Hunter 326

The Hunter 326 sailboat, designed by Glenn Henderson for Hunter Marine, offers a compelling mix of performance, comfort, and innovative features. The Hunter 326 is built predominantly of fiberglass reinforced with Kevlar, making it both resilient and lightweight. This model is equipped with a fractional sloop B&R rig and a fixed fin keel, allowing for excellent maneuverability and stability on the water.

Inside, the Hunter 326 provides a spacious interior, well-suited for weekend getaways or extended voyages. The design includes an open walk-through reverse transom with an integral swim ladder, enhancing both safety and convenience for those aboard.

For those interested in a versatile and reliable sailboat, the Hunter 326 stands out as an attractive option. Its combination of thoughtful design and practical features makes it a strong contender in its class.

Key Takeaways

• The Hunter 326 is built with fiberglass reinforced with Kevlar.
• It features a spacious and practical interior layout.
• Designed by Glenn Henderson, it offers excellent performance and stability.

Design and Specifications

The Hunter 326 is a well-designed recreational sailboat. This vessel combines advanced materials and a thoughtful layout to provide a capable and enjoyable sailing experience.

Dimensions and Sail Area

The Hunter 326 has a Length Over All (LOA) of 31.92 feet. Its Waterline Length (LWL) is 28.58 feet, providing a good balance between speed and stability. The beam measures 10.83 feet, giving it a spacious interior and deck. The maximum draft is 6.33 feet, allowing it to navigate in deeper waters.

This model displaces 8,300 pounds, which includes a ballast of 3,300 pounds. The sail area totals approximately 436 square feet, making it powerful enough to perform well, while maintaining control. The balance between displacement and sail area ensures the boat remains stable under various conditions.

Hull and Deck

The hull of the Hunter 326 is constructed of sturdy fiberglass, making it durable and relatively lightweight. The hull type is a fin keel with a spade rudder, offering good maneuverability and agility.

The deck is designed with an open walk-through reverse transom, including an integral swim ladder, which enhances both convenience and safety. The deck layout fosters ease of movement and comfort, essential for extended time aboard. Moreover, the boat features a raked stem, adding to its sleek profile and functional design.

Rigging and Sail Handling

The Hunter 326 employs a B&R backstayless rig, which simplifies the rigging and enhances sail handling. This design includes a fractional sloop rig that makes it easier to handle, even for a smaller crew.

The mast sections are engineered to provide strength without excessive weight. Sail handling is further facilitated by a roach main and a relatively small jib, making trimming and adjusting sails more manageable. These features give the Hunter 326 a robust yet user-friendly sailing performance.

Engine and Performance

The Hunter 326 boasts a reliable diesel engine and performs well under various sailing conditions. This combination makes it a solid choice for both day trips and longer voyages.

Engine Details

The Hunter 326 is equipped with a Yanmar diesel engine. This engine features a 4-stroke design, which provides efficient and dependable power.

The engine typically produces 18 HP, giving it adequate power for navigating through tight spots and maneuvering in and out of docks. The fuel tank capacity is relatively modest, but it still holds enough diesel for extended journeys without frequent refueling.

The location of the diesel engine within the hull ensures that it remains well-protected and easily accessible for maintenance. The use of Yanmar engines, known for their durability and efficiency, further enhances the reliability of the Hunter 326.

Sailing Performance

The Hunter 326 is designed with performance in mind, featuring a fractional sloop B&R rig. This rig type helps in balancing the sail area and makes it easier to handle for sailors of varying skill levels.

In terms of speed, the boat's hull speed is around 7.2 knots, which is typical for a sailboat of its size. The boat benefits from a fin keel and spade rudder, offering better control and stability.

Its sail area/displacement ratio is calculated to be 21.14, indicating a performance-oriented design. This makes it a lively and responsive boat, suitable for various sailing conditions.

The design by Glenn Henderson ensures that the Hunter 326 offers a mix of stability and agility, making it an enjoyable boat for recreational sailing.

Interior and Comfort

The Hunter 326 offers a well-designed interior layout that balances comfort and functionality. Key features include spacious accommodations and a well-equipped galley, ensuring a pleasant experience on longer trips.

Accommodations

The salon of the Hunter 326 is roomy and provides ample seating for relaxation. With well-padded benches and a convertible dinette, it comfortably hosts several guests. The headroom is generous, making the space feel even larger and more inviting.

Private staterooms offer solid privacy bulkheads, giving each occupant a sense of seclusion. There is a dedicated head with a shower and a Corian-topped vanity, adding a touch of luxury.

Storage options are plentiful with compartments under seats and in overhead lockers, allowing sailors to stow personal items and equipment securely.

Galley and Appliances

The galley is teak-trimmed and designed to meet all cooking needs. It features a stove and microwave oven for versatile meal preparation. There is an insulated icebox to keep food items fresh, and sufficient storage for dishware and utensils, ensuring everything has its place.

The layout allows for efficient movement and use, with a thoughtful design that makes the most of available space. Cooking on the hunter 326 feels as easy as preparing meals at home, thanks to practical placement of appliances and ample work surfaces.

Cockpit and On-Deck Features

The Hunter 326 boasts an intuitive cockpit layout and practical deck accessories designed to enhance both comfort and functionality on the water.

Cockpit Design

The cockpit is designed with comfort and control in mind. It consists of a large helm with a wheel for easy maneuvering. Beside the helm, handholds ensure safe navigation across the deck. The area features a stainless steel arch that supports the mainsheet traveler, enabling smoother sail adjustments.

