2002 Hunter Passage 420 - HUNTER FOR SALE

2002 43’ Sailing Yacht — Bluewater poise, cruising comfort, and timeless style

A refined 43-foot sailing yacht with a confident 13-foot beam, this 2002 build blends bluewater capability with gracious onboard living. Situated in the United States and crafted in durable fiberglass with composite sensibilities, she delivers the reassuring strength, quiet stiffness, and low-maintenance finish discerning sailors value for both offshore passages and unhurried coastal explorations.

On deck, clean lines and a purposeful sail plan set the tone for reliable performance and balanced handling. Her deep, seakindly keel inspires trust in a blow and rewards the helm with impressive tracking upwind, while a thoughtfully arranged cockpit promotes safe maneuvering under sail and relaxed entertaining at anchor. Broad side decks and molded nonskid enhance confidence when moving forward, and robust deck hardware invites passage-making ambitions.

Below, the ambiance is warm, bright, and inviting—an elegant retreat after a rewarding day under sail. Expansive salon seating welcomes conversation and lingering meals, with ample stowage to keep longer voyages tidy and shipshape. The galley is intelligently positioned for life underway, offering generous counter space and secure handholds that make provisioning, prepping, and plating a pleasure. With two well-appointed heads, privacy and convenience come naturally for owners and guests alike, and the sleeping accommodations feel genuinely residential—comfortable, tranquil, and thoughtfully insulated from the activity of the salon.

A single inboard Yanmar diesel provides efficient, economical power when the breeze fades, backed by straightforward systems engineering for easy ownership. The drivetrain’s smooth, predictable thrust complements the yacht’s naturally quiet ride, while a notably generous freshwater supply supports extended time off-grid. The overall package is honest, robust, and confidence-inspiring—equally at home slipping into a harbor at dusk or stretching her legs across open water.

This 43-footer is as versatile as she is graceful: a capable bluewater cruiser for the adventurous, a comfortable liveaboard for those seeking a simpler rhythm, and a rewarding coastal companion for weekend escapes. She brings together the essentials—strength, space, efficiency, and ease—with a composure that turns long passages into lasting memories.

Ideal for sailors seeking a Sailing Yacht with true Bluewater Cruiser credentials, a Performance Cruiser temperament, and Monohull comfort; appealing to Cruiser-Racer sensibilities while remaining perfectly suited as a Coastal Cruiser and Liveaboard-ready yacht with reliable Diesel, Inboard Yanmar power.

Description

Liveaboard ready and brimming with thoughtful upgrades, this Hunter 420 Passage blends bluewater capability with the comforts of a true home afloat. Based in Gulfport, FL and currently cruising the Caribbean, she presents in excellent condition thanks to a cherished past life on the Great Lakes, where she was a freshwater boat, winterized and shrink‑wrapped for six months each year. Purchased by the current owners in May 2022, she has since been enhanced with solar power and lithium batteries to create a self‑sufficient, quiet, and comfortable liveaboard platform. After two years and many miles under the keel—along with the joyful arrival of grandchildren—the owners are offering her for sale in the Caribbean. This center‑cockpit 420 Passage has been meticulously maintained and kept exceptionally clean; she is genuinely move‑in ready, and the sale includes the gear and accessories you need to step aboard and begin your cruising life without delay.

Special features

The center‑cockpit design delivers security under way and a commanding view in all conditions, while the huge aft cabin elevates onboard living with a queen‑size walk‑around berth offering clear access on both sides. Beneath the waterline, fresh 2022 Coppercoat bottom protection underscores her low‑maintenance pedigree, and the Yanmar 55 HP diesel shows low hours. Energy independence comes courtesy of 400 amp‑hours of lithium batteries paired with 550 watts of solar, and a feathering prop adds both efficiency and superb maneuverability. Even the air conditioning can run off the battery bank for whisper‑quiet comfort at anchor. Rounding out the package, a generous complement of tools, spares, extras, and accessories is included, so you can cruise confidently from day one.

