having been on Island Packets, Juneaus, Catalinas and Beneteaus. None of the other boats have the lively and bright feel of the Hunter inside. Saving over $100k was nice too; this video captures the 'quality bang for the buck' situation well. Another thing you didn't mention - how about that engine access? all 4 sides clear access, the front and the back and most of the top as well. Engine maintenance and fixes are as easy as pie. As others have noted, the bow seat? Special. Every woman who has been on my boat has found that seat to be magical, whether ghosting along under sail in a calm bay, or being chased by jumping dolphins. One of my former crew has an Island Packet and was quite floored at how fast my boat was in light wind. Because my main crew (my wife!) and I both like calm and relaxing sailing, I find that I'd rather have a boat where we prioritize sailing in 10-15 knots of wind (or 15-25 downwind) - and can actually move quickly in that wind level! At 8 knots of wind on a broad reach or closer, we have workable speed (4-5kn), otherwise, based on the wind speed, 5-8+ knots. 12 knots downwind in 40 knots breeze was a bit more than I wanted ;) Cheers and fair winds -Peter
Classical clash of ideal and reality. Our ideal boat is one of those ocean crossing beauties. But reality is our sailing practice is perfect for a legend. My first boat was a 1976 Hunter 30’ love Hunter
It’s not a 37.5 but we love our 1994 Hunter 33.5. Plenty of room for a couple , easy to handle, shallow draft and a capsize ratio of 1.98. Perfect for us on the Great Lakes .
OMG… I’m getting that itch again! We think alike about our love of sailboats and sailing. It just never leaves. That Legend looks so sweet. Wet Wednesdays or Thursdays with friends. trips to Catalina Island. Just don’t know if it’s safe for me at 72.
Thanks for the feature on the Legend series. Bought a 40.5 a few years ago and agree it's the best balance between cost and sailing performance. Preach on!
Hey Tim - love the channel and I think I have an idea for an episode or article for you to research: BOAT INSURANCE FOR CRUISERS. Long story short, we live on Vancouver Island. Our current insurer does not cover us south of 40N and we want to cruise the Sea of Cortez. We were able to get them to quote on an extension to include anywhere within 100 NM of shore from Cabo San Lucas NORTH. The problem is that they wanted 200% of our annual premium as a surcharge. We also needed to provide a hurricane plan, including what boatyard we would be hauling out at and who would be monitoring the boat. We elected not to head to Cortex this year, but for next season we will. So what do we do? Pay $3K extra to sail to Mexico? Just not carry hull insurance? Try to go to a different insurer? Any hints, tips, or guidance you can provide to sailors who aren't as familiar with cruising to different countries would be helpful.
Tim, not sure how to send a PM but me thinks you are going to need editors for your pending missives. PG geologists, been writing for 40 years. OBTW, I have watched every video you have made. Love the new back drop, no distractions, pure content. 5 stars.
Aloha Tim, another great episode 🤙. I have two really bad ideas for articles for ya 😉. 1. “Boatyard Rescue”. Find an old boat to fix and sail from a-b on a tiny budget then write/vlog about the “adventures”. 2. Find an almost-middle-aged writer (hopefully me) that’s obsessed with sailboats (definitely me) but has next to no sailing experience (also me) and put them (hopefully me, again) into sailing situations and see how I/they do, then write about those “adventures” as well. Rob
We have been cruising full time on our ‘93 40.5. I would love to see your suggestions to bring these boats technologically current, e.g. upgrading batteries, solar,cooking, water tanks, sails. Most of these vessels, like ours, are reaching an age-out point for systems, both mechanically and conceptually, requiring some sort of replacement. Cruising boats have progressed significantly and I would be interested in what you would upgrade to make this efficient hull and interior more tech current.
I have a 1983 what I've been cruising been living in cruising on it for over a year full time I want the smallest boat I can stand up in because having a boat that's less than 30 ft has saved me so many times finding a slip when I need it fees and repairs have been so much cheaper and easier my vessel is a Helms LOA 29ft. Is heavy and way better built than a Catalina it's heavier than a Catalina higher quality materials have been used. And that's good enough for me I have never once looked at another boat and wish I had versus not I don't do that I am perfectly 100% happy with my vessel I spent almost $40,000 and did a complete restore on it from the bottom of the keel to the top of the mast. I'm completely satisfied with my boat 100% because I know everything on it and everything is practically brand new I always tell people I have a brand new 40 year old boat.
Live aboard, day sail, cruise, and race very successfully my 1990 Hunter Legend 40. I’ve always known the 37 is faster and more nimble. And my 40 doesn’t have a sugar scoop which is fine without one.
