Specifications
-
Cruising Speed:
8 kn
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Maximum Speed:
9 kn
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Beam:
14' 9''
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Hull Material:
Fiberglass
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Max Draft:
5' 6''
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Displacement:
32,813 lb
- Fuel Tank: 1 x
150|gallon
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Fresh Water:
1 x
200|gallon
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Holding:
1 x
52|gallon
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Cabins:
3
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Heads:
2
Accommodations
The Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit (50 AC), features a voluminous interior with a layout configuration that can accommodate between 6 or more people. This design is characterized by extreme headroom (up to 6'9"), abundant natural light from large, fixed windows, and high-quality woodwork like mahogany. The 3-Stateroom Layout features a large master suite forward and two double guest cabins aft. Forward Master Suite: Features a centerline island queen berth with an innerspring mattress. It includes a "split head" design where the shower stall is located to port and the head/sink to starboard. Aft Guest Cabins: Include two guest cabins. The port cabin often features an athwartship (side-to-side) double berth, while the starboard cabin typically has a fore-and-aft double bunk. Most configurations include two heads with separate shower stalls. Saloon: A bright, open area with a large U-shaped dinette to starboard and a long settee (lounge) to port. On some models, the salon table can drop down to create an additional double berth.
Gourmet Galley: Located to starboard near the companionway, it is L-shaped or U-shaped with Corian countertops, a three-burner stove/oven, microwave, and dual refrigeration/freezer units. Navigation Station: Located to port, it features a dedicated, comfortable "bucket" or "admiral's" seat, a large chart table, and full electronic panels. Storage: Ample cedar-lined hanging lockers in the cabins and extensive pantry-style cabinets in the galley.
Climate & Utility: Often equipped with diesel heating or air conditioning, a washer/dryer combo (frequently hidden in the aft starboard cabin), and large water/fuel capacities for long-range cruising.
Bilge
Rule 4000 GPH with float switch.Rule 2000 GPH 12 volt with float switch & manual activation. Starboard cockpit manual hand bilge pump. The bilge on the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit is a deep, well-engineered area featuring dual pumps for safety, excellent access to the engine, and ample storage space integrated with aft and forward lockers. Bilge Layout and Structure
The Hunter 50 AC (Aft Cockpit) utilizes the same hull design as its center-cockpit sibling but adapts the aft layout to enhance access and storage. The bilge is deep and divided, allowing for separation of machinery spaces, plumbing, and structural components, which contributes to enhanced safety and ease of maintenance.
Pumps and Safety Features
The bilge includes dual pumps, ensuring redundancy in case of water accumulation, which is particularly important for offshore cruising or when operating in choppy seas. This setup is described as "safety conscious," meaning both pumps can handle emergencies or high water ingress scenarios.
Accessibility and Maintenance
Access to the engine located in the bilge area is excellent, with sufficient space for inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs. Removable panels and strategic layout allow both amateur and professional crews to reach key areas without extensive disassembly. This accessibility simplifies tasks such as hose checks, fuel system inspection, and bilge cleaning.
Integration with Storage Lockers
The bilge is complemented by spacious aft lockers and a deep forward locker. These compartments provide storage for gear, sails, and other cruising necessities while keeping clutter off the cockpit and main living spaces. The integration of storage around the bilge allows efficient use of the area without compromising access to pumps or engine systems.
Materials and Construction
Structurally, the bilge sits within a fiberglass hull with Kevlar reinforcement in key regions like the bow and keel area for added protection. The hand-laid frameworks and through-bolted deck-to-hull joints contribute to rigidity and help prevent deformation in the bilge area under load, ensuring long-term durability and safety.
In summary, the 2009 Hunter 50 AC bilge area is notable for its depth, dual-pump redundancy, excellent engine access, and integration with ample storage, making it practical for maintenance, cruising safety, and organization of essential gear. This design reflects Hunter Marine’s focus on safety-conscious offshore cruising and functional liveaboard considerations
Bridge
Fiberglass reinforced plastic with deck to house seamless molded no joint. The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit (AC) features a spacious, ergonomically designed aft deck with twin helm stations, all lines led aft, and a cockpit traveler arch, offering safe, comfortable, and efficient sailing for shorthanded crews.
Cockpit Layout and Bridge Features
The Hunter 50 AC is designed with dual leather-covered helms, providing excellent forward visibility while sailing or docking. The cockpit itself is expansive, trimmed with Flexiteek on the seats and sole, replicating a traditional teak look without the maintenance burden.
