Hunter 19 (Europa) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Hunter 19 (Europa) is deeply intertwined with the early history of Hunter Boats Ltd. The vessel entered production in 1972 and continued to be built until 1982. Its genesis lies in the highly successful National Squib day boat, also designed by Oliver Lee in 1967. Hunter Boats, under its initial name Essex Boat Company, began its journey by molding the Squib, laying the foundation for a legacy of purposeful and well-regarded designs. The Hunter 19 itself was a direct development of the Squib, essentially adding a cabin to the proven hull form to create a more versatile cruiser.

In the early 1970s, Hunter Boats officially rebranded and relocated to a new factory, continuing its association with Oliver Lee, who revamped the Hunter 19, leading to the "Europa" designation after 1974., 2] This evolution brought significant improvements, most notably a redesigned coachroof that provided enhanced headroom and elbow room below deck. Crucially, the Europa also featured a self-draining cockpit, a notable upgrade from the earlier Hunter 19 models which lacked this feature. Additionally, a shoal draft version was available, drawing 2.23 feet, catering to sailors operating in shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Hunter 19 (Europa) boasts respectable sailing characteristics. With a length overall of just under 19 feet (18.96 ft) and a waterline length of 17.19 feet, coupled with a beam of 6.14 feet, she presents a stable platform for her size. Her displacement of 1501 pounds and a standard fin keel drawing 2.99 feet contribute to her reported seaworthiness. The masthead sloop rig, with a reported sail area of 152 square feet, ensures ample power.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Hunter 19 (Europa) for being an "excellent sailing boat" that is "very seaworthy and surprisingly quick." Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder provide responsive handling and good tracking. While generally well-mannered, some owners note that in strong winds, careful attention to the jib trim is beneficial to maintain optimal balance. The boat is also known to be manageable for single-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its overall length, the Hunter 19 (Europa) offers basic but functional accommodations, designed primarily for weekend trips or short cruises. While the original Hunter 19 had more limited interior volume, the Europa variant was specifically developed to provide "maximum head and elbow room" due to its raised coachroof. The interior layout typically consists of a simple arrangement, often providing up to four berths. As with many boats of its era and size, the emphasis is on practical use of space rather than extensive amenities. Owners often describe the accommodation as "simple" but adequate for its purpose. Ventilation and interior finish quality are generally in line with a production boat of its period, often featuring straightforward fiberglass construction. For older models, interior restorations are not uncommon, depending on the boat's history and maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

The Hunter 19 (Europa) benefits from a dedicated owner base and has garnered a strong reputation over the years. Many consider it an excellent value, historically noted for being a "rugged & seaworthy yacht for under £1000." Its enduring appeal is attributed to "superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base," allowing it to retain its value effectively.

Owners frequently commend the boat for its solid construction and its ability to handle varied conditions, often described as "very seaworthy." The "surprisingly quick" performance is also a recurrent positive, providing an enjoyable sailing experience. A significant strength often highlighted is its suitability as a first boat, being forgiving and robust. Common discussions among owners often revolve around the distinction between the original Hunter 19 and the Europa, with the Europa's self-draining cockpit being a widely appreciated improvement. Some minor issues, such as potential keel rust on older models, have been noted by owners, though overall sentiment remains highly positive, with at least one review giving it an "Excellent" score.