Great as always, Tim. I've never seen Hunter Legends here in NZ. They seem to be rarer, even, than Catalinas. Quite frankly, though, any boat with a walk-through transom (and definitely not just for swimming), a wheel, and a traveller on the coach roof, has to be an improvement on what came before. As for ideas for new articles, I know it's verging into the realm of higher level sailing stuff, but I'd really enjoy hearing you talk about the need for headsail "alternatives" to drive cruising boats downwind, including especially low-cost furling systems for code zeros, gennakers, etc. It's the one thing still really missing from our sailing, after starting from complete newbies four years ago, even though we do coastal passages here in NZ in a 34 foot production boat all the time now.
Tim, since I started dreaming (thinking?) about going sailing upon retirement, I watched a ton of videos. Yours are the best! And honestly, some time ago you made me switch from an axe core ocean eater (HR 352 was my first dreamboat) to consider a production boat for a start. Just considering now, because after getting some experience closer to home I would like to sail from Europe to the Caribbean. And thank you for this video! My wife considers an isle bed in the aft a must, which (until now) limited my options to center cockpit boats. Thanks to you I see that I have more to choose from :)
After 12 years with our 1989 Hunter Legend 37, I agree that it’s a very special race cruiser boat. Although a bit nimble for retirees looking to get into a cruiser; this Great Lakes past keel boat racer finds the boat a great boat that out-sails the 40’ cruisers. Once at anchor in a quiet GBay harbour it’s very comfortable down below. And yes, I was a C&C owner in the past.
While the C&C has always been an incredible 80/20 combo race cruiser it’s much less comfortable. I purchased the Legend 37 as a family cruiser for those of us that still trim the sails and steer at the helm vs set it and forget it cruising. Our dock neighbours have a similar era C&C 37 with only 2/3 the space down below and nothing like our beam to beam aft cabin. Those that have the Legend 37 all know that I’m talking about.
I have an 89' Legend 37.5 and absolutely love it. I actually bought it based on pervious Lady K videos and have not at all been disappointed. Great boats!
When I got into sailing I heard all the hate on Hunters and so naturally I thought it was justified but 3 of the boats on my dock are Hunter Legend and all 3 liveaboard. Being on one, I’m impressed with the layout, 2 bathrooms, sugar scoop, and how well they sail and point for such a big boat.
I'll add you forgot to mention the 40 legend. I've sailed since just after I could walk. My dad was a live aboard for 10 years on a Pearson 30 Wandeder. I was a navigator in the Navy and have worked in the marine industry since I got out. Up until recently Hunter in general was one of my least favorite sailboat manufacturers. That all changed when I started looking at 40-45ft boats to live aboard. I have two teenage daughters 50% of the time so that was a huge factor in my decision making process. After looking at a Pearson 424 in my price range that need to much rehab and lacked the space that my kids needed I punted and decided it was time to look at boats I hadn't considered. This all lead to me purchasing a Hunter 40 Legend. It was in really good shape for its age and the previous owner even had a series of TH-cam videos documenting work she had done including a very recent haul out and bottom job. The firs time I got on the boat to give it a once over, I came away with a different opinion on Hunter and especially the Legend series. I love my boat and feel that I got an extremely good value for my hard earned $$. I'm in the process of upgrading and adding my own touches to bring it to the point that I will be comfortable and ready to go out and have my adventure!
Always 👍🏽 your videos. I’ve never sailed but plan to in a few years. I’m 6’5” so I need something like the Hunter and really like everything I’ve seen about them on YT. I’d like to see a more in depth review of the Hunter boats without the complicated B&R rig.
Well said Tim, yes if your look past 'production;' they have a lot to offer. I would be happy to swap my 85 cruiser for one, sure I would technically sacrifice some sailing performance but the upside for cruising is huge.
Thank you for giving great details of the pros and cons of each of these popular boat models! Really helps us who are interested in getting into sailing, to learn a lot before maybe taking the plunge down the line 🤙🏼
Yep ! Hunter sailboat have a lot to offer for the price … I really like their layout … even the more recent B&R rigged one, well for our cruising plans … but sadly, all of those we looked seriously at had soft deck, soft cockpit floor … We are presently in the Bahamas, this is our second trip on our Jeanneau 34 and looking to upgrade for a bigger sailboat … Hunter are tempting … finding the right one is a thought proposition …
Really good review of the Legend series ... realizing these boats are all now 30+ years in age. Could you consider doing a similar episode on the "Passage" series, as these are center cockpit boats
Hey Tim, idea for a video. Sweden versus rest of the world or USA on bluewater. Hallberg, Malo, Najad all great boats, but do you want that teak to upkeep, that weird arrangement of beds after in the HR versus the likes of an IP445; great boat, but do you really want to sleep at an angle?. Couple of calls in this. Teak in the Bahamas? Best places and angles to sleep at anchor, aft versus central cockpit. More on Bluewater, what capsize ratio or comfort rating is really needed for your average Joe sailor. Just some brain dumps, great channel!