An integrated B&R rig eliminates the backstay, allowing an end-boom mainsheet to run conveniently to the cockpit. Sheet winches and rope clutches are within easy reach of either helm, and additional halyard winches are located on the cabin top near the companionway, centralizing sail control for shorthanded operation.
A cockpit traveler arch made of stainless steel enhances both line management and safety, providing handholds for crew and serving as a mounting point for various instruments or canvas biminis. The cockpit also accommodates a Corian-topped centerline table, ideal for drinks, meals, or as a mounting surface for instruments visible from either helm.
Beneath the seats and in two aft transom lockers, the cockpit offers ample storage space, ideal for sails, lines, and other gear needed for cruising or offshore passages.
Ease of Movement and Safety
Wide decks and minimal elevation changes allow safe and unobstructed movement forward. A watertight bulkhead backs the sail locker, and the aft-end features a step-through swim platform, providing easy access to the water or dinghy. Multiple grab rails throughout the cockpit enhance crew safety, while generous seating ensures comfort during extended periods on deck.
Sailing Control and Ergonomics
All lines lead aft to the cockpit, simplifying sail handling for a small crew. The end-boom mainsheet and optional self-tacking jib or overlapping staysail make sail adjustments straightforward, while the rack-and-pinion steering system (often a Lewmar Mamba) delivers a direct feel for better control. The setup allows a single helmsperson to manage the 50 AC comfortably, supporting Hunter’s emphasis on shoal-draft, shorthanded cruising capability.
Construction Considerations
The cockpit, bridge deck, and helm areas are part of a fiberglass deck cored with end-grain balsa above the waterline, bonded to the structural interior grid and solid hand-laid fiberglass hull with Kevlar reinforcement forward. This mix ensures rigidity and durability for offshore sailing while maintaining comfortable ergonomics.
In summary, the 2009 Hunter 50 AC bridge and aft cockpit is designed for comfort, safety, and ease of handling, combining wide, open spaces, twin helms, a traveler arch, and all lines led aft to support efficient shorthanded sailing while maintaining luxurious amenities on board.
Cockpit
The cockpit is designed for both easy shorthanded sailing and large-scale entertaining, Twin Helms Dual steering stations provide excellent visibility forward and easy access to the transom.
Hunter 50 features the trademark Hunter stainless steel cockpit arch, which houses the mainsheet traveler overhead to keep the cockpit clear of lines.
Large, deep seats and a central folding table.
A "sugar scoop" stern with twin doors leads to a teak-clad swim platform and ladder.
"Admiral's Seats": Two elevated seats built into the stern rail, often including a small integrated tabletop. The Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit features a spacious, ergonomically designed cockpit with twin helm stations, excellent visibility, and extensive storage, combining sailing functionality with comfort and safety. Layout and Helm Stations:
The cockpit is large and roomy, designed to allow easy maneuvering for both cruising and offshore sailing. It features twin leather-covered wheels, providing excellent visibility forward during both sailing and docking. The helm areas include accessible sheet winches, halyard winches, and rope clutches, with all lines led aft to the cockpit, so the helmsman can manage sail trim efficiently without leaving their station. Hunter’s signature mainsheet arch with a double-ended mainsheet allows convenient end-boom sheeting, enhancing sail handling and safety.
Seating and Comfort
Seating is trimmed with Flexiteek, offering a traditional teak look without the maintenance issues, and is arranged for comfort and social interaction. A Corian-topped centerline table provides a spot for drinks and mounting instruments visible from either helm. High cockpit coamings and numerous grab rails ensure crew safety while moving around. Optional canvas enclosures, dodgers, and clears can provide weather protection and improved visibility when required.
Deck and Access
The cockpit connects seamlessly to wide, uncluttered side decks with few tripping hazards, and a walk-through transom leads to the swim platform and ladder for easy water access. Movement between the twin wheels and the swim ladder is facilitated by batwing doors, improving access while maintaining security. Storage includes under-seat lockers and two large transom compartments, giving substantial space for lines, fenders, or water sports gear.
Sailing Ergonomics and Features
The Hunter 50 AC cockpit is designed with single-handed or short-handed sailing in mind. The helm positions offer power-assisted winches, and the layout allows for all main controls to be operated from the helm. Optional fore and aft bow thrusters with joystick controls assist with docking in tight spaces. The rig uses a B&R fractional backstay less mast with swept-back spreaders, ensuring a rigid and efficient setup while keeping deck clutter minimal.
