Hunter 41 DS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 41 DS began production in 2006, evolving from the earlier Hunter 41 Aft Cockpit (AC) model, which was first built in 2004. Designed by Glenn Henderson, the 41 DS represented a refinement of Hunter's commitment to creating comfortable cruising vessels. Hunter Marine, founded by Warren Luhrs, built its legacy on applying efficient production methods and a keen understanding of sailor needs, shifting its focus in the early 1980s from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs.

Henderson's design goals for the Hunter 41 series aimed to deliver a capable cruiser, a philosophy perfectly aligned with Hunter's ethos of balancing performance with comfort and ease of handling. 5, 6, Builder Article The "DS" designation highlights its key distinguishing feature: a deck salon, which incorporates large, elevated windows to create a significantly brighter and more open accommodation plan compared to traditional layouts. This design choice gives the 41 DS a unique "sport sedan" profile on the water. While the standard keel offers a maximum draft of 6.5 feet, a shoal draft option featuring a wing keel at 5 feet was also available, offering versatility for various cruising grounds. The boat also incorporated Hunter's signature B&R fractional sloop rig, known for its swept-back spreaders and absence of a backstay, a feature designed to allow for larger mainsails and easier sail handling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total sail area of approximately 779 square feet and a displacement of 19,400 pounds, the Hunter 41 DS exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of around 17.3. This ratio suggests a moderate performance cruiser, capable of respectable speeds in a range of conditions, particularly when the breeze is up, but not overtly geared for extreme light-air performance.

The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) stands at approximately 0.335. This indicates a moderate level of stability, consistent with a comfortable cruising yacht. While perhaps not designed for extreme weather conditions where a higher ratio might be preferred, the 41 DS offers a stable platform suitable for coastal cruising and comfortable passage making.

The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of about 193.6 positions the Hunter 41 DS as a relatively light-displacement boat for its length overall of just over 40 feet. This characteristic contributes to a more responsive feel at the helm and potentially better performance in lighter winds than heavier, more traditional cruisers, making it enjoyable for active sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The Hunter 41 DS is particularly renowned for its expansive and well-lit interior, a direct benefit of its deck salon design. The elevated salon with its large polished-aluminum windows provides panoramic views and an abundance of natural light, fostering an open and airy atmosphere throughout the main living areas.

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