hunter vision 32 sailboat

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

Cruising Boat Spotlight: The Hunter Vision 32

By: Pat Reynolds Sailboat Rigs , Sailboats

One cool thing about sailing is the vast amount of boat designs we have to choose from. From wooden yawls to foiling catamarans, there is, no doubt, a boat out there to suit your fancy. But many tend to stick to the world of production boats, especially in the cruising world – they’re tried and tested, easy to get serviced and buy parts for, and they are generally reliable and well made. They are also normally designed relatively conservatively and broadly to attract a cross-section of buyers. So with that as our foundation we wanted to take a look at a production boat that was built in the late 80s and early 90s that bucked the trends and stepped outside the norm – the Hunter Vision 32 & 36.

The 32 and 36 are essentially the same boats with different lengths so we’ll just call both boats “the Vision.” There is really nothing particularly extraordinary about the Vision compared to most cruising boats of that time except that Hunter took a crack at making a boat with a free-standing mast – literally a giant aluminum pole set far-forward and keel-stepped.

No Spreaders, No Shrouds, No Backstay!

On the Hunter Vision, there is what looks like a street lamp pole holding an enormous mainsail in a quasi cat rigged set up. Not surprisingly, the configuration gets a hearty dose of contradicting reviews. Some believe that the weight and width of the freestanding mast make for poor sailing qualities, particularly upwind. Although most critics will concede that the boat does pretty well on a reach and downwind (due to the huge main’s ability to be set farther out than most boats can achieve) they will cite other qualities that indicate the boat is something of a dog. Many don’t like that there is nothing to hold onto when going forward and others flinch at the manageability (or lack thereof) of such a large main.

Of course later in the thread another sailor (a Hunter Vision owner) debunked most of the criticisms – such is the world of sailing discussions on the internet.

One thing that can’t be disputed is that Visions need no wires or turnbuckles and there is no corrosion or rig tension to worry about. It’s also said that these types of rigs allow spill-off aloft, which works well in heavier weather. Certainly the mast set so far forward creates a roomy saloon, which if you’re familiar with Hunter designs, might well have been the motivation for the attempt.

As it all turned out, the arguments over whether or not this alternative idea was worth doing got cut short, for Hunter discontinued the Vision after only about five years. Sales for the boat were not outstanding but it’s supposedly the cost of the masts that killed the production.

Visions still turn up regularly on the used market and are often priced quite affordably, probably due to the mixed reviews they receive and their somewhat misunderstood, non-traditional identity.

Hunter Vision 32 Photo Gallery

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

Hunter 32 vision

The hunter 32 vision is a 32.0ft fractional sloop (free standing) built in fiberglass by hunter marine (usa) between 1988 and 1994..

The Hunter 32 vision is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

Hunter 32 vision for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos.

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Hunter Vision 32

'Windancer V' , a Hunter Vision 32 Sailboat for Sale

SORRY, NOW SOLD!

For more boats like this one that are currently for sale please go to

Cruising Sailboats for Sale...

Although this boat is no longer available, the pics and text are retained here for the benefit of anyone researching this particular make/model of sailboat.

Asking Price and previous owner's contact details have been deleted.

The Hunter Vision 32 is a fractionally rigger sloop with a free-standing mast - perfect for the singlehanded sailor or the cruising couple ready for adventures!

All halyards, sheets and reefs are controlled from the cockpit and can be handled solo. Boasting more salon room than many larger boats, the Hunter Vision 32 provides ample living and storage space.

'Windancer V' is easy to maneuver, amply outfitted and ready to travel. Solar panels boast an even smaller footprint and affordability! 

With a solid fiberglass hull and a winged keel with a draft of 4’3”, 'Windancer V' is the perfect sailboat for coastal cruising. 

She's currently located in Palmetto, Florida, USA.

Installed Equipment:

• Yanmar 3GM30F (842 hours); 
• Origo alcohol stove top and oven; 
• Nature’s Head composting head with spare substrate; 
• B&G chartplotter/transducer (at helm); 
• Garmin chartplotter (at chart table); 
• B&G VHF with AIS receiver; 
• Raytheon wind and depth instruments; 
• 33# Rocna primary anchor with 125’ of 5/16” chain; 
• 22# lunch hook with 100’ of rode; 
• 11# Fortress stern anchor; 
• Honda 2200 portable generator; 
• Lifesling; 
• Promariner Pro Sport 2-bank charger; 
• L.E.D lights throughout; many spare parts (alternator, galvanic isolator, belts, hoses, transom shower, sailing shackles, blocks, lines, etc).