Safety and Maintenance
Safety is integrated through high coamings, multiple grab rails, and continuous handholds, allowing secure movement under sail or during adverse conditions
. The cockpit area is low maintenance with non-teak Flexiteek surfaces, and the design avoids tripping hazards while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic.
Summary
Overall, the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit provides a spacious, well-organized, and safe cockpit environment that merges comfort with practical sailing functionality. Its twin helm stations, controlled and led-back sail lines, generous seating, and durable finishes make it suitable for long offshore passages, short-handed sailing, or comfortable liveaboard life.
Crew Quarters
Twin Aft Cabins: Two guest cabins are located aft, typically with one running athwartships (port) and the other fore-and-aft (starboard). Ensuite Head to port aft of Nav station. The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit offers spacious and well-organized aft crew quarters with twin-berth cabins, a private or shared head, optional desk/work area, and ample storage, designed for comfort and efficient use of space on long passages.
Layout and Configuration
The Hunter 50 AC’s aft section accommodates two guest/cabin quarters: one located portside running athwartships and another starboard running fore-and-aft. The port aft cabin features twin berths oriented athwartships, while the starboard aft cabin includes twin berths along with an optional desk and chair, which can double as a workspace and may also conceal a washer/dryer combo, making it functional for living aboard. These cabins are positioned below the cockpit, creating a private region separate from the saloon and forward master suite.
Each cabin has flow-through ventilation via two opening ports, ensuring comfort in warmer climates or under cruising conditions. The aft cabins utilize the beam effectively while maintaining a compact design, leaving ample space for movement without feeling cramped.
Heads and Shower Facilities
The aft area includes a shared or walk-through head, allowing occupants in the port cabin easy access to the main saloon if needed. The starboard aft cabin has a separate shower stall and head, contributing to privacy and convenience for crew or passengers. This design provides a balance between comfort and efficient use of limited below-deck space.
Storage and Amenities
Storage is well-integrated throughout the aft cabins with numerous lockers, drawers, and under-berth compartments. This includes space to stow personal items, gear, and supplies, keeping the quarters uncluttered and organized. The cabins feature high-quality finishes such as Cherry cabinetry, ash slats, and low-maintenance teak-and-holly soles, adding to the comfort and aesthetic appeal. The use of modular construction and laminated cabinetry ensures durability while maintaining a luxurious feel.
Additional amenities often included, depending on the options package, are cloth or memory-foam mattresses, lighting, and proximity to the companionway and galley, which allows ease of movement between deck and below. This consideration is ideal for extended cruises or liveaboard conditions.
Comfort and Accessibility
The Hunter 50 AC provides excellent headroom of approximately 6'9", even in the aft cabins, allowing taller crew members to move comfortably. Wide passageways and thoughtfully positioned handrails support safe and convenient movement throughout the below-deck areas. The aft cabins, while compact, are designed to maximize livability and provide a secure, private retreat at sea. This layout is particularly suitable for blue water cruising, accommodating overnight stays or longer passages with comfort and practicality.
Overall, the aft crew quarters on the 2009 Hunter 50 AC combine functional design, privacy, and comfort with smart storage solutions and high-quality finishes, making the southern or aft sections ideal for both guests and crew on extended voyages.
Deck
Hunter 50 has a low-profile cabin top and a spacious, open-air layout. Introduced in 2009 by Marlow-Hunter, it serves as a performance-oriented counterpart to the center-cockpit version, prioritizing a large socializing area and streamlined deck handling. The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit features a spacious and ergonomically designed deck and aft cockpit area, with twin helms, a large cockpit trimmed for comfort, and ample access and storage for both sailing and living aboard.
Deck Layout and Features
The Hunter 50 AC has a sleek low-profile cabin top providing unobstructed visibility from the twin leather-covered wheels, ideal for docking or sailing. Movement forward and aft is made safe and convenient by wide side decks, multiple stainless-steel handrails, and high coamings. The vessel maintains a clean, well-organized deck with minimal tripping hazards and a thoughtfully arranged companionway leading below. A key feature is Hunter’s signature stainless steel arch with the mainsheet traveler, allowing convenient end-boom sheeting and clear access to the cockpit.
