Builder · Mid · Alachua, Florida

Hunter

Florida cruising sailboat builder, 1973-founded. Owned by Marlow-Hunter since 2012. Cruising monohulls 22 to 50 feet.

Founded: 1973
Headquarters: Alachua, Florida
Ownership: Marlow-Hunter LLC
Tier: Mid
Website: marlowhunter.com

Hunter is the Florida cruising-sailboat builder, founded in 1973. Production was acquired by Marlow Yachts in 2012, becoming Marlow-Hunter LLC. Production stays at the Alachua, Florida facility.

The brand argument is value pricing for US cruising sailboats. Hunter sits alongside Catalina at the value-mid US cruising segment, with the B&R rig (no backstay, swept-back spreaders) as a brand signature on most hulls.

Lineup

Current platforms.

Hunter 28 / 33 / 36 / 41 / 50 AC

Cruising monohulls 28 to 50 feet

Model breakdown

Each platform, what it does and where it falls short.

Hunter Hunter 28 / 33 / 36 / 41 / 50 AC

Hunter line is the volume cruising-monohull range. B&R rig standard, Yanmar saildrive, full cabin layout.

Things we like

· B&R rig eliminates backstay, opens up bimini and arch options
· Pricing 5 to 10 percent below Catalina at equivalent LOA

Things we don't

· Build tier slightly below Catalina on hardware grade
· Smaller dealer footprint than Catalina

Buyer's guide

The Hunter story and what to know on the used market.

Origin and ownership

Hunter was founded in 1973 in Florida. The brand grew through the 1980s and 1990s as the US cruising-sailboat segment expanded.

Marlow Yachts acquired Hunter in 2012, becoming Marlow-Hunter LLC. Production has stayed in Alachua, Florida throughout.

Design philosophy

Hunter cruising monohulls use the B&R (Bergstrom and Ridder) rig with no backstay and swept-back spreaders. The rig eliminates the backstay and opens up bimini and arch options.

Yanmar diesel saildrive is the standard engine rigging.

Used-market notes and known issues

B&R rig service interval is 5 years; spreader inspection is the key item.

Yanmar saildrive seal pattern on 2017 to 2020 hulls warrants inspection.

Marlow-Hunter parts pipeline since 2012 ownership.

Dealer network smaller than Catalina, concentrated in the Southeast.

Resale

Hunter holds resale at the US cruising-sailboat value-mid average. Three-year depreciation runs 20 to 26 percent. Five-year depreciation runs 30 to 38 percent.

Where Hunter fits

Buyers cross-shop Hunter against Catalina and the smaller Beneteau Oceanis hulls. The argument is value pricing with the B&R rig configuration.

FAQ

Frequently asked.

What is the B&R rig?: Designed by Bergstrom and Ridder. No backstay, swept-back spreaders that hold the mast in column. Eliminates the backstay (opens up arch and bimini options) and reduces standing rigging count. Hunter uses B&R rig as a brand signature.
Hunter vs Catalina?: Hunter pricing 5 to 10 percent below Catalina at equivalent LOA. B&R rig vs traditional sloop rig is the main differentiator. Catalina has the deeper US dealer network. Cross-shop on rig preference and dealer proximity.
What's the maintenance cost on a Hunter 41?: Annual service on Yanmar 4JH saildrive runs $1,400 to $2,300. Bottom paint $700 to $1,400. Sail service $800 to $1,500. Storage $1,500 to $4,000. Insurance for a $180K hull runs $1,200 to $2,400.
Where are Hunters built?: Alachua, Florida. Marlow-Hunter LLC facility.

Compare

Categories Hunter fits.

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