Getting my ASAs over the next couple of years starting with 101 in Barbados this winter. Then I will be looking at a Hunter legend in either 37.5, or 40.5 depending on what is available. One thing I love about the boat is that seat out on the bow. That definitely should be a more common feature. Until then, I watch sailing TH-cam!
😊 we have a 99 Catalina 380. Wonderful boat, but after watching Tim for a while I'm looking hard at tye Hunter legends.. Finding one for sale here in the PNW is tough
Another great video. My wife and I are newer to your site, you have some a great way to communicate a love for sailing. I would love to someday soon get a Legend 37. There have been so many trashing reviews of them; but I wonder if you think it would be a great option to go to Catalina from Long Beach....seaworthy for that? Also, could that be possibly to sailed single hander? Thanks for your extremely informative and entertaining wideos. All the best, Marty
Got 1989 Legend 40.1 and have to say that pictures here are mixed years and versions of the boat. There are only 2 issues I want to highlight for potential buyers - bedroom on the back is not useable due to slop and slosh sounds due to hull shape unless you really sleep soundly. Second is the entrance to the interior is nearly verical, so you have to be fairly able to climb up and down.
Tim, what a great video...I'm watching it again. I just have to try and plug my ears; because this boat and price is feeding "a bug". Thanks again, all the best , Marty
Lived aboard and cruised an ‘83 Hunter 34 to Mexico and back to SF in the mid ‘80’s and early 90’s. It was what I could afford, and “run with what I had.” Roomy, goes to weather like a banshee and real squirrely downwind in a breeze and swell. Saw the owner not long after we sold her. The transverse beam under the deck stepped mast had failed. For me, I will never again own a boat whose bulkheads are not spaced off the hull with foam and tabbed with multiple layers of glass.
I adore my 90 legend 35.5. I have been live aboard for nearly a year here on the Texas Gulf coast. I added an arch with a Saturn dingy and 400 amps of solar.
Great review. The video production, black background worked great. I am currently in the research mode after selling my last boat. My requirements are not a fit for the Hunter Legend, but very interesting review.
Love your videos. I have a legend 35.5. I got excited when I saw this video. You didn’t mention it. I’m assuming it didn’t fit the length you were going for in the video. Cheers. Look forward to your next vid.
Love your thinking. Cherry pick the good boats that people look over & which sold new to an older crowd. _First time seeing the 50/50 format mixed the short video clips!_ _Green screen legit looks like you borrowed Bob's green tarp for the shoot! =)_
It has been some time since I sales and I am rusty on terms and especially tacking navigation. Broad reach and tacking angles etc. That would be a fun article to take us all back to the basics once again. You could tie it in with rules of the sea meeting other craft discussions. Look forward to reading the articles.
I owned two smaller Hunter sailboats in the 90s and the 2000s. The very unique design. Both the 23.5 and the 260 were water ballasted boats you trailer behind your car, thus eliminating for the expense of a slip. The secret was their double hull. When you got to the ramp you raised the mast with a ginpole arrangement and opened a valve inside. As you launched the boat down the ramp, the outer hull filled with water creating more ballast. At the end of the day, you pulled the boat up the ramp, opened up the valve and shed all that unwanted weight. One inebriated man at the yacht club saw all that water draining onto the ramp and thought I had holed the boat. I still consider this water ballast design ingenious 30 years later.😅
I love the hunter legends I crewed On one. It was extremely fast. We got our butt kicked coming through the Saginaw Bay. I'm sure you know what I mean but one hell of a bleach bottle boat that phrase is priceless and very descriptive
Depends on model and year.. I have 1985 Hunter 40 Legend with B&R rig, with backstay.... backstay was removed in 97 I think...but reintroduced next year
Thank you Tim - great video. The article idea - What production sailboats that cost around 60k and has 38' are the most of capable of sailing around the world?
Tu be precisely - from 38' to 40' low end cruising boats. I think the cool video / article can compare let's say 5 production boats that are capable enough for the big adventures with know limitations. PS I know i.e. Catalina 380 will probably be a smart choice, but I wonder how that compare to Hunter Legend and others.
Thanks for your presentations, it's very nice to be able to see the possibilities. Much of boating I've seen as either lots of work into a money pit, or needing to be a millionaire - the idea that we can get nice things from £10k to £100k is very cheering, and buying cheaper than we 'could' will also result in far more usage - which should be the point.
Great boats! While you did not mention the smaller sister, the Legend 35.5, we LOVE our MY1995. Great boat, big enough for us, and quite fast. Our pristine 35.5, with new sails all new rigging, and electronics, along with several nice upgrades, just surveyed at $70,000.
