What is the Difference Between Haines Hunter and Haines Signature?

What is the difference between boats made by Haines Hunter, Haines Signature and Haines Traveller?

The boats made by these brands are sometimes confused because they both feature the word “Haines”.

Today, Haines Hunter, based in Victoria, is a separate company from the Signature brand, based in Queensland. The Signature brand operates under the broader Haines Group umbrella brand. However, it wasn’t always like that.

So, Why Are There Two Competing Brands With the "Haines" Name?

The Haines boats brand has been around in one form or another since 1959, as this marks the time when two brothers, John (Snr) and Garry Haines, built their first fibreglass powerboat.

In the ’60s, the Haines brothers adopted the Haines Hunter name for their boats. Incidentally, the name “Hunter” traces its origins to naval architect C. Raymond Hunt. Hunt was commissioned by Richard Bertram to design the original Bertram 30ft "Lucky Moppie" in the late ’50s (you can read more about the Bertram-Haines connection).

The Haines brothers manufactured boats under the Haines Hunter name until 1980. At this time, a bitter legal dispute resulted in the Haines family being forced out of the company. The Haines family has not been involved in the Haines Hunter brand since.

Throughout the ’80s, the Haines Hunter brand went through numerous takeovers, changes of ownership, and other reshuffles. John Haines (Snr) recommenced building boats in 1984, introducing the Signature brand.

Today, Haines Hunter is located in Derrimut, Melbourne, Victoria, having moved there from Queensland in 2006. It manufactures fibreglass boats under the Haines Hunter brand name.

The Haines Group is located in in Wacol, Brisbane, Queensland. It manufactures Signature boats. The Haines Group umbrella group also manufactures or distributes other brands, including: Suzuki Marine outboard motors, Seafarer boats, Walker Bay inflatable boats, Designer Stainless and Seachange caravans. The Haines Group previously manufactured Haines Traveller boats, but this brand is not currently in production.

Haines Hunter and Haines Signature Comparison Guide

Introduction to the Brands

• Haines Hunter and Haines Signature are two separate boat brands with a shared history. They were founded by John Haines, a well-known figure in the boating industry.

• The Haines Hunter brand is now based in Victoria, while Haines Signature is based in Queensland. Both offer a range of fishing and cruising models.

• Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality boats, but they differ in terms of hull design and features.

• When buying a new boat, it’s essential to research and compare the two brands to make an informed decision.

• The Haines family has been involved in the boating industry since 1959. They focus on building good boats that provide a great ride and handling experience.

Key Features and Differences

• The main difference between Haines Hunter and Haines Signature is the hull design. Haines Hunter offers a deeper Vee hull, and while Haines Signature originally produced similar designs, they have concentrated on their SVDH (Signature Variable Deadrise Hull) designs for many years.

• Haines Signature boats are known for their stability at rest, making them ideal for fishing, while Haines Hunter boats are designed for offshore use and provide a smoother ride in choppy waters.

• The two brands also differ in terms of weight, with Haines Hunter boats being heavier and more built for comfort and cruising.

• When comparing the two brands, it’s crucial to consider factors such as budget, intended use, and personal preference to find the right boat for your needs.

• Both brands offer a range of models, each with unique features and benefits.

Choosing Between Haines Hunter and Haines Signature

• To make an informed decision when choosing between Haines Hunter and Haines Signature, it’s essential to research and compare the different models and features.

• Reading reviews, talking to other boat owners, and taking test drives can help you better understand each brand's pros and cons.

• Consider factors such as the hull design, weight, and features to determine which boat best suits your needs and budget.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from experts in the field to ensure you find the right boat for your fishing and cruising adventures.

• Ultimately, the decision between Haines Hunter and Haines Signature comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a boat, so take your time and choose wisely.

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats! If you're in the market for a Haines, we have Haines Hunter boats and Haines Signature boats for sale online. And if it's still early on in your research, you can find many other great deals on boats for sale, including used and new boats. Unsure where to start? Check out our used boat buying guide to get you going.

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.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!

This article was written by the Trade-a-Boat staff, and John "Bear" Willis provided photos. It previously appeared at TradeaBoat.com.au and is now powered by Only Boats.

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