PHOTO PREVIEW:

FULL PHOTO GALLERIES:

VIDEO:

LISTING INFO:

Year: 2011
Length: 39'
Engine/Fuel Type: Single
Located In: Deale, MD
Hull Material: Fiberglass
YW#: 4344-0
Current Price: US$ 164,900

INTRODUCTION:

We brokers seldom get to represent truly 'turn key' yachts. With FORTE VENTO, we have just that. This is a rare opportunity for you to acquire an impeccably preserved and maintained yacht for about $100,000 less than she cost new just four short years ago. Once you step aboard, you'll appreciate how well cared for she is, how spotless her engine room is (only 208 hours!) and how pristine her sails, decks, interior, and other systems are. Ask for the link to the 366 high resolution photos we've taken of her.

This Hunter 39, FORTE VENTO, is the culmination of a long run of very successful predecessors. These yachts are highly capable bay and coastal cruisers that can take you anyplace you’d like to go. This is an amazing yacht absolutely in ‘like-new’ condition with just over 200 hours of use and she can be had for about $100K less than a current new model!

Starting with the Hunter 37 in the mid ‘80’s, the Hunter 37.5 in the early ‘90’s, the Hunter 376 in the late ‘90’s, the Hunter 380 in the early ‘00’s and the Hunter 386 into the late ‘00’s, this model has enjoyed one of the longest production runs in the history of yachting. With each successive improvement of this amazing design, Hunter has made the yacht better and more desirable to cruisers everywhere, continually offering features to enhance your boating enjoyment. These yachts are highly capable bay and coastal cruisers that can take you anyplace you’d like to go. Cockpits are large and comfortable. Decks are wide and easy to navigate. Rigging and sails are easy to handle for single-handed sailing or a cruising couple for all lines lead to the cockpit.

DAVE'S RATING:

When I travel with clients FAR out of town for yachts, I don't like surprises when I get there. It's embarrassing for me and can make for an expensive trip. With that in mind, I'd like to share my rating of various systems on the boat so you'll be as informed as possible before you come for a visit. My rating system is on a 1-10 scale with 10 being 'perfect' (in MY opinion). Please view this list as a GUIDE only. Everyone's idea of good and bad can vary quite a bit, depending on what you're after, what you've seen and how you look at things. My goal in doing this is to help you reach a comfort level with the boat before you invest time and energy to come and see it. I'll summarize by saying that this appears to be an excellent yacht worthy of serious consideration.

Beyond telling you what’s great about a yacht, don’t you also want to know what it needs next? Every yacht, no matter how turn-key, needs something. Every owner has next year’s list of ‘to-do’s, right? I’ll also include in this section what I think the boat could use to take her from nearly perfect to perfect and ready to go.

Overall – 9.5/10.0

FORTE VENTO is nearly new in every respect. We seldom get to represent truly 'turn key' yachts but this is indeed just that. She's only four years old but she looks like she just came from the factory. Here on the Chesapeake Bay, we have about a seven month sailing season. Why is this relevant? Simple -- the other five months our the year, this boat is on land, winterized, shrink wrapped, and tucked away for storage. Every spring, she gets a fresh commissioning, wash & wax job, new bottom paint and a relaunch. She just hasn't aged at all due to the diligence of extremely conscientious and thoughtful owners. They keep very detailed logs of all boat projects, upcoming maintenance, as well as past and scheduled upgrades.

Overall, what does FORTE VENTO need? I honestly can't think of anything if your goal is to sail the Chesapeake on weekends and week long adventures between NYC and Beaufort, NC. For those of you who want to take on longer distance adventures to New England, Florida or the Caribbean, you might consider adding these items:

some kind of power generation (I prefer wind machines as they are productive and out of the way)
more batteries perhaps for longer off-shore runs without having to run the engine
an inverter would further enhance enjoyment during long term cruising
a nav station repeater of the radar/chart and autopilot remote would be nice for long range cruising
a water maker if you hope to anchor for days/weeks at a time in the Caribbean
a spinnaker or gennaker for downwind sailing fun
a full enclosure if you want to extend your boating season beyond spring/summer/fall
a genset if you'll be someplace where you'll need to heat or cool the boat while underway or on the hook

Design – 10.0/10.0

You can’t do better than the architecturally functional layout of this yacht. Every space is smartly conceived to enhance your cruising experience. The aft owner's cabin is a Hunter favorite of mine -- you just can't get more acreage in any other yacht in this size/price range. The main salon is huge and comfortable for a couple or a group. I'm the chef on my boat so galleys are of particular interest to me. FORTE VENTO's galley is beautifully designed with oodles of storage, nice appliances and plenty of counter space -- it just works.