The deck includes two forward halyard winches and rope clutches on the cabin top near the companionway, enabling efficient sail handling without cluttering the cockpit. The cockpit is sizeable and trimmed with Flexiteek, providing the traditional appearance of teak without high maintenance.
Aft Cockpit Quarters
The aft cockpit is designed for comfort and functionality, accommodating a dozen people or more for day sailing while still leaving room for a deck-mounted dinghy and life raft, highlighting excellent use of space for social or crew activity. Custom fiberglass lockers are positioned behind the wheels for convenient storage of gear, water toys, or rigging equipment. There is also easy access to the engine compartment via the companionway sole, ensuring practical maintenance.
The aft cabins below decks offer additional integration with the cockpit area: the starboard cabin can include an optional office or washer/dryer setup, and both aft cabins have two ports for ventilation. Access to these quarters from the cockpit is direct, with a well-planned companionway and handrails making movement safe even under sail.
Safety and Ergonomics
Safety has been emphasized on deck with tall stainless-steel stanchions, triple lifelines, and numerous grab rails. The layout minimizes abrupt deck elevation changes, and the batwing doors to the swim ladder improve access to water or dock without compromising protection. The design also includes substantial cockpit coaming height, contributing to overall crew security.
Overall, the deck and aft cockpit of the Hunter 50 AC 2009 model provide an efficient blend of comfort, storage, and safety: twin wheels for excellent visibility, intuitive sail handling systems, spacious seating with Flexiteek trim, secure handrails and coamings, and integrated access to aft deck quarters and storage lockers. This design supports both long-term cruising and day sailing, making the boat versatile for multiple sailing conditions.
Electrical
12 Volt DC system 1 4 D AGM bow thruster 3 4 D 12-volt AGM for house 2 4 D 12-volt AGM for start batteries
Three (3) - Blue Sea Systems Battery Switches.
Battery Parallel Switch installed at the helm station.
The main DC breakers were installed proximate to the batteries.
DC branch breaker in the main Salon electrical panel.
Digital DC voltage display in the main Salon electric panel.
Go Power IC 3000 - 3000 Watt Inverter, 125 Amp Charger.
12 Volt / 80 Amp, engine mounted and belt driven.
Single Phase.
AC SHORE POWER INLETS
50 amp. 120/240 volt shore power inlet.
AC SHORE POWER CORDS
50 Amp. vinyl shore power cord.
MAIN AC SHORE POWER BREAKERS
AC ELECTRICAL PANEL BREAKERS
AC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MONITORS
Digital AC voltage gauge in the main Salon AC electric panel.
AC ELECTRICAL SOURCE SELECTOR SWITCHING
Manual three (3) position break before make type selector switch for shore or ship power.
AC POWER ISOLATION TRANSFORMERS
Charles Industries, 12 KVA ISO-Transformer.
AC POWER FREQUENCY CONVERTER
GALVANIC ISOLATION SYSTEM
AC ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLETS
AC ELECTRICAL OUTLET POLARITY
AC SYSTEM WIRING TYPE
The Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit (AC) 2009 features a comprehensive DC electrical system designed to power all onboard systems, monitor tank levels, and ensure safety and comfort for cruising sailors. Based on the Hunter 50CC operation and owner manuals, the key electrical features and layout are as follows:
1. DC Electrical System
The boat is primarily powered by a 12-volt DC system, which supplies electricity to:
Navigation instruments
Interior and cockpit lighting
Freshwater and fuel tank monitoring
Bilge pumps and blower systems
Electronics such as autopilot, radios, and chart plotters
DC Distribution Panel:
Houses all circuit breakers/fuses for individual systems
Monitors current loads and allows isolation of individual circuits
Battery Bank:
Typically includes at least two service batteries and one engine start battery
Optional upgrades include a larger battery bank or inverter installation for AC loads
2. AC Electrical System (Optional)
Optional shore power system provides 120V AC to:
Air conditioning system
Water heater
Galley appliances (refrigerator, microwave)
AC power is distributed through dedicated AC breakers.
Power conversion and monitoring managed via inverter/charger units.