I've got a Passage 456 with a the BNR rig - and a bent mast with a Selden roller sail (a bad idea that makes you wonder if maybe they just had a pile of those laying around, because the delivery truck got T boned. It still works, but it's fussy.) I'm usually happily surprised by the Hunters I've seen and sailed on. These two look great. The only thing I'd want to add is a bimini,
Thought of something for an article idea...fenders! They're a pain to put on, they're a pain to store. I tie mine off the slotted toe rail though some boats don't have these anymore. Tying off the lifelines isn't a good idea because in a blow with the boat pitching it's hard on the stantions and bases. I see many new boats with enormous hull windows, it doesn't seem wise to have fenders leaning on these. My point is with all of the innovations we see today there are no solutions offered to easily clip on and off a fender and no dedicated quick and practical way to store them.
I very nearly bought a Hunter Legend after you put me on to them. We couldn't agree on price so walked away. And then I ended up with a Beneteau instead.
NOOOO stop telling people about the Hunter legend. Your driving the price up for me. My plan is to buy a 40.5 in a couple years. Just messing with you. Love the video.
hahahah me too! #hiddengem
I have to agree ,the 40.5 is a great looking boat. It'd be my go to as well....
This boat might have just shot to the top of my list, Tim great vids as always, do you think there will be good condition 40.5 Legends around in 6-8 years?
I've been looking at these boats for the last 3 months. Now the price is only going to go up.....
Would you cross the Atlantic on one of them?
Ive delivered a ton of these "production" boats. They were intended for the "mostly weekend but some coastal cruising" crowd. Hunters and Catalinas are a good value. If the boat surveys well and you like it, you cant go wrong provided you use it in the manner intended. Ive found them to be sturdy enough. With the Hunters and Catalinas, you can depend on the drawers opening when you want and the doors staying shut in a seaway. Some of the more "flexible" boats, not so much.
Its true that the sugar-scoop stern makes for easy boarding. Snakes, alligators, racoons, nutria and if youre on the west coast, sea lions, all concur.
Rarher some snake or racoon than be left out of your boat, like in that movie....
Thank you for this.
I've been living on my 94 37.5 for 10 years all year on the Chesapeake Bay. A dream come true.
I have a Legend 40 from the 80’s and live aboard in FL. I love how confortable is.
True, love my Legend 45
Same here, bought mine in pandemic time, been living aboard since, and sailing around! VERY spacious and comfortable, and a super fast sailboat too
You nailed it! We have a 1988 37 Legend. Sails great and so many good features. $35,000!
Really enjoy your opinion on various boats at a price for us middle class people. There's a huge swath of boats out there and its good to hear your take on them. Keep it up!!
I had a 35.5 and I sold it and got a 40.5 I absolutely love them I appreciate the shout out!!!
Hey you actually used pics of my sailboat Remedy!! Thanks and looks great.
I have a 1985 Hunter 40 Legend ❤ it's a remarkable boat, loads and loads of space, a huge king sized island bed in aft cabin, with 2 doors, shower, basin &toilet en- suite, spacious v-berth with own shower,head & basin, very spacious kitchen, saloon as spacious...... and she's FAST! I solo sail and handle her easily... love this boat 👌🏼⛵
Very nice!
I love the 40 legend as well. I was wondering how difficult is to insure the boat due to its age.
We have a 87 Hunter Legend. Great value. Comfortable and spacious below and we still regularly outsail many in our marina. Thanks for showing the Hunter Legend the love it deserves.
Great vid Tim. I bought a 94 37.5 legend about 6 months ago and moved on board right away. I love it more everyday I wake up on it.
Good video! I've looked at countless boats and found our Legend 40.5 to be special. Hunter introduced a build quality improvement in the late 80s which set up the better build quality of the Legend series. The build quality is good (ie Catalina+, better than a Beneteau imho), all brand name components, great wiring, lead keel etc. Like all boats has its quirks - large mainsail (but points well, even more so for a shoal-draft) with difficult to access blocks that need to be maintained. Also, going upwind you'll run out of reefs surely much sooner than an Island Packet, so then you're a motor boat or drifting on a sea anchor or bare poles. Doesn't track super easily, so a modern autopilot is a must and is equal to more than one additional crew member. Due to the backstay, making a solar arch takes more thinking as well, however I have over 1kW on my boat with nothing overhanging.
Overall, I've had her in 20'+ seas and 40 knots+ wind (downwind) and she handles great. Super happy with the purchase, having been on Island Packets, Juneaus, Catalinas and Beneteaus. None of the other boats have the lively and bright feel of the Hunter inside. Saving over $100k was nice too; this video captures the 'quality bang for the buck' situation well.
