Hunter Tracer

[njansen]

I am looking for a large family dinghy and I came across a Hunter Tracer. Apparently Hunter built only 60 of these but I can't find any information on them on the web. Does anybody have any experience with this boat? I would also like to know whether it is unsinkable.
Many thanks

 

[Bajansailor]

It seems to be a keelboat, a bit like the Flying Fifteen.

Noble Marine have a brief mention on their website here http://www.noblemarine.co.uk/boats/dinghy/Hunter-Tracer/ re insuring one. They quote a weight of 445 kg, which could be a bit of a handful to launch, unless you keep it afloat.

And this Forum mentions them - in fact these folk might be a better place to ask your question - http://www.go-sail.co.uk/forums/post.asp?method=ReplyQuote&REPLY_ID=2029&TOPIC_ID=846&FORUM_ID=18

 

[njansen]

Thanks, I'll have a look on the go-sail forum.

 

[Nigel_Ward]

I have sailed in one a few times. They sail beautifully as do all Oliver Lee designs and have the added advantage of greater stability (and safety) than a dinghy. The disadvantage is that the lifting keel sits under the hull so launching requires the trailer to go further into the water.

 

[Ubergeekian]

I have sailed in one a few times. They sail beautifully as do all Oliver Lee designs and have the added advantage of greater stability (and safety) than a dinghy. The disadvantage is that the lifting keel sits under the hull so launching requires the trailer to go further into the water.

There's a page about them at the Hunter Association website:

http://www.hunterassociation.org.uk/site/ha_hunter_boat_range.php?boat_id=43

I spent a while earlier this year restoring a Hunter 490: a slightly smaller lifting keel boat by Oliver Lee. It's without doubt the nicest boat to sail I have ever been in: everything about it is perfect. Lee was a genius and should be (even) better known.

OP, if you fancy a small Oliver Lee design with a lifting keel and a cabin, PM me ...

 

[ianat182]

As you probably know Oliver Lee also designed very advanced model yachts,also was involved in the design for one of the original UK 12 metre America's cup challengers, I believe nicknamed 'Hippo', it was the tune-up 12 and did not get the Challenger spot.
He always produced lovely lines and the Squib is probably one of his most popular of them.

ianat182

 

[WhitbyAndy]

Tracer PY

Hi all
I have a Hunter Tracer and was wondering if anyone would have an idea for a PY (Porthmouth Yardstick) as we would like to race the boat

 

[ianat182]

You've probably already checked the RYA Portsmouth Yardstick page on the web, but not found the Tracer mentioned - probably because no results have been forwarded from any affiliated club that have made race returns for a Tracer.
As a starter guide the Squib has a rating of PY1108 with a fixed keel, the Hunter 701 a rating of PY1110 so a fair starter rating might be around PY1104 and also possibly subject to a +/- personal handicapping system within the club, based on experience/ability.
I sailed in one several years ago and thought it was livelier than the Squib,but a good sail.

ianat182

 

[BAtoo]

No direct experience but its an Oliver Lee design and therefore should be good - its also a lifting keel so should be quite easy to recover.

Lee also designed the Squib which although 40+ year old design keelboat is still being made and is a delight to sail - but I'm biased....