Hunter 50 CC Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 50 CC's production began in 2009, with the model remaining in production as late as 2019, showcasing its enduring appeal. Its design lineage is rooted in Hunter Marine's overarching goal of producing comfortable, yet capable cruising sailboats, a vision consistently pursued by the company, which became Marlow-Hunter in 2012. The Hunter Design Team conceived the 50 CC as a dedicated cruiser, building on the builder's legacy of integrating innovative features derived from demanding ocean racing experiences, such as Warren Luhrs' record-breaking voyages. During this era, Hunter Marine emphasized efficient production methods, leading to boats that balanced performance with comfort and ease of handling, featuring spacious interiors and robust construction. The 50 CC shares a common hull with the Hunter 49, offering both deep and shoal draft keel options. The standard configuration features a wing keel with a maximum draft of 5.5 feet, while a deep keel version increases the draft to 7 feet, with corresponding adjustments in displacement and ballast. A "Tall Rig" option was also available, offering increased mast height and sail area for enhanced performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 50 CC is characterized by sailing attributes designed for comfortable cruising with a respectable turn of speed. With a displacement of 36,945 lbs and a waterline length of 43.83 feet, its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 196 suggests a relatively light displacement for its size, contributing to its ability to offer performance competitive with larger vessels of its era. The sail area to displacement ratio of about 13.91, while not indicative of a high-performance racer, confirms its identity as a comfortable cruiser, suggesting a boat that is easily driven in moderate conditions but may require more wind to truly excel. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 0.34 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, providing a stable and secure platform in varying sea states.

A key design element influencing its sailing characteristics is the B&R rig, a signature of Hunter yachts. This fractional sloop rig, with its swept-back spreaders and absence of a backstay, allows for a larger mainsail and contributes to easier sail handling. Owners have often praised the impressive sailing characteristics for a boat of its size and type, noting its balance and predictable behavior. The Hunter 50 CC is designed to be easily managed, appealing to those who desire a large cruising boat without the complexities often associated with them.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 50 CC is renowned for its spaciousness and thoughtful layout, a hallmark of Hunter's design philosophy emphasizing comfort and livability. While specific headroom figures are not provided in the primary data, reviews consistently highlight the ample volume below decks. The interior often features a modern aesthetic with "wonderful headliners" and a "cosy nook" feel, a traditional Hunter characteristic.

Typical layouts for a center-cockpit yacht of this size include a large master stateroom aft, often with an island berth and a private head with a separate shower stall. The main salon is typically expansive, featuring U-shaped or L-shaped settees, a convertible dinette, and ample storage throughout. The galley, often located midship, is well-appointed for extended cruising, designed with modular assembly in mind to maximize space and efficiency. Forward, there is usually a comfortable V-berth or a dedicated guest cabin, often with its own en-suite head. The finish quality is generally robust, making use of durable materials suitable for a cruising environment. Ventilation is typically well-addressed with numerous opening ports and hatches. While the center cockpit design can sometimes reduce cockpit space compared to aft-cockpit alternatives, the interior volume gained is a significant advantage, making the Hunter 50 CC a popular choice for long-term liveaboards and cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 50 CC generally express high satisfaction with the vessel, frequently praising its combination of comfort and ease of handling for a boat of its size. Many buyers are drawn to the 50 CC as a capable bluewater production boat, appreciating its generous interior volume and solid construction. The yacht is often seen as a significant upgrade for those moving from smaller boats, providing the space and amenities needed for extended cruising.

However, some owner discussions note that the center cockpit, while providing a spacious aft cabin, might offer less cockpit seating than some equivalent aft-cockpit vessels, a trade-off that is typical for this design configuration. Overall, the consensus among owners points to the Hunter 50 CC as a well-rounded cruising yacht that successfully delivers on its promise of comfort, user-friendliness, and reliable sailing performance.