Ample seating is provided for the skipper and crew, allowing pleasant journeys. A built-in swim ladder at the open walk-through transom offers easy access to the water. Additionally, a bimini top can be installed to shield the passengers from the sun, further enhancing comfort.

Deck Accessories

The Hunter 326 is well-equipped with essential and convenient deck accessories. It comes with a deck shower, allowing fresh water rinsing after a swim. The deck is organized with well-placed handholds to ensure crew safety while moving about.

A cockpit cover and enclosure can be added for protection against the elements. The presence of a bimini top offers shade, making long voyaging more comfortable. The stainless steel arch serves dual purposes by providing handholds and supporting the mainsheet traveler, crucial for sail management. These thoughtful additions make the deck both functional and safe.

Safety and Innovations

The Hunter 326 stands out for its strong emphasis on safety and cutting-edge design elements. These aspects make it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned sailors.

Safety Features

The Hunter 326 features several safety measures. Stronger rigs and smaller mast sections reduce weight aloft, which helps in minimizing risks of capsizing. Using advanced mast struts, the vessel ensures stability and diminishes pitching and rolling even in rough waters.

The boat also complies with the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF), adhering to industry standards that prioritize the safety of monohulls. The design allows for a more secure experience by distributing weight efficiently and maintaining balance.

Multiple bulkheads provide added structural integrity. The two private staterooms with solid privacy bulkheads further enhance safety by acting as barriers, not just aesthetic elements. These features collectively contribute to the Hunter 326's reputation for being a secure and reliable mid-size cruiser.

Design Innovations

The Hunter 326 is renowned for its innovative design. The yacht utilizes a creative layout to maximize interior space, making it surprisingly roomy for its size. It features two private staterooms, offering comfort and privacy without sacrificing space.

The yacht's well-designed salon makes great use of available space, enhancing functionality and ease of movement. The design innovations aim at making the sailing experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

With over 25 years of experience, Hunter has perfected the balance between aesthetics and functionality. By incorporating these thoughtful design elements, they ensure that the Hunter 326 not only looks modern but also offers unparalleled comfort and ease of sailing.

Convenience and Usability

The Hunter 326 is designed to make sailing enjoyable and stress-free. It focuses on ease of use and ensures ample storage and accessibility for a comfortable experience.

Ease of Use

The Hunter 326 is known as an easy-to-sail boat, suitable for both novices and experienced sailors. Its B&R rig helps in reducing the need for frequent sail adjustments, making it easier to handle. The wheel-controlled spade-type rudder offers precise control, enhancing the sailer's confidence.

Moreover, the integral swim ladder allows for easy water access. The walk-through transom design enhances movement across the boat. Some models may come with solar panels to power onboard electronics, increasing convenience.

Storage and Accessibility

Storage on the Hunter 326 is well-thought-out. The interior features multiple compartments for storing gear and personal items, keeping the boat clutter-free. The keel design adds stability, allowing for more efficient use of storage space.

Accessibility is key on the Hunter 326. The open layout allows for easy movement around the deck and cabin. The draft of around 1.59-1.69 meters makes it suitable for accessing a variety of marinas, which is a significant advantage when planning trips.

This combination of ease of use and thoughtful storage makes the Hunter 326 a comfortable boat for day trips and short cruises.

Additional Features

The Hunter 326 offers various amenities and design elements to enhance the boating experience. These features make the vessel suitable for short trips and day-sailing.

Additional Amenities

The vessel includes spacious accommodations with well-thought-out cabins. The galley is practical, equipped with a stove, sink, and refrigerator. These elements make meal preparation straightforward.

The cockpit features a comprehensive console with electronics that aid navigation. These instruments are crucial for safe sailing.

There is a functional boom to manage the mainsail, and drinkholders are conveniently placed. Shoal draft allows the boat to sail in shallow waters comfortably.

For socializing, there are tables in both the cabin and cockpit. These are great for dining or playing games.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hunter 326 sailboat is a popular model known for its design, performance, and features. Below are the answers to some common questions about this sailboat.

What are the specifications of the Hunter 326 sailboat?

The Hunter 326 is built predominantly of fiberglass reinforced with kevlar. It has a fractional sloop B&R rig, a raked stem, and an open walk-through reverse transom with an integral swim ladder. It has an internally-mounted spade-type rudder, a fin keel, and it displaces 8,300 lb (3,765 kg).

What is the current market price for a Hunter 326 sailboat?

The market price for a used Hunter 326 sailboat varies depending on factors like condition, year built, and location. As of recent listings, prices generally range from $40,000 to $70,000. Always check the latest listings for the most accurate pricing.

Where can I find listings for a Hunter 326 boat for sale?

Listings for the Hunter 326 can be found on various boat trading websites such as YachtWorld, SailboatListings, and HunterOwners.com. It is also advised to check local marinas and classified ads for potential listings.

What are some common issues or problems with the Hunter 326 sailboat?

Owners of the Hunter 326 have reported issues such as leaks around the hatches, problems with the keel bolts, and maintenance needs for the rigging system. Regular checks and maintenance are recommended to keep the boat in good condition.

How do Hunter 326 boats compare in reviews with similar sailboats?

The Hunter 326 generally receives positive reviews for its spacious interior, ease of handling, and solid performance. Compared to similar sailboats, it is often praised for offering good value for its price range, though some users mention specific areas where it could improve, such as durability under heavy use.

What is the history and eventual fate of the Hunter Marine company?

Hunter Marine, founded by Warren Luhrs, started in 1973 and became known for producing innovative sailboats. The company experienced financial difficulties and was sold to Marlow-Hunter in 2012. Marlow-Hunter continues to produce and support many of the original Hunter designs.