Hunter 707?

[halyardmonkey.]

Hiya Forumites,

Have become interested in hunter 707's for club racing, one design regatta and general fun and frolics- Wondered if you have sailed this boat and your impressions of it? Any known problems on this boat it or things that need checked out??? Not much in terms of problems reports on the 707 owners website so by all accounts not too much to worry about????

Any how, would be interested in any thought you have. How do they sail etc?

 

[rwoofer]

Had one myself and really loved it. Very simple and cheap to maintain, pretty much bullet-proof, nice to sail with full racing crew or bimble along two up. Cabin just big enough for weekending (although the plastic covered mattresses were horrible). Engine arrangement the best I've used on a small boat (currently have a Jeanneau Sun 2000 which would benefit hugely from the 707 system).

The downsides are the draft, which means it's not easy to get cheap moorings and the lack of light in the interior.

 

[halyardmonkey.]

Had one myself and really loved it. Very simple and cheap to maintain, pretty much bullet-proof, nice to sail with full racing crew or bimble along two up. Cabin just big enough for weekending (although the plastic covered mattresses were horrible). Engine arrangement the best I've used on a small boat (currently have a Jeanneau Sun 2000 which would benefit hugely from the 707 system).

The downsides are the draft, which means it's not easy to get cheap moorings and the lack of light in the interior.

Great stuff.... Just what I like to hear. Trying to convince the Mrs that we can go for romantic overnights (like heck) but she is not buying it...... Its more the racing side that inspires me I think.....

 

[TimBennet]

Their big fat arse is a bit sticky in light airs. A Sonata will beat them to windward in anything up to moderate winds and will even keep up downwind in the light stuff.

Needs a fair breeze to sail to their handicap, but that's obviously no problem if using it one-design.

 

[halyardmonkey.]

They quote of some serious down wind speeds for 707. The Sonata was definitely on the list as well as there is a big fleet on the Medway but I think there is a 707 fleet at Burnham to play with also...... It looks fast, just wonder if it really is?

 

[rwoofer]

I managed to get 16.5 knots out of mine downward. Typical upwind speed was more like 5.5 knots. Certainly where I sailed (Hamble) Sonatas gave the 707 no trouble at all.

 

[Neil_Y]

Great little boats, sailed one for a few years with friends. Good thing is it's quite possible to race them with three on board. If there are a few to race against then a great one design choice. Loads of fun in a blow, but they do need a good breeze to get them going.

 

[armchairsailor]

The Port Edgar crews get them up to 18kts in a blow off the wind. Fast little buggers.