Interior – 9.0/10.0

I have been hard pressed to find blemishes here. The upholstery is very durable and spotless. The flooring is in excellent shape. All the teak joinery looks like new. The galley, sink, counter tops, stove and oven look like they've barely been used. These owners really keep an immaculate yacht (look at the organization of the chart table and storage spaces throughout the boat -- visible amongst the 366 photos available for your review).

Exterior – 9.5/10.0

Her gelcoat and exterior finishes are holding up very well and get washed continuously and waxed at least once a season. Her decks are pristine. Her canvas is in great shape. Her sails look brand new and are regularly serviced at the loft off season to keep them that way.

Electronics – 9.0/10.0

Love the Raymarine suite of electronics. You have everything you need for short range cruising. I'm a big fan of music while cruising and the BOSE system (below) and the Fusion system (above) are awesome. The Xantrex battery monitoring panel helps with power management on multi-day cruises.

Propulsion – 10.0/10.0

The quality and diligence of an owner is most often gauged in this space. FORTE VENTO has enjoyed a very conscientious owner who has kept systems healthy and functional. The layout of the engine room facilitates very easy access to everything for regular maintenance. This makes it easier (and cheaper) to keep them in top condition. The self opening engine hatch along with the rear access panel in the aft stateroom both give you unfettered access to everything. With barely 200 hours since new, this engine looks like it just came from the factory.

MAIN SALON:

Below decks you'll find a warm rich inviting interior space for lounging at the end of a cruising day. A gourmet galley lies to starboard, nav station to port, and a spacious main salon that takes advantage of FORTE VENTO's nearly 13' beam completes the main living space. There's a long bench to port, a U-shaped restaurant-style dining area to starboard. There's BOSE hifi entertainment with satellite speakers, a built-in subwoofer, DVD player and high definition TV. Reverse cycle heating and AC will keep you comfy while plugged in at the dock. There's a ton of natural light via large side windows and overhead opening ports and skylights. The main head is right at the base of the companionway steps so, when you dash below in your wet foulies, it's an easy step into the head to change. Every available left over nook and cranny offers storage for longer passages or living aboard. This truly is a well thought out accommodating yacht.

Central Reverse Cycle Heating & AC w/Digital Control Panel
Upgraded LED Cabin Lighting
Chart Table
Deck Hatch, Opening
Deck Side Windows, Fixed
Deluxe Cushion/Fabric Package
Dinette Table Convertible to Berth
Electrical Outlets, AC & DC
Gloss Finish "Cherry" Woodwork Handrails, Hardwood on Both Sides
Hull Side Storage Cabinets
Lift-Assisted Engine Access
Navigation Station w/Space for Electronics
Selected Hardwood Trim everywhere
Solid Wood Floors
Stereo, AM/FM CD Player w/Bose Speakers
24" High Definition Wide Screen Television
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio System & Antenna
Accordion Shades

GALLEY:

A large gourmet galley greets you to starboard with faux granite countertops, separate front loading fridge and freezer, stainless steel sink and stove/oven, microwave and lots of storage for long cruises. There's even an underfloor storage system for extra provisions for your extended passages. Chefs always demand counter space on either side of the sink and cooktop and FORTE VENTO delivers. There are plenty of deep storage lockers and lots of refrigerator and freezer space. This galley just works!

Front Loading 12V Refrigerator
Front Loading 12 V Freezer
Electrical Outlets, AC & DC
Built-in Waste Bin
Built-In Corian® Countertop
Deck Hatch, Opening
Dish Rack Cabinet w/Lighting and Ventilation
Dish Setting Package
Fresh Water System Pressurized, Hot and Cold
Microwave
Ports, (2) Opening, w/Screens
Sinks, Double Stainless Steel w/Cutting Board
Splash Guard
Storage Cabinets, (4) Storage Drawers, (4) Storage Shelving
Stove, Two Burner, LPG Gimbaled w/ Oven

AFT OWNER'S STATEROOM:

This space is one of Hunter Marine's strong suits. They revolutionized the use of aft cabin space with their first aft-cabin yachts back in the late '80's. It's a ballroom back here! There's a huge king sized athwartship berth that spans the entire beam of the boat. There are hanging lockers, ample drawer storage, LED lighting, private access to the main head, and excellent ventilation while at anchor. Right over your head while you sleep, there's a flip up large opening hatch to the cockpit. There's also a dedicated reverse cycle heating/AC system in this space.