Owner's note

Living aboard our Hunter 420 has blended the essence of adventure with the warmth of home. Inside, the smartly designed layout, abundant storage, and the large aft stateroom make everyday life feel like living in a proper house. The queen‑size berth, with clear access on both sides, becomes a cozy retreat after a day under sail, and with luxurious headroom we can sit up in bed to read or watch movies at night or during rainy days at anchor. Having two cabins, each with its own head, has let us work remotely in peace, without interrupting one another or disturbing each other’s Zoom meetings. Outside, the generous space between the cockpit and the stern has been our sanctuary for quiet mornings with coffee and sunrise, or for yoga, and it effortlessly transforms into a social hub. Again and again our friends have chosen Sail La Vie as the spot for dinner gatherings and convivial anchor drinks, and it’s just as perfect for stargazing or sunbathing. Comfort never came at the expense of performance: with a simple, effective sail plan—an in‑mast furling main and a 100% Genoa—and all lines led into the cockpit, we’ve rarely needed to leave the helm under way. The feathering prop has been a revelation, adding roughly an extra knot when feathered and nearly eliminating prop walk when maneuvering. In all these ways, the Hunter 420 Passage has been the ideal liveaboard cruiser for us, carrying us from Lake Michigan to the Caribbean in comfort and safety. Sail La Vie is more than a boat; she is our home on the water and a reminder of the limitless adventure that unfolds when we dare to set sail.

Overview

Electrical confidence begins with a 2023 bank of Renogy lithium batteries—two 200‑amp‑hour units—complemented by a 2023 lead‑acid marine starter battery and a 3,000‑watt Renogy inverter installed in 2022 that is powerful enough to run the air conditioning. A 100‑amp Balmar alternator and a new 2023 alternator regulator keep charging robust and well managed, while convenient DC charge ports are placed beside the berths. Solar independence is delivered by 550 watts across four panels added in 2023, with two mounted on the bimini and two on rotating mounts to optimize exposure.

Recent maintenance underscores diligent stewardship: sails were refurbished in 2022; most halyards, sheets, and lines were replaced the same year; rigging was professionally installed and inspected in 2022; all deck and navigation lights were upgraded to LED in 2023; the bimini and dodger remain in good condition with dodger repairs completed in 2023; Coppercoat bottom protection was applied in 2022; the fridge/freezer compressor was renewed in 2022; and a new exhaust hose from the engine outboard was fitted in 2022.

Additional equipment enhances life aboard and peace of mind. Starlink Mobile (2023) keeps you connected, while an AIS receiver improves situational awareness. A dual Racor system with a built‑in fuel polishing loop elevates reliability. Ground tackle is anchored by a 55 lb Rocna (2022) with 85 feet of chain and 150 feet of 5/8 inch rode (2023). At the helm, a Lewmar folding wheel maximizes space. The tender package includes an Achilles inflatable with a 6 hp Mercury outboard and a 40 lb electric trolling motor. In the galley, a Force 10 LPG three‑burner stove with oven is fed by two 3 lb tanks. Safety and comfort are bolstered by four inflatable lifejackets, a barbecue, and comprehensive screens and shades for every window. Installation of a watermaker is made simpler with a prepared through‑hull and reserved space. Many spare parts for the engine, plumbing, and electrical systems come aboard, along with all boat‑specific tools, the full set of onboard manuals, numerous books on sailing and maintenance, and complete maintenance records available since 2022.

Reflecting the heritage of the celebrated Passage 450, the Passage 420 embodies the innovations championed by Warren Luhrs and the Hunter Design Team, guided by years of owner feedback and consumer satisfaction insights. Hallmark features include the B & R rig, an integrated cockpit arch, mast struts, and composite chainplates—elements that together deliver surprising performance for a center‑cockpit cruiser. Below, a welcoming salon offers a convertible dinette opposite a settee, both brimming with storage, and a highly polished teak dining table set against rich fabrics and durable Corian surfaces. Entertainment is on tap with a television, a VCR, and a stereo with AM and FM reception and a CD player, while the chef enjoys an enormous galley with a side‑by‑side, dual‑opening refrigerator and freezer, a three‑burner gimbaled range with oven, a microwave, twin stainless‑steel sinks, and a cleverly hidden trash receptacle. The navigation station opposite the galley centralizes control of ship’s systems and provides ample space for modern electronics. Aft, the owner’s stateroom features an island, queen‑size inner‑spring berth flanked by hanging wardrobes and oversized drawers ideal for long‑term liveaboards, plus a slide‑out desk; the private en suite head includes abundant storage, a Corian‑clad vanity, and a separate shower. Forward, the guest stateroom offers a comfortable double berth and a private head with shower, impressive storage, and generous natural light and ventilation—altogether a spacious, comfortable interior that rewards life at sea and at anchor.