Another thing you didn't mention - how about that engine access? all 4 sides clear access, the front and the back and most of the top as well. Engine maintenance and fixes are as easy as pie. As others have noted, the bow seat? Special. Every woman who has been on my boat has found that seat to be magical, whether ghosting along under sail in a calm bay, or being chased by jumping dolphins.
One of my former crew has an Island Packet and was quite floored at how fast my boat was in light wind. Because my main crew (my wife!) and I both like calm and relaxing sailing, I find that I'd rather have a boat where we prioritize sailing in 10-15 knots of wind (or 15-25 downwind) - and can actually move quickly in that wind level! At 8 knots of wind on a broad reach or closer, we have workable speed (4-5kn), otherwise, based on the wind speed, 5-8+ knots. 12 knots downwind in 40 knots breeze was a bit more than I wanted ;)
Cheers and fair winds
-Peter
Fast sailing also allows you to avoid some bad weather!
Do an article about sail inspection, time of life and repairs. Diy would be a plus
I’m ready to sail through a brick wall, love the passion
😂
Classical clash of ideal and reality. Our ideal boat is one of those ocean crossing beauties. But reality is our sailing practice is perfect for a legend.
My first boat was a 1976 Hunter 30’ love Hunter
It’s not a 37.5 but we love our 1994 Hunter 33.5.
Plenty of room for a couple , easy to handle, shallow draft and a capsize ratio of 1.98.
Perfect for us on the Great Lakes .
OMG… I’m getting that itch again! We think alike about our love of sailboats and sailing. It just never leaves. That Legend looks so sweet. Wet Wednesdays or Thursdays with friends. trips to Catalina Island. Just don’t know if it’s safe for me at 72.
Safe at 72? I'm sure you'll find willing crew, combine it with teaching them sailing! A win-win.
Thanks for the feature on the Legend series. Bought a 40.5 a few years ago and agree it's the best balance between cost and sailing performance. Preach on!
Hey Tim - love the channel and I think I have an idea for an episode or article for you to research: BOAT INSURANCE FOR CRUISERS.
Long story short, we live on Vancouver Island. Our current insurer does not cover us south of 40N and we want to cruise the Sea of Cortez. We were able to get them to quote on an extension to include anywhere within 100 NM of shore from Cabo San Lucas NORTH. The problem is that they wanted 200% of our annual premium as a surcharge. We also needed to provide a hurricane plan, including what boatyard we would be hauling out at and who would be monitoring the boat. We elected not to head to Cortex this year, but for next season we will.
So what do we do? Pay $3K extra to sail to Mexico? Just not carry hull insurance? Try to go to a different insurer?
Any hints, tips, or guidance you can provide to sailors who aren't as familiar with cruising to different countries would be helpful.
I'd like to know more about what it is like to clear customs in the various ports.
I’ll second this.
That is it, I'm in love with the Legend! I want one now
Tim, not sure how to send a PM but me thinks you are going to need editors for your pending missives. PG geologists, been writing for 40 years. OBTW, I have watched every video you have made. Love the new back drop, no distractions, pure content. 5 stars.
Aloha Tim, another great episode 🤙. I have two really bad ideas for articles for ya 😉.
1. “Boatyard Rescue”. Find an old boat to fix and sail from a-b on a tiny budget then write/vlog about the “adventures”.
2. Find an almost-middle-aged writer (hopefully me) that’s obsessed with sailboats (definitely me) but has next to no sailing experience (also me) and put them (hopefully me, again) into sailing situations and see how I/they do, then write about those “adventures” as well.
Rob
We have been cruising full time on our ‘93 40.5. I would love to see your suggestions to bring these boats technologically current, e.g. upgrading batteries, solar,cooking, water tanks, sails. Most of these vessels, like ours, are reaching an age-out point for systems, both mechanically and conceptually, requiring some sort of replacement. Cruising boats have progressed significantly and I would be interested in what you would upgrade to make this efficient hull and interior more tech current.
I have a 1983 what I've been cruising been living in cruising on it for over a year full time I want the smallest boat I can stand up in because having a boat that's less than 30 ft has saved me so many times finding a slip when I need it fees and repairs have been so much cheaper and easier my vessel is a Helms LOA 29ft. Is heavy and way better built than a Catalina it's heavier than a Catalina higher quality materials have been used. And that's good enough for me I have never once looked at another boat and wish I had versus not I don't do that I am perfectly 100% happy with my vessel I spent almost $40,000 and did a complete restore on it from the bottom of the keel to the top of the mast. I'm completely satisfied with my boat 100% because I know everything on it and everything is practically brand new I always tell people I have a brand new 40 year old boat.