Cockpit Instrumentation:
Dual helm displays (multifunction: charts, depth, wind, autopilot)
Ammeters/voltmeters on the DC panel for system monitoring
Lighting:
Cockpit and companionway LED and low-voltage lights
Courtesy and navigation lights
Utilities and Comfort:
Bilge pumps and engine compartment blowers powered from DC system
Optional electric winches and furling systems integrated into cockpit panels
Electrical outlets at helm and seating areas (depending on customization)
Tank Monitoring:
Fresh water, waste, and fuel gauges driven by DC voltage sensors
Remote monitoring displays generally located at companionway or chart table
4. Safety & Redundancy
Circuit protection via breakers at the panel with clear labeling for pumps, instruments, and lights
Emergency isolation switches for main batteries
Optional backup battery and inverter for long-range cruising or passage making
Electrical routing follows structured grid architecture, bonded into fiberglass interior hull modules for safety and serviceability
5. System Integration
Lines controlling sails, winches, and navigation instruments are led aft to the cockpit, minimizing clutter and allowing short-handed operation.
DC monitored panels also provide interfaces for optional electronics such as B&G navigation systems or Raymarine instruments, ensuring full integration from the aft cockpit.
Summary
The 2009 Hunter 50 AC aft cockpit is designed with a robust DC system, optional AC power for shore or heavy appliance use, integrated monitoring for fuel, water, and waste, and all circuits routed to allow easy access from the cockpit and companionway. The electrical layout supports both comfort and safety for blue water cruising with single-handed or short-handed sailing capabilities.
Electronics
West Marine VHF 650 VHF Marine Radio. MFD Raymarine + 12 12 " with Gps Chart plotter Autopilot Raymarine linear unit w P70 digital Depth Display Ray i50 Tridata Speed Ray marine i 50 Tridata Wind Ray marine I60 True / Apparent Wind Speed & Direction w masthead
Engine
The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit is equipped with a Japanese Yanmar 4JH4-THE diesel engine producing 110 horsepower, designed for reliable cruising performance.
Engine Specifications
Power Output: 110 hp (approximately 82 kW)
Diesel
Built-in inboard engine located under the aft cockpit with easy access for maintenance.
Fuel and Water Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 150–162 U.S. gallons (570–613 liters)
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: Around 200 U.S. gallons (734–760 liters)
This capacity supports extended cruising without frequent refueling or water stops.
Performance and Integration
The Yanmar 110 HP diesel engine provides sufficient power for the 36,945 lb displacement of the Hunter 50 with a wing keel, allowing a hull speed of approximately 8.87 knots.
The aft cockpit design offers good engine access, making routine servicing more convenient during bluewater or coastal cruising.
Standard systems include aft air conditioning (around 12,000 BTU), integration with the vessel’s electrical and propulsion systems, and exhaust management for safe operation.
Operational Notes
Earlier reviews highlighted the ease of engine access below decks, supporting routine inspections and servicing.
The Yanmar engine is known for durability, fuel efficiency, and suitability for long-range cruising, complementing the Hunter 50’s design emphasis on comfort and offshore capability.
In summary, the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit’s Yanmar 4JH4-THE diesel engine combines 110 hp performance with reliability and efficient fuel consumption, integrated into a cruiser-focused layout that prioritizes both accessibility and enduring offshore operation
Yanmar 4JH4-HTE 99 hp @ 3101 rpm serial number E21817
Galley
Full Galley Refrigeration Coolmatic by Waeco 12/24 Volt Front loading Refrigerator Freezer Coolmatic bt Waeco 12/24 Front Loading Freezer Stove Force 10 Stainless Steel Triple burner cooktop w/ oven Exhaust Hood Microwave Galley sink double
The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit features a fully appointed L-shaped galley aft to starboard with all the amenities of a modern home kitchen designed for comfortable and efficient offshore cooking.
Layout and Position
The galley is located aft to starboard, just forward of the companionway, which allows easy access from the cockpit while providing some enclosure for safety while underway. Its L-shaped configuration maximizes workspace and keeps all appliances and storage within easy reach for the cook, even in rough seas. An additional counter near the companionway protects the chef and helps enclose the galley space.
Appliances and Equipment
Refrigerator/Freezer: The galley includes a large refrigerator and freezer, typically 3.9 cubic feet for the fridge and 1.4 cubic feet for the freezer, with the option for a front-loading fridge or even a wine chiller for extended cruising.
Cooking: A three-burner stove with oven is standard, suitable for preparing meals underway or at anchor. Auxiliary microwave and coffeepot combination units are common.
Sinks: Twin stainless-steel sinks provide ample washing and prep space, paired with Corian countertops and stainless-steel fiddles to prevent items from sliding.
