2007–2011 · designed by Glenn Henderson / Hunter Design Team · built by Hunter Marine
The Hunter 49 was conceived as a luxury cruiser-passagemaker aimed at couples and small crews wanting maximum interior volume and comfort at dock alongside adequate offshore capability. Hunter positioned it as a family bluewater boat with a shoal-draft wing keel for ICW and coastal markets, while the optional deep fin targeted bluewater buyers. The B&R fractional rig with no backstay simplifies sail handling but signals that upwind pointing and heavy-air drive were secondary to ease of sailing.
This is a general read on the Hunter 49 class — informed
background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history,
and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class
reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific
listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.
Exceptional interior volume for LOA — three cabin layouts with centerline queen forward, full headroom throughout, and a large nav station make it one of the roomiest 49-footers of its era.
B&R fractional rig with no backstay simplifies sail handling: no backstay adjustments, fewer lines, and easy single-handed reefing — genuinely shorthanded-friendly.
Hull-to-deck joint flanged outward and bolted through a full-length aluminum toerail, bonded with 3M 5200 — this construction detail makes this joint largely leak-free compared to many production contemporaries.
Engine and heavy gear (generator, fuel) positioned low and aft-of-center to preserve stability, with a deep bilge sump that actually drains — a practical safety feature often absent on volume cruisers.
Capsize screening factor of approximately 1.9 and a moderate comfort ratio near 31 place it within accepted offshore parameters, making it more seaworthy on paper than many marina-oriented production boats.
Known trade-offs
Noticeably tender in a breeze — needs a reef around 15 knots apparent, which is earlier than the displacement and ballast ratio would suggest and can frustrate owners used to stiffer cruisers.
Wing keel standard variant (5.5 ft draft) generates significant leeway and limits upwind VMG — a meaningful handicap on windward passages and in steep chop.
B&R chainplate access on some hulls is obstructed by fiberglass encapsulation, making proper pre-purchase inspection and routine surveying difficult or impossible without destructive opening.
Very short production run and Hunter Marine's 2012 bankruptcy means limited factory support, sparse class association resources, and parts/documentation scarcity compared to longer-production Hunter models.
Light-air performance is genuinely weak — the factory sail inventory was consistently reported as undersized and poorly cut, and the large displacement means the boat needs 10+ knots to move with any urgency.
Age-related quirks to expect
B&R chainplate access — fiberglass-encased chainplates on some hulls resist inspection without destructive workHigh2007–2011
Cored deck water intrusion at fittings, chainplate penetrations, and hatch surrounds — balsa core susceptible once bedding failsMedium2007–2011
Wing keel standard variant (5.5 ft draft) limits pointing ability and increases leeway — buyers expecting bluewater windward performance are sometimes disappointedLow2007–2011
High freeboard (4 ft 8 in) makes boarding from floating docks awkward; boarding ladder and swim platform are the primary access pointLow2007–2011
Systems to check before you buy
B&R rig chainplates and standing riggingpriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard
The B&R rig uses no backstay; rig support relies entirely on swept-back spreaders and chainplates. Some Hunter 49 chainplates are bonded/encased in fiberglass, making visual and instrument inspection nearly impossible without destructive access. Given boats are now 15-18 years old, pull inspection of all chainplate attachment hardware is essential before offshore use.
Deck core moisture — foredeck and side deckspriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard, weekending
Hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass below waterline; decks are balsa-cored composite. Any failed bedding at cleats, windlass, hatch frames, or furler bases allows water into the core. Sound the full deck and run a moisture meter survey — wet core patches can be localized or extensive. Repair scope varies from spot fills to large-section replacement.
Yanmar diesel (75 hp) — raw water circuit, heat exchanger, impeller historypriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard, motor
The 75 hp Yanmar is the standard engine. At 15-18 years of age, raw water impeller, heat exchanger zinc condition, raw water pump seal wear, and injector health all warrant documented service history. Lack of records should trigger inspection before purchase, as neglected Yanmars at this age can face coolant circuit failures and injector overhaul costs.
Keel-to-hull interface and keel boltspriority: offshore, coastal
Lead wing or deep-fin keel is bolted with stainless steel rods cast into the lead. At this age, inspect for rust staining around the keel sump, any cracking of the hull-keel fillet, and evidence of movement (paint cracking, soft bedding). Keel bolt corrosion is a fleet-wide concern on any production boat of this era; a surveyor should probe the sump for moisture and staining.
Spade rudder bearing and shaftpriority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard
The internally mounted spade rudder is controlled via dual wheels and a pedestal. Check for play at the rudder head (grab the blade and rock it), inspect the shaft seal for weeping, and confirm the rudder bearings are tight. A worn rudder shaft bearing on a spade rudder can cause unpredictable steering and is a passage-safety item.
How it fits your plans
Offshore
Borderline capable — the CSF of 1.9 and a comfort ratio near 31 put it within accepted offshore parameters, and at least one example has circumnavigated. However, the B&R rig requires rigger expertise for offshore tuning, the wing keel standard variant carries a windward-performance penalty, and the boat's tenderness means an earlier reef schedule than comparable displacement cruisers. Suitable for prepared bluewater passages with deep-fin keel and verified chainplates, but not the first choice among offshore-dedicated designs at this LOA.
Coastal
Strong fit — roomy, easy to handle shorthanded, manageable sail plan, and the shoal wing keel opens up anchorages unavailable to deeper cruisers. Dual-helm layout gives excellent visibility when docking.
Liveaboard
Good fit — among the better production boats of its era for liveaboard volume. Three-cabin layout options, two heads, large galley, and generator-ready electrical system. High freeboard means dock boarding requires attention.
Weekending
Very good fit — spacious enough for a family of four to sleep in comfort, simple rig reduces preparation time, and the cockpit is large and social.
Racing
Not applicable — this is a volume cruiser, not a racing design.
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