Recent Upgrades & Improvements:

• 500w solar array 2018;
• Kidd 30a MPPT solar controller 2018;
• New sails 2019 (installed 2020);
• Bimini 2019;
• Stack pack 2019 (install 2020);
• Dometic 16k BTU HVAC 2020;
• Custom rotating davits 2020;
• 1000 MCA starter battery 2020;
• Bottom job July 2021;
• Cutlass bearing 2021;
• PSST shaft seal 2021;
• Shaft and coupler 2021;
• 4 6v 225ah house batteries 2021;
• Thru-hulls;
• Magma Cabo grill 2021;
• Aft cabin mattress & topper 2021;
• Quadrant 2022;
• Freshwater pump 2022;
• Hot water heater 2022;
• Hull/deck wax & polish 2022;
• V-berth locker hatches 2022;
• Binnacle 2022;
• Compass (lighted) 2022.

What's not included:

• Dinghy and outboard motor;
• Owner’s personal effects and tools.

Recent Articles

Hallberg Rassy 42e for Sale

May 23, 24 03:01 AM

Westerly Oceanranger Specs & Data

May 20, 24 03:34 AM

Westerly Oceanranger 38 for sale

May 19, 24 04:09 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Review Forum
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Hunter Vision 32/36 offshore?

• Add to quote

I am investigating the potential purchase of the Hunter Vision 32 or 36. First attracted to the value (late models from 50-70K), and then due to the liveability of what appears to be a pretty innovative design. Next August my girlfriend and I will depart for extended cruising with offshore destinations in mind (ie, Pacific Northwest - Hawaii and beyond). I have some questions for those of you that may have some experience with the Hunter product: - Is the Hunter Vision suitable for offshore work? - Are there any specific safety ratings or standards that we can review to ensure that it is/is not? I am well aware that there are many other sv's out there that are virtually bomb proof, but we are not interested in refitting an old tub, and would just like to know if this boat which seems to meet the rest of our criteria (short of the lack of storage space) will take us across an ocean or two. Thoughts?  

This thread does not necessarily focus on bluewater capability but covers various points of view on Hunters in general: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying-boat/7558-got-religon-but-hunter.html  

One of the ratings system you may be looking for is the "CE" Certification, with 'A' being for Offshore capability, the highest for recreational boats. The Hunter 32 and 36 are 'A' rated, I believe, but as you research you will find that these are not the most capable offshore boats out there. I've sailed older hunters, with not much enthusiasm. Very livable, but not much else. Weekends on the lake -definitely, Hawaii and beyond - questionable. There are many other ratios such as displacement to length, length to beam and ballast ration that others on this site could certainly quickly quote, which will give you much more information as to your choice than a single rating. I'm sure there will be some Hunter afficionados here that will have done what you want to do, but that doesn't make it in your best interest to do so.Good Luck.  

newtoschool said: I am investigating the potential purchase of the Hunter Vision 32 or 36. First attracted to the value (late models from 50-70K), and then due to the liveability of what appears to be a pretty innovative design. I am well aware that there are many other sv's out there that are virtually bomb proof, but we are not interested in refitting an old tub, and would just like to know if this boat which seems to meet the rest of our criteria (short of the lack of storage space) will take us across an ocean or two. Thoughts? Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick replies! I've read that link, and every other scrap of information I could find. If there's one thing I have learned, it's that any defence I foolishly mounted on behalf of one of the 3 lines of production boats could easily be crushed by members of this board that have more knowledge in their pinky than I have been able to gather over months of visiting dock, brokers, marina bars etc. So I won't! That said, if there are those of you out there that have used one of these boats for a circumnav, or other offshore work of significance, I would love to hear from you! Sailing fool, if "relatively inexpensive dockiminiums" are on one side of the scale, then it would seem that "dark overpriced clausterphobic caves" are on the other... Is there a happy medium, production or other?? A bright comfortable boat that will cross oceans safely and not have me saving so long that I never leave my "condo"-minium (50G range). This is a tough scene to crack. I'm unwaveringly convinced that the payoff will be worth every second, but sadly I am no closer to matching the boat to our dream today than I was when we decided to sell up and get out there. ps - thanks for the cert info headingsouth, thats what I was after.  

the payoff will be worthit... that being said... you CAN drive across country in a fiat, but why would you? Its been said here(and on other forums) many times that the boats you have asked about are "capable....but....". The question remains however, do YOU want to try it?. take the opinions for what they'tre worth, judge for yourself, no one can make the final determination but you.  