Live aboard, day sail, cruise, and race very successfully my 1990 Hunter Legend 40. I’ve always known the 37 is faster and more nimble. And my 40 doesn’t have a sugar scoop which is fine without one.
Have owned the 40 Legend now for a couple years. Fun sailboat.
Great as always, Tim. I've never seen Hunter Legends here in NZ. They seem to be rarer, even, than Catalinas. Quite frankly, though, any boat with a walk-through transom (and definitely not just for swimming), a wheel, and a traveller on the coach roof, has to be an improvement on what came before.
As for ideas for new articles, I know it's verging into the realm of higher level sailing stuff, but I'd really enjoy hearing you talk about the need for headsail "alternatives" to drive cruising boats downwind, including especially low-cost furling systems for code zeros, gennakers, etc. It's the one thing still really missing from our sailing, after starting from complete newbies four years ago, even though we do coastal passages here in NZ in a 34 foot production boat all the time now.
Would love to see an article around center cockpit vs after cockpit. Starting to look at the legends because of this video!
Love it!
Tim, since I started dreaming (thinking?) about going sailing upon retirement, I watched a ton of videos. Yours are the best! And honestly, some time ago you made me switch from an axe core ocean eater (HR 352 was my first dreamboat) to consider a production boat for a start. Just considering now, because after getting some experience closer to home I would like to sail from Europe to the Caribbean.
And thank you for this video! My wife considers an isle bed in the aft a must, which (until now) limited my options to center cockpit boats. Thanks to you I see that I have more to choose from :)
Thank youuuuuu!!!!
After 12 years with our 1989 Hunter Legend 37, I agree that it’s a very special race cruiser boat. Although a bit nimble for retirees looking to get into a cruiser; this Great Lakes past keel boat racer finds the boat a great boat that out-sails the 40’ cruisers. Once at anchor in a quiet GBay harbour it’s very comfortable down below. And yes, I was a C&C owner in the past.
Traitor lol I haven’t tried other boat that C&c
While the C&C has always been an incredible 80/20 combo race cruiser it’s much less comfortable. I purchased the Legend 37 as a family cruiser for those of us that still trim the sails and steer at the helm vs set it and forget it cruising. Our dock neighbours have a similar era C&C 37 with only 2/3 the space down below and nothing like our beam to beam aft cabin. Those that have the Legend 37 all know that I’m talking about.
@@svlyoness1969 I’m sure I’ll come for a ride to see the difference
I have an 89' Legend 37.5 and absolutely love it. I actually bought it based on pervious Lady K videos and have not at all been disappointed. Great boats!
I appreciate you gently reminding us that it can be done for less. All the while, it can be done in comfort tooooo.... Cheers!
When I got into sailing I heard all the hate on Hunters and so naturally I thought it was justified but 3 of the boats on my dock are Hunter Legend and all 3 liveaboard. Being on one, I’m impressed with the layout, 2 bathrooms, sugar scoop, and how well they sail and point for such a big boat.
I'll add you forgot to mention the 40 legend. I've sailed since just after I could walk. My dad was a live aboard for 10 years on a Pearson 30 Wandeder. I was a navigator in the Navy and have worked in the marine industry since I got out. Up until recently Hunter in general was one of my least favorite sailboat manufacturers. That all changed when I started looking at 40-45ft boats to live aboard. I have two teenage daughters 50% of the time so that was a huge factor in my decision making process. After looking at a Pearson 424 in my price range that need to much rehab and lacked the space that my kids needed I punted and decided it was time to look at boats I hadn't considered. This all lead to me purchasing a Hunter 40 Legend. It was in really good shape for its age and the previous owner even had a series of TH-cam videos documenting work she had done including a very recent haul out and bottom job. The firs time I got on the boat to give it a once over, I came away with a different opinion on Hunter and especially the Legend series. I love my boat and feel that I got an extremely good value for my hard earned $$. I'm in the process of upgrading and adding my own touches to bring it to the point that I will be comfortable and ready to go out and have my adventure!
I've been looking to move back to Annapolis and get myself 37 to 40 ft boat thank you for letting me know about this one 🙏
We have a 1997 Hunter 376. She is a great boat, amazingly fast and we love it.
Always 👍🏽 your videos. I’ve never sailed but plan to in a few years. I’m 6’5” so I need something like the Hunter and really like everything I’ve seen about them on YT. I’d like to see a more in depth review of the Hunter boats without the complicated B&R rig.
Well said Tim, yes if your look past 'production;' they have a lot to offer. I would be happy to swap my 85 cruiser for one, sure I would technically sacrifice some sailing performance but the upside for cruising is huge.
Thank you for giving great details of the pros and cons of each of these popular boat models! Really helps us who are interested in getting into sailing, to learn a lot before maybe taking the plunge down the line 🤙🏼
I had a Hunter 26 weekender. Loved that boat.