Reverse Cycle Heating/Air Conditioning System with Digital Control Panel
Berth, Double w/upgraded Inner Spring Mattress
Built-In Lounge Chair
Upgraded LED Cabin Lighting
Hanging Locker, Cedar-Lined
Headboard, Padded
Electrical Outlets, AC and DC
Storage Shelves and Compartment Storage Space
Ports/Hatches, (2) Opening w/Screens
Private Access to Head and Shower

FORWARD GUEST CABIN:

A lot of yachts, even in this size range, short change the guest quarters. Not so with this boat! There's a large v-berth here that's comfortably low enough to easily enter/exit. Plenty of ventilation and storage cabinets surround you as well. It's a very inviting space for owners and guests.

Upgraded LED Cabin Lighting
Deck Hatch, Opening
Electrical Outlets, AC and DC
Hanging Lockers, (2) Cedar-Lined
Mattress, Foam
Private Forward Cabin Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Storage Shelving Under-Berth Storage Space
Floor Access to Raymarine Depth/Speed Transducers
Easy Access to Bow Thruster Under Forward Berth

HEAD:

Too many manufactures are putting two heads into their 40' (+/-) yachts. This baffles me. The amount of time I spend in a head can be clocked with an egg timer. I need one good functional head on a boat this size. Hunter got it right with this one. First, the head is right where it needs to be -- right at the base of the companionway steps. Second, it's a mostly fiberglass space with very little teak so very easy to keep clean and new looking. It's a functional space with separate vanity and shower stall (shared with the electric head). It's a walk-through head so there's private access to the owner's stateroom on those nights when you have guest up forward in the other stateroom. It's well ventilated. I couldn't suggest any improvements here. I'm a tall guy at 6'-2" and I have plenty of space in the shower (a pet peeve of mine!).

Access Door, Dual
Anti-Bacterial Gelcoat Wall Finishes
Electrical Outlets, AC and DC
Hatch, (1)
Deck Ports, (2) Opening,
Frosted Shower Stall w/Adjustable Shower Head,
Shower Seat, Folding
Privacy Door and Sump Pump Storage Compartments
Vanity w/Corian® Countertop

COCKPIT:

Face the facts... The cockpit is the life blood of any fine cruising yacht. This is where you spend 90% of your time on board. You need comfort, convenience, and easy access to all the yacht's systems for smooth sailing. Hunter has mastered the sailing cockpit. Twin wheels open up a corridor through the middle of the space from the ample swim platform to the companionway hatch. Long benches and setbacks are perfect for comfort when heeled on an athletic day of sailing. They're also great for napping or sleeping under the stars on warm summer nights. The cockpit table is large and can support a full meal at anchor or snacking while underway. Everything you need to sail the boat, single-handed or with crew, is right at your fingertips without leaving the cockpit. The Raymarine Radar/Chart Plotter is centrally located between the helms. Autopilot and bow thruster controls are at the port helm station along with the Yanmar panel and throttle. The multifunction stainless steel arch accommodates the mainsail traveler, mainsheet, bimini, LED lighting and cockpit speakers. Having all of that up and out of the way declutters the cockpit beautifully and further enables solo sailing if desired. With minor help from the autopilot, you barely have to leave the helm to sail this boat. The primary winches are right at both wheels. There's a Fusion AM/FM/CD stereo out here as well for tunes while aboard. Carrying so much beam aft, Hunter has perfected the swim platform area of their yachts. Wide, open, easy to access, this space has become an integral part of your time at anchor.

Raymarine C90w Radar/Chart Plotter (2013)
Raymarine ST7002 Linear Drive Below-decks Autopilot
Raymarine ST60+ suite of Depth/Speed/Wind Instruments
Vetus Bow Thruster
Cockpit Arch, Stainless Steel w/Mainsheet Traveler
Dual Helm Stations w/Stainless Steel Wheels
Edson® Steering Mechanism
Halyard Tail Stowage Wells Jib Winches Placed Aft at Helm Station
Cockpit cushions
Deep Storage Lockers, (3)
Stern Rail Seats, Stainless Steel w/Drink Holders
Transom Doors
Transom Shower, Hot & Cold
Walk-Through Transom w/Swim Platform
Bilge Pump, Manual
Dinghy Davits (2013)
Outboard motor mount

SAILS & RIGGING:

This yacht is designed with the ultimate in simplicity in mind. The Selden in-mast furling right is SO simple to handle. A continuous loop line on the port side cabin top with stoppers and dedicated winch makes furling and unfurling the main a piece of cake. The 110% jib is controlled by a furling line to starboard at the base of the stainless steel arch. With the primaries so close to the helm, single handing is so easy. Once away from the dock, set the autopilot into the wind, head forward to pull out the main, head back to the helm and you're all set for a blissful day of cruising. If party hosting is your thing, there's a ton of room in this cockpit for a bunch of people. Between the long benches, dual (and very wide) helm seats, and twin stern rail seating, you can fit a gaggle of your closest friends aboard for a fun day on the water.