Storage: Plenty of lockers and drawers are integrated for storage of provisions, cookware, and utensils, with a dedicated dish-drying rack incorporating a fan to aid in drying dishes within the storage space.
Materials and Ergonomics
The galley surfaces utilize Corian countertops, and cabinetry is crafted from teak or other fine woods, blending durability with a luxurious finish. The layout and positioning account for comfortable single-handed or crewed cooking, with ergonomics designed to keep everything accessible without excessive movement. Grab rails are placed strategically to enhance safety when the boat is underway.
Additional Features
The galley is adjacent to the companionway, allowing for airflow and light, which improves usability and comfort.
It is suitable for long passages or liveaboard cruising, providing all conveniences of home cooking while maintaining a safe, compact working space.
In summary, the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit galley is a well-designed, L-shaped, fully equipped cooking space complete with modern appliances, ample storage, and durable finishes. Its layout balances convenience, safety, and comfort, making it suitable for extended offshore cruising or liveaboard use.
Guest Head
Jabsco 12 volt Electric Heads Stall type showers in the Heads Interior Cabinetry & Trim with doors cabinets and lockers. The 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit features a dedicated guest head with a separate shower stall, designed for comfort and privacy for guests in the aft cabins.
The aft accommodation area includes two twin-berth guest cabins, with the port cabin running athwartships and the starboard cabin aligned fore-and-aft, the latter offering an optional desk or work area that can conceal a washer/dryer combo. Adjacent to the companionway on the port side, the guest/day head is fully outfitted with a separate shower stall, providing guest access without interfering with the main living areas. The head generally includes a duplicate electric Jabsco toilet, matching the master cabin’s system, and ample storage is integrated for toiletries and linens.
The layout ensures efficient flow and privacy, with two opening ports in each aft cabin enhancing ventilation and natural lighting. The separate shower allows for simultaneous use of the toilet and wash area, minimizing congestion during multi-crew stays or passage-making. Although compact, the head has been designed to maintain a clutter-free environment, preserving the aft cabins' spaciousness and comfort. The use of quality materials and finishes mirrors the main yacht interior, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Overall, the guest head in the 2009 Hunter 50 AC supports offshore cruising or liveaboard comfort with dedicated shower facilities, effective storage, and easy access, making it suitable for both short-term guests and long-term stays aboard. This layout exemplifies Hunter’s focus on livable, practical yacht interiors that complement the aft cockpit design
Hull
Keel Recoated May 8 2025 Bottom paint 5-8-2025 1 3/4 shaft 3 blade prop bronze No blisters at time sighted Hull inspection performed in 2025 The hull of the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit is a solid, hand-laid fiberglass monohull with Kevlar reinforcement forward, a cored deck, and modular interior grid construction that balances offshore capability with livable volume.
Construction Materials and Techniques
The Hunter 50 AC is built with solid hand-laid fiberglass below the waterline to ensure strength and durability for extended offshore passages, while the deck and superstructure are cored with end-grain balsa to save weight and enhance stiffness. Key construction features include:
Kevlar Reinforcement: The forward hull and bow-to-keel areas are reinforced with Kevlar for collision protection, enhancing impact resistance during offshore passages.
Modular Interior Grid: The majority of interior components, including bulkheads, cabinetry, and systems, are pre-assembled on a structural grid that is bonded to the hull, providing rigidity while simplifying installation and maintenance.
Hull-to-Deck Joint: Through-bolted hull-to-deck joint spacing at roughly 8-inch intervals ensures secure attachment and structural integrity.
Hull Shape and Appendages
Designer: Glenn Henderson and the Hunter Design Team focused on a performance-conscious hull with moderate displacement and beam carried aft for stability.
Keel Options: Available with either a shoal draft (5’6”) or deep draft (7’0”) fixed fin keel. The ballast is distributed to optimize righting moment and seakeeping.
Rudder: The aft-cockpit model uses an internally mounted spade-type rudder, providing maneuverability and responsive handling under sail.
Hull Speed and Displacement: With approximately 32,813–32,900 lbs displacement depending on rig and keel, the design achieves a hull speed near 8.8 knots.
Deck and Cockpit Integration
Deck Core: Fiberglass over balsa core, reinforced at high-load points such as stanchions, chainplates, and the helm support structures.