Another reason those models are available at "bargain" prices could be that their "innovate" ideas simply didn't catch on in the marketplace. The massive freestanding mast alone will give some people pause as to its effect on the boat's motion and stability. Check into some bluewater forums, or talk to those who have been there done that, I reckon over 95% of successful offshore cruising boats are not unstayed rigs. (Tree trunk rigged Sprays and junks notwithstanding) One other thought: especially in a seaway, standing rigging provides some pretty handy grab spots and some security when moving around on deck. It's strange to me to walk on the deck of a boat with an unstayed rig and not have a shroud to grab onto along the way.  

newtoschool said: Thanks for the quick replies! ...... So I won't! That said, if there are those of you out there that have used one of these boats for a circumnav, or other offshore work of significance, I would love to hear from you! Sailing fool, if "relatively inexpensive dockiminiums" are on one side of the scale, then it would seem that "dark overpriced clausterphobic caves" are on the other... Is there a happy medium, production or other?? A bright comfortable boat that will cross oceans safely and not have me saving so long that I never leave my "condo"-minium (50G range). ..... Click to expand...

I Want to Buy a Flying Scot I am looking at a 1973 Flying Scot. The hull has been refinished last year. It looks great. Should I be concerned about buying such an old boat? How can I tell if there is water inside the hull? How can I tell if the hull is "soft". Any advice would be appreciated.  

Newtoschool... The boat is totally unsuited for serious bluewater cruising. If you want to do bay/coastal sailing...no problem but if you are looking for offshore adventure you need a different boat or you're looking for a different kind of adventure. Let me make a suggestion before you invest a lot of money. Buy an offshore passage or offer to crew with someone. See what it is like and then if you still want that Vision...you'll at least be making the decision with some real bluewater under your belt.  

Camaraderie and others are giving you sound advice. The Vision line is not suitable for bluewater sailing in my view. How sturdy are those large ports (imagine waves breaking over the bow), or the huge aluminum mast itself for that matter? Imagine being below in that boat with 15 feet seas and the boat lurching from side to side -- where are the handholds to protect yourself? That wide open cabin is an invitation to gashes and broken bones. Get some bluewater experience yourself first. People buy certain style boats for the open ocean for certain reasons that you may only understand after you've been there.One last note-- there used to be a Vision 32 in my marina back when I had a Pearson 27. I routinely sailed cirlces around the Vision with my 27 footer. At least that Vision was painfully slow.  

If you are serious about bluewater cruising you might think about a late 70s/early80s Tartan 37. This is a well-built and very popular boat that is much more suitable for bluewater and might be found in your pricerange.  

Thanks everyone for your replies. This is a great board, I really didnt expect so many responses being a new user. Will keep you posted on how the saga ends... and hopefully can count on some more good advice as we narrow in on "the" boat.  

I've sailed quite a bit over the years in benehuntalinas. I don't have any bluewater experience though, so take this with a grain of salt. There are a few models of the larger Catalina's (42 for example) that could be decent bluewater boats. Not the best, to be sure. From my experience with Hunters, I'd say no to any of them. I spent the summer living on a 31 in college and it was a nice light air boat and OK in stormy weather, but I wouldn't want to get caught offshore in 20'+ swells in that thing. The only Beneteau I've sailed was an "Oceanis" -- a nice boat, but was never out in any bad weather in it, so can't say if the model's name was appropriate. I currently own a Catalina 34. Not an ocean crosser, though with some upgrades it could certainly do it. I'd rate it higher than the Hunter, at least. If I ever get the bug though, I'll be buying a purpose built boat. I don't think upgrading a coastal cruiser for ocean crossings is worth the time and money. And with regards to the CE rating, I'd use that as a minimum. I wouldn't buy a coastal cruiser that wasn't rated "A". JMHO.  

Have found a well equiped Morgan 38 in my price range. The press on this boat has been much more favorable. Have any of you been aboard? Wondering about the standing headroom, and length of aft cabin. I'm 6'4 so dont expect to be able to stand up straight, but the more headroom the better!  

Headingsouth said: One of the ratings system you may be looking for is the "CE" Certification, with 'A' being for Offshore capability, the highest for recreational boats. The Hunter 32 and 36 are 'A' rated, I believe, but as you research you will find that these are not the most capable offshore boats out there. I've sailed older hunters, with not much enthusiasm. Very livable, but not much else. Weekends on the lake -definitely, Hawaii and beyond - questionable. There are many other ratios such as displacement to length, length to beam and ballast ration that others on this site could certainly quickly quote, which will give you much more information as to your choice than a single rating. I'm sure there will be some Hunter afficionados here that will have done what you want to do, but that doesn't make it in your best interest to do so.Good Luck. Click to expand...