I like the Hunters, even the BR rigs, but they do have a bit of a learning curve. We own a Hunter 306 and love it. We sail the great lakes.
Yep ! Hunter sailboat have a lot to offer for the price … I really like their layout … even the more recent B&R rigged one, well for our cruising plans … but sadly, all of those we looked seriously at had soft deck, soft cockpit floor …
We are presently in the Bahamas, this is our second trip on our Jeanneau 34 and looking to upgrade for a bigger sailboat … Hunter are tempting … finding the right one is a thought proposition …
Really good review of the Legend series ... realizing these boats are all now 30+ years in age.
Could you consider doing a similar episode on the "Passage" series, as these are center cockpit boats
always good info. i'm doing lots of homework before pulling the trigger
Yes he is. Got me looking that direction again.
I was looking at trawlers. But I think fuel might get crazy. Or money might be scarce
I am totally hooked on Hunters. 90% sure when I do buy my retirement boat. It's gonna be a Hunter.
Took our ASA103/104 on a Legend 40.5. Great Boat !!
Owned a 40.5 for a few years. Damn great boat.
Hey Tim, idea for a video. Sweden versus rest of the world or USA on bluewater. Hallberg, Malo, Najad all great boats, but do you want that teak to upkeep, that weird arrangement of beds after in the HR versus the likes of an IP445; great boat, but do you really want to sleep at an angle?. Couple of calls in this. Teak in the Bahamas? Best places and angles to sleep at anchor, aft versus central cockpit. More on Bluewater, what capsize ratio or comfort rating is really needed for your average Joe sailor. Just some brain dumps, great channel!
I like the new black-screen format!
Nice video style. Very Gentleman- cigar- liquor- sailing of you. I like it.
Looks like you like Hunter.
My first sailboat was a Hunter 30’
I love them too.
I like the format. And the boat.
Getting my ASAs over the next couple of years starting with 101 in Barbados this winter. Then I will be looking at a Hunter legend in either 37.5, or 40.5 depending on what is available. One thing I love about the boat is that seat out on the bow. That definitely should be a more common feature.
Until then, I watch sailing TH-cam!
😊 we have a 99 Catalina 380.
Wonderful boat, but after watching Tim for a while I'm looking hard at tye Hunter legends..
Finding one for sale here in the PNW is tough
Another great video. My wife and I are newer to your site, you have some a great way to communicate a love for sailing. I would love to someday soon get a Legend 37. There have been so many trashing reviews of them; but I wonder if you think it would be a great option to go to Catalina from Long Beach....seaworthy for that? Also, could that be possibly to sailed single hander? Thanks for your extremely informative and entertaining wideos.
All the best, Marty
Got 1989 Legend 40.1 and have to say that pictures here are mixed years and versions of the boat.
There are only 2 issues I want to highlight for potential buyers - bedroom on the back is not useable due to slop and slosh sounds due to hull shape unless you really sleep soundly.
Second is the entrance to the interior is nearly verical, so you have to be fairly able to climb up and down.
Tim, what a great video...I'm watching it again. I just have to try and plug my ears; because this boat and price is feeding "a bug". Thanks again, all the best , Marty
Lived aboard and cruised an ‘83 Hunter 34 to Mexico and back to SF in the mid ‘80’s and early 90’s. It was what I could afford, and “run with what I had.” Roomy, goes to weather like a banshee and real squirrely downwind in a breeze and swell. Saw the owner not long after we sold her. The transverse beam under the deck stepped mast had failed. For me, I will never again own a boat whose bulkheads are not spaced off the hull with foam and tabbed with multiple layers of glass.
I adore my 90 legend 35.5. I have been live aboard for nearly a year here on the Texas Gulf coast. I added an arch with a Saturn dingy and 400 amps of solar.
I'd have one already if I lived in the US instead of OZ, surprised they don't do production down under.
Great review. The video production, black background worked great. I am currently in the research mode after selling my last boat. My requirements are not a fit for the Hunter Legend, but very interesting review.
Love your videos. I have a legend 35.5. I got excited when I saw this video. You didn’t mention it. I’m assuming it didn’t fit the length you were going for in the video. Cheers. Look forward to your next vid.
Love those too! Yes, have to keep the video shorter to play to attention spans :)
Love your thinking. Cherry pick the good boats that people look over & which sold new to an older crowd.
_First time seeing the 50/50 format mixed the short video clips!_
_Green screen legit looks like you borrowed Bob's green tarp for the shoot! =)_
Not a green screen ;)
Good one! The 37 and 37.5 are pretty boats.
Great Vid! Tim.
Awesome information and you are Right! Who knew?
