hunter 240 sailboat

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Considering a Hunter 240

• Thread starter John Marrone
• Start date Jun 12, 2021
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Smaller Boats

John Marrone

Seen a couple and found that there is no "Step Rail" or the space between the Rub Rail and the raised deck. This lack of this step off platform around the boat made it difficult to exit the boat to grab tie downs, other than using the rear cockpit Keep going back and forth form the Catalina 22 to the Hunter 24, each of which design years provided a Dinette Table Design that we are looking for in either boat. Any experience missing the "jump off to the dock" when tying down this 240?  

We’ve owned our 240 for twenty years and have never found this to be a problem. In fact, it never occurred to me that it might be an issue. The payoff is a nice flat cabin top along with increased interior volume. That seems desirable on a small boat.  

Appreciate the input, regardless stepping on or off this boat from anywhere other than the cockpit becomes a real exercise. Assume you tow this boat. What kind of vehicle are you using. The suggestion to empty the ballast as the boat comes out of the water appears to make this process a lot less wear on the vehicle. Sailboat Data shows the boat at 3200#'s empty with another 1200#'s added when in the water. We will bee keeping the boat in the water year around. Is there an additive that is environmental friendly that should be added to the ballast. Is the vent for this ballast in the Anchor Locker or at the step entry to the cabin? Lot of questions, just trying to narrow down Catalina 22 Swing Keel vs this boat.  

Crazy Dave Condon

John The vent for the water ballast tank is located under teak step inside the cabin of the hunter 240. To exit, there is the step off on the port transom and from the cockpit sides by releasing either the port or starboard lifeline pelican hooks. The boat was designed for maximum room inside without the catwalks on the side of the boat following the success of the 23.5 hunter sailboat. Yes it made it difficult to get off the deck from top of cabin but many wanted the extra interior room, so hunter went with the concept of the 23.5. I gave hunter the original drawings for the 23.5 concept sailboat As for the Catalina 22 wing keel and Catalina 22 Sport with swing keel, they had the traditional walk around. The fixed wing keel was more cumbersome to get off the trailer. As for the Sport 22 swing keel, it was very easy to get off and on the supplied Catalina Sport 22 Trailer by Road King Trailers as Ron Frisosky and I designed that trailer. I introduced both of these boats as well as the Hunter 240.  

You are truly a wealth of knowledge. What do you do these days, still designing sailboats. Hope so, the old boats are much more ergonomic and desirable. Catalina Manufacturer here in Largo told us that the reason both Hunter and Catalina, one following the other, gave up on small boats because it was costing them money to build them, so neither the 250 or the 240/260 has survived. A real "brain trust" decision for sure. Appreciate your wisdom and knowledge answering, advising and sharing your knowledge................  

twistedskipper

I don’t think I’d go with water ballast if I was keeping it in the water year round. The only advantage of water ballast is for a smaller tow vehicle and shallower ramps. If you’re only hauling it out once a year, just rent/borrow/hire a big enough truck for a non water ballast boat. I have a Hunter 26 which I love for the combination of trailerability and accommodations.  

We had a 240 for 10 years- and have a 260 now. The lack of side decks was never a problem for us on the 240. We stepped off the boat either from the cockpit or from the bow since you usually have a dock line in your hand. The 240 is a great boat- I'm missing the tiller on the 240- the 260 wheel takes some getting used to.  

@ Caverun You just drive like a car youngster. Turn car wheel to right to go right. Ha!  

We have had our 240 for 11 years and it’s just perfect for our inland lake sailing. The lack of the side decks is a little awkward at times, but I haven’t found it to be a problem. The water ballast does make the boat a little more tender than others on my lake, but you get used to it and how to adjust accordingly. Overall, we really love the boat.  

Max heel is 12-14 degrees. Sail control is important  

John, Saw a nice 2003 240 for sale in western Kentucky. Here's the link: Kentucky Lake Marina Boat Sales | Lighthouse Landing Resort & Marina  

caverun said: John, Saw a nice 2003 240 for sale in western Kentucky. Here's the link: Kentucky Lake Marina Boat Sales | Lighthouse Landing Resort & Marina Click to expand

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