Hunter 30-2 (1988)

Description

The Hunter 30 (1988–1994, often called the Hunter 30-2 or Hunter 30T to distinguish it from the 1970s Cherubini model) is an American fractional-rig coastal cruiser designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine, with roughly 400 hulls produced. At 30 feet 1 inch LOA with a very beamy 11-foot hull and a moderate displacement of 10,500 lbs (4,200 lbs ballast), it introduced many features that became Hunter trademarks: a B&R backstay-less rig with sharply swept spreaders, a walk-through reverse transom with sugar-scoop stern and integrated swim platform, wheel steering on a pedestal, and a large elliptical rudder for excellent maneuverability. The rig carries a roachy fully battened mainsail of about 240 sq ft plus a 110–135% roller-furling genoa for roughly 480–500 sq ft upwind, plus an optional asymmetrical spinnaker on a short sprit—delivering lively performance (PHRF typically 165–180) and very easy short-handed sailing. Below, the bright, open interior is one of the roomiest under 30 feet ever built: enormous aft cabin with a true athwartships double (almost queen-size), private forward V-berth, full galley with two-burner stove and large icebox, enclosed head with shower, nav station, and a dinette that converts to another double—genuinely sleeping six adults with over 6 feet of headroom and superb ventilation. Offered with a shoal-draft wing keel (4 ft) or deeper bulb fin (5 ft 3 in), the Hunter 30-2 remains a favorite Chesapeake, Florida, and Great Lakes family cruiser prized for its modern looks, forgiving manners, and outstanding value on the used market today.