Guide to Used Haines Hunter Boats

Few trailer boats in Australia command as much interest or excite buyers on the second-hand boat market as a used Haines Hunter. Whether it’s fitting a new outboard to an offshore fishing boat or restoring a project boat into the family runabout, used Haines Hunter boats are regularly near the top of the list for most sought-after classic trailer boats.

10 Classic Haines Hunters

Here are 10 of the most sought-after classic Haines Hunter boats for sale on the used boat market.

Haines Hunter Formula 233

While there are many claims to the origins of the Formula 233, my investigations have led me to confirm the claim by Garry Haines (backed up by a Donzi 16 brochure from 1964) that the original Formula Thunderbird was “Designed by a team composed of Don Aronow, Dave Stirrat, Jim Wynne and Waltman W. Walters, internationally known marine consultants, designers, ocean racers and builders.”

The Formula 233 is strikingly similar to Dick Bertram’s Lucky Moppie Surfrider designed by C. Raymond Hunt. The history is all important for this iconic boat, built here in Australia by Haines Hunter. The Formula 233 has long been known as the pinnacle of offshore hulls, used by keen recreational and commercial operators alike. These big hulls need a minimum 300hp outboard motor to get them up and running, but when they are up there’s no stopping them!

Haines Hunter hasn’t produced the Formula 233 hull since the Haines brothers left the company in 1980. They were available in outboard or sterndrive configurations, and they generally needed twin rigs to get the required horsepower.

There are a number of great hulls in this size on the Australian market today, including the latest model, the Haines Hunter Patriot 760, and the recently unveiled 760R. However, the Formula 233 is an icon born out of the romance and panache of the American and Australian offshore racing scene. This one wrote the rulebook for deep-vee monohull design!

Haines Hunter 445F

The Haines Hunter 445F evolved from the early Bertram 14 (or V15) and the John-Haines-designed 146 hull. It is actually a little wider than the originals, making it considerably more stable at rest. It has a deeper shoulder and better flotation to carry larger and heavier engines. 

This was one of the first fibreglass centre consoles available in Australia, and this sought-after model is probably more popular now than at any other time in its long history. Whilst originally made to suit outboard motors in the 40-50hp class, it is not uncommon to see the latest offerings carrying outboards as large as 90hp.

Haines Hunter V17L

The Haines Hunter V17L runs close to being the most popular package in the Haines Hunter boats range. Its sleek lines and low-lined cabin stole the hearts of the Australian boating market from its introduction in the early to mid-’70s. The seakeeping abilities of this hull are legendary, and it ranks as one of the softest riding boats ever produced. 

The Haines Hunter V17L always ignites debate amongst anglers faced with the continuing riding comfort versus stability argument, as the V17 hull is very deep and narrow, and quite sloppy at rest. However, it’s a bullet when underway in the slop and will easily out-ride many larger competitors. 

The final entry, strake and chine design evolves directly from the original Hunt-designed “Hydrolift” hulls, and the package performs very well with outboard motors from 90-115hp. Many people are refurbishing these great boats with new engines, but care must be taken with anything above a four-cylinder donk, as the 20-inch transoms sit very low at rest, and too much weight at the stern can lead to swamping.

The V17 was available in the V17L (shown here), V17C (a traditional half-cabin) and the V17R (runabout). There are many variations of this terrific hull. The “L” was the most popular, but while outwardly looking quite modern, its internal layout is somewhat lacking by today’s standards. It has a very low cabin with difficult bow access, a low windscreen that leaves the operator quite exposed, plus a very narrow cockpit running down to a low enginewell with rear-moulded seats.

All the pitfalls can be excused with one exclamation – “What a great hull!” Indeed, the current-model Haines Hunter 525 ProFish is a direct descendant of the V17 hull, but with a much more user-friendly interior.

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats!  We have great deals on boats for sale including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

If you're upgrading or planning to sell your boat, why not explore our expert guide on improving boat resale value? If you're planning to attend a boat show soon, we've also put together a detailed boat show buying guide that's perfect for first-time buyers.

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This article was written by John 'Bear' Willis and previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au, now powered by Only Boats.

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