Hunter 140 vs Marlow-Hunter 15
Posted by arccpa@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Help me choose! Both are affordable, the 140 is $1,800 asking and the 15 is $3,500 (late model - 2022). I am sure the 140 has more needs as far as hardware sails but they both look seaworthy. So price isn't the deciding factor.
My goals - launch from the beach with anywhere from 1 to 4 adults, or a combination of 1-4 adults and kids. Could easily be 500lbs of crew, but often 240 or 300lbs. This is on the Mississippi Sound, shallow sandy water protected by barrier islands. Furthest trip would be 6-7 miles across the sound to the (sound side) of the islands. I favor stability/comfort over speed.
Hour_Atmosphere_1941@reddit
Most adults ive ever successfully had on a 15 footer is 3, and that was with me sitting at the bow straddling the mast to keep balance, if youre looking for comfort a dinghy is not for you, trailer sailors can be had for around the price of the 15 (swing keel boats like the siren 17 and 19, catalina 22, cs-22, and i think the hunter 22 has a swing keel model) they can be had for that sub 5k range, raising the mast can be a bit of a hassle without a gin pole (which can be made easily for reasonably cheap if you know how it works) but other than that they are pretty easily soloable. Also in even moderate winds (10-15kts) with a crew that doesnt know how to sail a dinghy, chances are good that you will end up in the water, and even with people with experience you may end up in the water as balance (not personal, but balancing the boat) is extremely important
arccpa@reddit (OP)
Beach launching is a critical factor for me, so it needs to be light enough to dolly. I'm absolutely interested in Hobie waves or getaway also but haven't found one yet
Efficient_Waltz_8023@reddit
How about a plain old Hobie 16. Many can be had wicked cheap. With beach wheels easy to launch. Yes it’s old technology but still a solid choice.
arccpa@reddit (OP)
I haven't sailed a 16 but I'm a little intimidating by sailing it solo or with just a kid in heavier wind, vs a dinghy. I need to look into it more they are certainly available
becoming_stoic@reddit
I used to teach sailing on 16's at a summer camp for kids. You and the kids got this. Supper fun but prepare to get wet!
Plastic_Table_8232@reddit
Survey the boats and choose the one that is closest to sailing. If one has blown out sails you’re going to spend more for a - singular, sail than the cost of the boat. I’m being a bit hyperbolic but at that price range anything you invest is the equivalent to lighting cigars with $100 bills.
For what it’s worth on my 30’ two people was ideal and it got crowded with more. If you have the finances and ambition to sail you will soon find yourself wanting a larger boat. Don’t get over invested in this one.
Learn from my mistakes please.
arccpa@reddit (OP)
I used to have a 23 then a 32. This is just for fun at the beach house, where I have no dock. Need something I can store under the house, wheel down the beach and go. So never say never but I've been down the road of wanting a bigger boat already.
weitzenheimer@reddit
The 15 is much bigger than the length would suggest and would handle 4 adults better. Check sailboat data and you can compare the 2. If money is not an issue I'd go with newer and bigger
arccpa@reddit (OP)
Thanks. The dimensions are very similar but the freeboard on the 15 is much higher. The 15 is also almost twice as heavy. That's good and bad since I'm going to be launching from the beach.
I can't tell for sure, but unbelievable the 15 is fiberglass and the 140 is foam sandwich plastic. Does anyone know if that's correct and what the advantage is?
weitzenheimer@reddit
The 15 is much bigger than the length would suggest and would handle 4 adults better. Check sailboat data and you can compare the 2. If money is not an issue I'd go with newer and bigger
iammiscreant@reddit
I can’t see 500lbs being comfortable or practical on the Hunter 140.
Have you considered a cat?