Cockpit: The aft cockpit is expansive, featuring twin helms for visibility and ease of shorthanded sailing. Flexiteek trim enhances aesthetics and durability without the high maintenance of traditional teak.
Performance Considerations
The hull provides balanced performance, favoring moderate wind conditions with predictable handling offshore. The hull’s moderate displacement and hull form ensure stability in choppy seas, while the B&R rig and self-tacking jib simplify handling in various sailing conditions. The design supports liveaboard comfort without compromising structural integrity or offshore safety.
In summary, the 2009 Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit hull is a robust, moderately beamy monohull designed to combine survivable offshore performance with user-friendly handling and smooth interior integration. Its solid fiberglass underwater, Kevlar-reinforced bow, and balsa-cored deck offer a strong yet relatively lightweight platform suitable for extended cruising, coastal voyages, and family-friendly offshore passages.
Walkthrough
Boarding aft through swing doors to cockpit. The Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit 2009 is a versatile, offshore-capable sailboat featuring an expansive, ergonomically designed aft cockpit, twin helm stations, and a spacious, comfort-focused interior suitable for liveaboard or extended cruising.
Cockpit and Deck
Entering via the swim platform and transom steps, the cockpit immediately offers ample room for maneuvering, trimmed with low-maintenance Flexiteek for both the sole and seating. One leather-covered wheels provide excellent visibility for sailing or docking, with all lines led aft and easily accessible. The cockpit includes two sheet winches on the coaming and additional halyard winches on the cabin top. Hunter’s signature arch with double-ended mainsheet supports end-boom sheeting, allowing sail adjustments from the cockpit. Grab rails abound, ensuring safety in rough conditions, and deep lockers beneath seats and in the transom offer substantial storage. Optional fore and aft bow thrusters with joystick controls simplify docking in tight spaces.
Sailing and Rig
The Hunter 50 AC employs a B&R backstay less rig with swept-back spreaders, supporting a mainsheet traveler mounted on the cockpit arch. The sail plan features a standard mast height of 63′ 4″, with optional taller rigs adding roughly five feet. Headsail options include a self-tacking jib, overlapping genoa, or staysail arrangements. The boat can be configured with a shoal draft wing keel (5′6″) or deep draft fin keel (7′0″) and is powered by a standard 75 HP Yanmar diesel engine. Motorized and powered winches allow simple sail handling for short-handed or single-handed sailing.
Interior Layout
Below deck, the Hunter 50 AC maximizes beam and hull volume to provide generous 6′9″ headroom. The forward master stateroom features an island queen berth, cedar-lined hanging lockers, and a split head with a shower stall. Aft, two double cabins accommodate guests or family, with the port cabin arranged athwartships and the starboard cabin fore-and-aft, providing flexibility including an optional office/workbench space. The saloon includes a U-shaped settee with a teak table converting to a double berth, plus a straight settee across from the forward-facing navigation station, suitable for Raymarine E-series multi-function displays, with chart table storage underneath.
Galley and Systems
The galley is located to starboard, featuring Corian countertops, twin sinks, a three-burner stove, microwave-coffeepot combination, and refrigerator/freezer options, including front-loading units. A companionway counter protects the cook underway. Engineering considerations include Lewmar Mamba shaft-and-gear steering, a spade rudder, and robust hull construction with Kevlar reinforcement in the bow for collision strength.
Performance and Sailing Impressions
The 50 AC is designed as a luxury cruiser and offshore passage maker, with a lightweight hull, stabilizing twin helms, and a responsive sail plan conducive to windward and reaching performance. Optional double-headed rig setups provide additional sail power, and in light air or choppy conditions, more sail area may optimize speed. The boat is capable of single-handed sailing thanks to all lines led aft and powered winches.
Specifications
LOA: 49′11″
Beam: 14′9″
Draft: 5′6″ shoal / 7′0″ deep
Displacement: 32,813 lbs
Ballast: 12,544 lbs (shoal) / 11,216 lbs (deep)
Sail Area: 1,277 sq ft (standard)
Engine: Yanmar 75 HP diesel (110 HP optional)
Fuel/Water: 150/200 gallons
Headroom: 6′9″
In summary, the Hunter 50 Aft Cockpit 2009 offers a combination of blue water-ready rigging, intuitive cockpit ergonomics, and roomy, modular interior configurations, making it ideal for liveaboard cruising, offshore passages, or extended coastal voyages.