Nordac ND82HA, in-mast furling mainsail
Jib, 110% Furling w/Acrylic Sun Cover Mainsail, Full Roach w/Flaking System and Sail Cover
Boom Vang Inboard Jib Tracks w/Adjustable Cars
Internal Halyards Led to Cockpit Jib Furling System Mainsheet Purchase System Mast, Selden®, B & R w/Fractional Sail Plan Reefing System, Dual Single Line Led Aft Rigging Line Stoppers and Organizers,
Two Sets Winch Handles (2) Winches, (2) Rigging, 2-Speed, Self-Tailing, Lewmar #40 on cabin top
Winches, (2) Jib, 2-Speed, Self-Tailing, Lewmar #46 at Helm
Windex® Wind Vane
I : 46.67 ft
J : 12.08 ft
P : 47.42 ft
E : 19.25 ft
Working Sail Area : 991 sq ft

ANCHORING & SAFETY SYSTEMS:

Hunters come with all the basic safety gear and then some...

Air Horn
45# Rocna Anchor w/Chain, Line
Electric QUICK windlass
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Emergency Tiller
Fire Extinguishers (3)
Fog Bell
GFI Receptacles
Handheld Flares
Life Jackets (6)
Manual Bilge Pump
NMMA Certification On All Systems
Throwable Device

DECK & HULL SYSTEMS:

Hunter builds a thoughtful yacht, from the bow all the way to the stern. Up forward, the headsail fuller is close to the deck for performance sailing. The windlass is below deck for clutter free sail handling and docking. The large anchor locker will accommodate any chain/rode configuration you desire and also houses the deck wash down raw water hose. Decks are wide, hatches are flush and travel around the boat is easy and 'toe-stub' free. The sheets and halyards all lead back to the cockpit for easy single-handed sailing. There's a small solar panel amidships to help keep the batteries topped off. The dodger and bimini are high expansive and cover the entire cockpit easily.

Anchor Roller, Double Offset
Anchor Well w/Space for Rode and Chain
ROCNA 44# (oversized) Plow Anchor with chain/rode
Full Bimini
Full Dodger
Blister Prevent Technology – Hull
Bow Pulpit, Stainless Steel
Deck Handrails, Stainless Steel
Dorade Vents (2)
Hatches, (6) Opening Deck, w/Screens
HKT Kevlar Hull Reinforcement
Hull, FRP/Balsa Sandwich Above Waterline, Solid FRP Bottom
Hull, Structural Grid Reinforcement
Hull Windows, (2) Fixed
Keel, Shoal Draft Lifelines, Double w/2 Gates and Stainless Steel Stanchions
LPG Tank Storage for Two Bottles
Mooring Cleats, (6)
Stainless Steel Nonskid Deck
Ports, (3) Opening, w/Screens
Rubrail, Full Wrap w/Stainless Steel Insert
Rudder, Balanced Spade,w/Stainless Steel Shaft
Sliding Companionway Hatch
Swim Platform w/Stainless Steel Telescoping Ladder Through-Bolted
Hull/Deck Joint w/Full Rubrail
Through-Hull Fittings, All Bronze Below Waterline

OPTIONS/UPGRADES FROM HUNTER & DEALER:

Here's a list of options this owner requested from Hunter and the local dealer who commissioned the yacht:

Air Conditioning Systems (2)
Alternator Upgrade, 120-Amp
Automatic Engine Room Fire Extinguishing System
Ablative Bottom Paint
Bimini T-Top Package Incorporated in Arch Cockpit
Dodger
Arch Pod w/Speakers
Cockpit Cushions
Cruising Spinnaker Gear Halyard (only – no Spinnaker)
Electric Anchor Windlass
Freezer, Front Opening
Hatch Shades w/Screens
High Bilge Water Alarm and Pump
In-Mast Mainsail Furling System w/Rigid Vang
Upgraded LED Lighting Throughout Vessel
Mattress, Innerspring (Aft Cabin)
Quiet-Flush® Electric Head
SIRIUS® Satellite Radio Receiver and Antenna
Solid Boom Vang
Three-Blade Propeller
Traveler, Arch Mounted for Mainsheet
TV for Main Salon, 24" Flat Panel w/DVD Player
VHF Remote MIC at Helm

Here are the recent upgrades by the owners:

Raymarine C90w 24 mile Radar/Chart Plotter at helm (2013)
Xantrex Link LITE monitor - (2012)
Dinghy Davits (2013)
New Batteries (2014)
Lifeline 4D AGM battery w automotive post, 210 amp-hour (2)
Lifeline Group 31 AGM battery, 105 amp-hour, 800 CCA (1)
Winterization/land storage/wash/wax/shrink wrap (every year)
All receipts for all work on record and available

OWNER'S LOG -- OUR FOUR YEARS WITH FORTE VENTO:

At the fall 2010 Annapolis Boat Show, we considered several capable brands of yachts for our planned mid-Atlantic adventures. We kept coming back to the Hunter 39. Her combination of size, comfortable layout and amenities make her the ideal boat for bay and coastal cruising. We have been sailing FORTE VENTO on the Chesapeake since we took possession of her in May 2011. Her spacious salon, cockpit and galley have been perfect for living aboard on weekends and week long vacation cruises. Her huge owner’s aft cabin has provided a comfortable end to cruising days all over the Bay. We have enjoyed many exquisitely beautiful anchorages, grilled meals and sunsets over the last four years.

2011

We put FORTE VENTO through her paces this first year on the middle Bay. The West River, South River, Rhode River, Wye River, Miles River, Choptank River, Severn River and their many creeks became favorite haunts. Whether it was a busy St. Michaels and Annapolis or the more quiet waters of Galesville, Oxford and Rock Creek we enjoyed the journeys and evening anchorages. The height of 2011 was our trip to Baltimore and two lovely nights away from the hubbub at Tar Creek. FORTE VENTO’s shallow 5’ draft allowed us into creeks and anchorages that bigger boats couldn’t approach. We ended the season with a longer trip to Solomon’s Island and the Patuxent River. Despite the drizzle and cloudy skies, St. Leonard’s Creek was glassy smooth with herons and other waterfowl that amazed us. We closed the season in October by preparing Forte Vento with a good wax and polish of the gelcoat from bow to stern before putting her away on the hard under shrink wrap for the winter.

2012-13

Over the following two years we’ve returned to all of our favorite anchorages. In 2012 the winds were fantastic. It was easy to fly along at 6-7 knots on a reach. Our Hunter cuts beautifully across the waves on a beam reach instead of bobbing and slamming as smaller boats are apt to do. Drum Point Cove on the Wye River became a favorite anchorage – deep water, American bald eagles in the trees and sun drenching the deck at sunset. Despite the warm summer nights, the aft cabin captured plenty of breeze. We kept the bugs at bay with the custom-made companionway screen. The Sirius radio brought us music as we played cards and sipped scotch late into the night. Before we went to bed, we sat on the fore deck to gaze at the Milky Way and watch jet planes cross the horizon. We are always amazed at the quiet solitude of nature so close to where we live.

In big wind, we reef the main about 25%. FORTE VENTO calms her heel and we slice through the water. We added a spinnaker halyard anticipating the purchase of a spinnaker but ultimately decided that we just don’t need one. August calms resulted in motoring we would have liked to avoid.

In 2013, we added a high-end Raymarine radar/chart plotting system for night time and foul weather cruising as well as davits to keep our dinghy at the ready, enabling us to explore every creek to its corners just minutes after anchoring. Dinghy retrieval has been just as easy as we head out each morning for our next destination.

2014

Due to family commitments and weather that wasn’t always cooperative, 2014 was a very light use year for us. We put her up on land early last fall and wrapped her in anticipation of the harsh winter we just endured. We’re just back in the water April, 2015.

FORTE VENTO is an amazing yacht and has been SO easy to sail. She’s large enough to keep us comfortable and safe in mounting seas, yet she’s a piece of cake to single hand as well. Her sails just pop in and out by hand, she loves the wind, and she has easily handled every sea and wind condition we’ve encountered. We were thrilled to enjoy hours long wing-on-wing downwind cruises as well as more athletic close-hauled reaches upwind in 20+ knot breezes.

We hope her new owners enjoy her as much as we have. FORTE VENTO has been very special to us and pure joy to own. She has been winterized and de-winterized every season, blocked, shrink wrapped, washed, waxed and, as our photos and a personal visit will reveal, she’s in like-new condition in every way.

Why for sale?

Frankly, we've got the bug, but bad! We have so fallen in love with sailing FORTE VENTO around the Chesapeake that we now thirst for longer cruises and more distant destinations. We'd like to venture far away from the US coast and we've reached a point in our lives where we're going to do it (instead of just talk about it). We're looking for a larger ocean-crossing yacht for our next adventures.