Hunter 50 AC Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

Two basic interiors were offered from the factory: a standard three-stateroom plan and a four-stateroom arrangement with twin double cabins in the bow, and a third variant with a combined workbench and office could be specified. On the used market the owner three-cabin layouts are the more common, but both are available, and ex-charter examples are common. Buyers should note that charter use can mean higher cycle counts on systems even when cosmetic condition looks fair.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

These boats commonly carry a strong cruising suite. Power and energy systems frequently include an inverter, air conditioning, and a bow thruster — the latter an option the original reviewer suspected most would choose — along with generator and watermaker-class gear as commonly fitted. Canvas and sail-handling gear typically features a dodger, bimini, furling main, and electric winches, supporting short-handed operation. Navigation is usually covered by chartplotter, autopilot, AIS, and radar, while comfort items such as a cockpit shower, hot water, freezer, swim platform, and dinghy davits round out the list. A buyer should verify the bow thruster and electric winches were actually installed, as both were factory options rather than guaranteed standard.

What to Inspect

The hull is a fiberglass-balsa sandwich above the waterline and solid glass below, with a layup using modified polyester/epoxy and a vinylester layer to prevent blisters anchor. Below the waterline Kevlar runs from stem to keel stump, and a structural grid carries keel and rig loads. Where the hull and deck meet is fastened with through-bolts and 3M 5200 sealant on an outward flange inside a rubrail. One practical plus: all through-hulls are located in the same place, which simplifies inspection and winterization anchor. Note the boat has a surprisingly deep sump, relevant when checking bilge drainage and any history of standing water. The "teak" benches, swim step, and transom seats are PlasDECK synthetic material, so confirm none hides core issues underneath. The angled port strip from mast step aft was a detail one tester disliked, and its seals should be checked for leaks given the balsa core nearby.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

These yachts typically appear in the United States and Canada. For a shopper, the short checklist is: confirm layout and whether ex-charter; verify bow thruster, electric winches, and generator-class electrical gear are present and serviced; inspect all through-hulls in their common location and the deep sump for moisture; check the balsa-cored topsides and port seals for blister or leak history; and confirm the Kevlar-reinforced bottom and 3M 5200 joint are intact. A well-kept example rewards with easy handling and a practical, low-fuss deck.