Without a doubt, the best sailing boat at anchor
The main thing I do not like about newer production boats is, they seem to have stopped using fiberglass to tab and just use, somthing like, 5200.
It has been some time since I sales and I am rusty on terms and especially tacking navigation. Broad reach and tacking angles etc. That would be a fun article to take us all back to the basics once again. You could tie it in with rules of the sea meeting other craft discussions. Look forward to reading the articles.
I have a Hunter 380 it sail good to my knowledge to sailing world sailing cheeps sailing ⛵️ now 😊
I owned two smaller Hunter sailboats in the 90s and the 2000s. The very unique design. Both the 23.5 and the 260 were water ballasted boats you trailer behind your car, thus eliminating for the expense of a slip. The secret was their double hull. When you got to the ramp you raised the mast with a ginpole arrangement and opened a valve inside. As you launched the boat down the ramp, the outer hull filled with water creating more ballast.
At the end of the day, you pulled the boat up the ramp, opened up the valve and shed all that unwanted weight.
One inebriated man at the yacht club saw all that water draining onto the ramp and thought I had holed the boat.
I still consider this water ballast design ingenious 30 years later.😅
I love the hunter legends I crewed On one. It was extremely fast. We got our butt kicked coming through the Saginaw Bay. I'm sure you know what I mean but one hell of a bleach bottle boat that phrase is priceless and very descriptive
I believe the Legend is also a B&R rig with a backstay, I could be wrong.
Depends on model and year.. I have 1985 Hunter 40 Legend with B&R rig, with backstay.... backstay was removed in 97 I think...but reintroduced next year
We love our 37.5 legend!
Thank you Tim - great video. The article idea - What production sailboats that cost around 60k and has 38' are the most of capable of sailing around the world?
Wow interesting! Thanks!
Tu be precisely - from 38' to 40' low end cruising boats.
I think the cool video / article can compare let's say 5 production boats that are capable enough for the big adventures with know limitations.
PS I know i.e. Catalina 380 will probably be a smart choice, but I wonder how that compare to Hunter Legend and others.
Had a 1994 Hunter40.5 it was a great sailboat.Much better then the boats Hunter built after they stopped making the legend series from 1990 to 1996.
!0 seasons with out 83 Hunter 34 and we love it.
Thanks for your presentations, it's very nice to be able to see the possibilities. Much of boating I've seen as either lots of work into a money pit, or needing to be a millionaire - the idea that we can get nice things from £10k to £100k is very cheering, and buying cheaper than we 'could' will also result in far more usage - which should be the point.
Great boats! While you did not mention the smaller sister, the Legend 35.5, we LOVE our MY1995. Great boat, big enough for us, and quite fast. Our pristine 35.5, with new sails all new rigging, and electronics, along with several nice upgrades, just surveyed at $70,000.
I've got a Passage 456 with a the BNR rig - and a bent mast with a Selden roller sail (a bad idea that makes you wonder if maybe they just had a pile of those laying around, because the delivery truck got T boned. It still works, but it's fussy.) I'm usually happily surprised by the Hunters I've seen and sailed on. These two look great. The only thing I'd want to add is a bimini,
hey Tim love your work! can you do some videos on sailing and buying sailboats in New Zealand?:)
I think I’m having my eyes on a Hunter Passage 420 as my next boat.in 5-10 years or so.
You found a good compromise for your audio now, Tim. The room is still live but it’s decent proximity. And congratulations for your big break!
Thought of something for an article idea...fenders! They're a pain to put on, they're a pain to store. I tie mine off the slotted toe rail though some boats don't have these anymore. Tying off the lifelines isn't a good idea because in a blow with the boat pitching it's hard on the stantions and bases. I see many new boats with enormous hull windows, it doesn't seem wise to have fenders leaning on these. My point is with all of the innovations we see today there are no solutions offered to easily clip on and off a fender and no dedicated quick and practical way to store them.
Love it great info would like the 40.5 great vids too
Your video convinced me it was okay to buy a Hunter Legend 37.
Love the new format !!
Just put an offer in on a 1995 35.5 Legend. Looking forward to the sea trial…!
Passage maker 420.. just amazing yacht
Love the new format, Tim!
I remember in the 80s Hunter was considered an excellent boat so I don’t understand all the hatred from the sailing community on hunters.
I very nearly bought a Hunter Legend after you put me on to them. We couldn't agree on price so walked away. And then I ended up with a Beneteau instead.
Another great show like the back drop
Low Key eyeballing these as our boat after our Hunter 34
Article idea - selecting a boat and/or boat features for single-handed sailing.
Yeah, that'll be on my 'look for' list.
I’m just buying a Fisher 25 love you bro
Great down to earth presentation. What about the Hunter Legend 42 center cockpit, how good is it?
Great content. Hunters rock
Thanks for watching!