Some very good input, thanks, my own thoughts, until now, have been that a good coastal boat is also a good blue water boat, wheras it seems that most think of coastal boats as sailers in sight of land boats. 'Dockaminiums' also works for many. I expect my 'wants' in a coastal are what others want in a blue water boat. But I am looking for boat to live aboard and can do an Atlantic crossing while spending most of its time coastal cruising. The listing thats posted as an example is great looking, the interior near perfect for my wants, unfortunately its about twice what I can spend. I have found a couple 70s era wooden boats that look good, need to go see them and maybe do a survey. Also found a Morgan 38 that looks possible. Its all a learning curve, on the left side right now.  

Jake- There are usually huge construction and design differences in boats that are coastal cruisers and those that are bluewater cruisers. For instance: Coastal cruisers will have: Lower tankage requirements, as usually can fill water, diesel, etc fairly frequently. Cabin is more open, often with larger saloon and berths, as is the cockpit. This is often good for entertaining, but not so good in heavy seas on an open water passage. Boat is a bit wider in beam than a bluewater boat of same LOA. Rigging is often a bit lighter in weight, as are the sails Finding a boat that is both capable of bluewater passages and make a good liveaboard and coastal cruiser is often a huge compromise. Most liveaboards want to have a larger, more open floor plan on their boat, which is often found on coastal cruising boats, but not on bluewater passagemakers. Also, many bluewater boats do not sail as well in light winds as their coastal cruising counterparts, as they are heavier in displacement. If I were you, I would look for a good coastal cruising boat, that has the ability to make limited offshore passages, as the bulk of the requirements and time you really want a coastal cruiser type boat, and not a bluewater boat. Just my $.02, which may or may not apply to you. YMMV.  

• ?            
• 174.7K members

Top Contributors this Month

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

1990 Hunter Vision 32

• Description

Seller's Description

This 1990 Hunter Vision 32 features a free standing mast and no rigging. The interior features a large U-shaped main salon with wrap around windshield for a panoramic view and well lighted open feel. The roomy salon provides the feel of a much larger boat and easily seats up to 6 adults for dinner. It sleeps 6 with a large aft cabin and the salon converts into a large bed by lowering the table.

The boat features a double stainless steel sink, stove/oven combo, island-design ice chest, a Flagship Mariner air conditioner and heater, AM/FM/USB sound system, powered main halyard winch. It also features a large, deep t-shaped cockpit with walk through transom and swim deck.

Equipment: Boat Specifications: 5 gallon hot water tank, 45 gallon fresh water tank, 22 gallon fuel tank, displacement 11,400 lbs., ballast 4,500 lbs., draft 43.

Recent upgrades includes: Roller furling jib installed 2016, Jib sail replaced 2016, main sail and lazy cradle main sail cover replaced in 2017 by UK Sailmakers, all lines, including main and jib halyard, replaced in 2017, bimini and frame replaced in 2017 by Sterling Sails, all seat and mattress cushions and fabric replaced in 2017 by Sterling Sails, and marine toilet replaced in 2019.

Please call or visit us at West Access Marina to make an appointment to view this beautiful sailboat!

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

View on SailboatListings.com

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Similar Sailboats For Sale

1992 Hunter Vision

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Hunter Vision 32 problems

• Thread starter Fredbrillo
• Start date Mar 30, 2011
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Mid-Size Boats

Hello everyone, Im considering making an offer on a Hunter 32 Vision and need some advice from some owners... Are there any special things I should be looking out for on this boat? Does the mast tend to have issues? Are there any common fail points anywhere in the boat?  

Hi Fred, welcome to the forum. I know there a quite a few Vision 32 & 36 owners here that will hopefully chime in. You may also try searching the forums for "Vision", should give you lots of info. Also the Database under Hunter Boat Info in the drop down menu has good info and Owner reviews on the Vision 32. Click on Owner Reviews for 27 opinions.  

Fred The only issue that I would tell you to pay special attention to is the Holding tank which is encased in the shower seat , use your nose . It is made of aluminum and over the years will errode .I sealed mine and put in a Puratan unit Do not be concerned about the mast It is spun aluminun and extremely stonger than any extruded mast Bennifit no riging to worry about. Always hire a marine surveyor ask around to located a good one I love my Vision Good luck  

Vision Probs I had one for nine years and would buy another. Great boat. What I would look for: Excess leakage around the mast. (A little will always be present.) Water tank. Aluminum. I replaced it twice. Waste tank. They are in two different locations. One is under the shower seat; the other is under the swim step. Rot under the water heater base. Engine. the 3GM's tend to coke up their mixing elbow if not run energetically. All the rest is typical for any production boat of the same era. I wouldn't worry about upholstery and rather think of replacing it. Same as to sails and electronics. Like I said; great boat. Do a search for archival info on them in addition to visiting the owner reviews on this site. Good luck!  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…