Hunter HC 50 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Hunter HC 50 in 2000 marked a significant stride in Hunter Marine's design philosophy, building upon the builder's long-standing commitment to merging efficient production with innovative sailing features. Founded by Warren Luhrs, Hunter Marine had a rich history of applying production line efficiencies from powerboat manufacturing to sailboats, evolving from racing-focused designs to more comfortable cruising yachts by the early 1980s. The HC 50, with its "HC" standing for Hunter's Child, directly incorporated lessons and features from Luhrs' demanding single-handed ocean races. This heritage is evident in the HC 50's advanced hull shape, the innovative B&R rig with tripod support, and its integrated water-ballast system, all elements tested and refined during Luhrs' high-profile voyages. The design goal for the HC 50 was to create a vessel capable of swift, comfortable passage making, offering a blend of speed and spacious liveability not commonly found in production cruisers of its time. Notably, Hunter Marine offered a degree of customization for the interior, allowing owners to tailor the finish, with options such as teak and cherry joinery.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter HC 50 exhibits performance characteristics that set it apart as an agile cruiser for its size. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 27.7, the HC 50 is configured for excellent performance in light winds, suggesting it can ghost along effectively when many heavier cruisers would struggle. Its displacement to length ratio of around 97.7 classifies it as an ultralight vessel for its length, further underscoring its design as a swift "express cruiser." This low displacement allows the boat to accelerate quickly and achieve high speeds for a cruising yacht, with a calculated hull speed of 8.99 knots.

A key feature enhancing the HC 50's stability and performance is its innovative ballast system. In addition to a fixed lead keel of 6,100 pounds, the boat is equipped with two adjustable water ballast tanks, each capable of holding 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) of water per side. This adjustable water ballast system allows the crew to enhance the boat's stiffness and righting moment in stronger winds, providing additional stability when needed without the penalty of carrying excessive fixed ballast in lighter conditions. The fixed ballast to displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.305. The combination of a relatively low fixed ballast ratio with the dynamic water ballast system, along with its spade rudder and fin keel, contributes to its responsive handling and ability to stand up to a breeze while maintaining comfort for long-distance cruising. Owners have generally expressed satisfaction with its sailing characteristics, noting its ability to be comfortably double-handed even over significant distances.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific fixed interior layouts may vary due to the semi-custom build approach, the Hunter HC 50 was designed with "home comforts" and long-distance cruising in mind. Interiors were often finished with quality materials such as teak and cherry, contributing to a warm and traditional ambiance. The generous beam of nearly 15 feet provides ample volume below deck, allowing for spacious living areas. Although exact headroom figures are not consistently available, the design brief for a long-distance cruiser implies comfortable standing room throughout the main salon. Descriptions suggest a layout purposed for extended voyages, likely including a substantial main salon, a well-equipped galley, private cabins, and sufficient storage for provisions and personal gear. The emphasis on comfort and livability reflects Hunter's broader design philosophy of creating user-friendly yachts suitable for families and cruisers.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter HC 50 generally appreciate its ambitious design and capabilities as a long-distance express cruiser. Many praise the "HC50 concept" for its blend of performance and comfort, finding it well-suited for extended cruising. Owners have successfully double-handed the vessel over thousands of miles, testament to its ease of handling and robust construction. While specific recurring problems are not widely documented for this particular model, common issues noted in general owner forums for Hunter yachts of this era can include maintenance considerations related to original deck fittings that may require re-bedding over time. Overall, the sentiment leans towards the HC 50 being a capable and enjoyable boat for those seeking a fast, comfortable cruiser, supported by Hunter's historical reputation for customer service.