Hunt Yachts Review

Summary

Hunt Yachts stands apart in the world of boat-making by the fact that it was established by naval architects. C. Raymond Hunt created the design that started the tradition of their signature boats. The “Moppie” set records and won races and changed the ideal in powerboats. The trademarks of the Hunt Yachts include a single engine with a deep-V hull. These boats are designed for simple maintenance and the occasional trip on the water. This design evolved into the Hunt 33, and when the building opportunity was rejected by several clients, the Hunt company was formed in the late 1990’s and began their own tradition of yacht building. The company is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

Hunt Yachts has been the recipients of several awards, including the NMMA Innovation Award (National Marine Manufacturers Association) for the Harrier 36. The Slade’s Ferry Bank Center for Business Research at the University of Massachusetts awarded the company an Outstanding Marketing Award and was cited as “…among the foremost firms in the field of powerboats and their recreational use.” The Surfhunter 25 Center Console also received a Best Powerboat award at the Newport International Boat Show in 2007. One boat tester called the describe the ride smooth, controllable, and absolutely dry. He also noted heavy steering and some slight weather helm but rated the overall performance as exemplary. According to the manufacturer, each of their models have rough-water capability and offer a dry ride, plus options for customization according to owner’s personal needs.

Pricing

Prices for Hunt Yachts are in the several hundred thousands range. The 2005 Hunt Surfhunter 33 lists a base price of $262,500. Used models can be as low as $189,900 but can also be listed at well over $400,000.

Pros

• The Hunt 33 can be ideal for weekend getaways due to the cabin space. It has a four-person dining area.
• The Hunt 36 Harrier doubles the horsepower and is built with hybrid materials (fiberglass with reinforcements of Kevlar and carbon fiber). The layout can be customized.
• Each yacht is built specifically for the owner -unlike mass manufactured boats.

Cons

• On the Surfhunter 33 model, one tester found the lack of an enclosed shower to be a disadvantage.
• This model also had some trouble with heavy steering and some slight weather helm.

Featured Models

Hunt models include the Surfhunter (the 25, the 25 Center Console, the 29, and the 33), the Harrier (the 25, the 29, and the 36) and the Hunt 52. These models range from 25 to 52 feet in length. Each model’s hull has solid E-glass laminate, molded interior liner, and extruded vinyl sheer guard. The smaller models generally feature a 100 gallon fuel tank while the larger can hold up to 250 gallons.

Conclusion

Hunt Yachts come from a company who is known for their designs and personalized boats. They have gained recognition in the boating community for their award-winning boats. These boats are known for their smooth ride and the deep-V hull that provides a dry ride. Unlike some companies where the boats are mass manufactured, Hunt builds each yacht to suit the particular needs and wants of the owners. These boats are well suited to the weekend getaway or short cruising trips.