What is Hunt Yachts?
Hunt Yachts is a boutique builder of semi-custom performance cruising yachts based on the legendary Hunt Deep-V hull. The current brand focuses on the Ocean Series, a range of fiberglass motor yachts from 56 to 76 feet designed for offshore performance, family cruising and extended stays aboard. Depending on the model, buyers can choose Express, Flybridge or Enclosed Pilothouse configurations and personalize interior layouts, woods, finishes and equipment.
The pre-owned market is considerably broader than the current range. It includes smaller Harrier runabouts, Surfhunter dayboats, center consoles, express cruisers and earlier Ocean yachts. Those legacy models allow buyers to access Hunt’s design philosophy in boats ranging from approximately 25 feet to more than 80 feet.
What is the history behind Hunt Yachts and C. Raymond Hunt?
Hunt Yachts is closely connected to C. Raymond “Ray” Hunt, the influential American naval architect who developed and patented the modern Deep-V hull during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Hunt’s work also influenced Bertram, Boston Whaler, Grand Banks and numerous commercial and military vessels. The design gained international attention in 1960 when the Ray Hunt-designed Moppie won the rough Miami-to-Nassau offshore race.
The modern Hunt boatbuilding operation grew out of Hunt Boatbuilders, a late-1990s collaboration involving Concordia Company and C. Raymond Hunt Associates. Its first product was the Hunt 33, followed by a range of smaller performance boats. Hunt expanded into larger semi-custom yachts, was acquired by The Hinckley Company in 2013 and entered its latest chapter under DiMillo’s in 2026.
Who owns Hunt Yachts, and is the company still building boats?
Hunt Yachts remains active, with new production marketed as Hunt Yachts by DiMillo’s. On March 24, 2026, DiMillo’s Yacht Sales announced that it had acquired key strategic Hunt Yachts assets from Hinckley and secured an exclusive license from Ray Hunt Design to use the Hunt name in production boatbuilding.
The transition did not end Ocean Series production. DiMillo’s has continued to market new 56- and 63-foot boats and presents the full 56- to 76-foot range through its sales and service organization. Buyers evaluating an older Hunt should distinguish between the boat’s original build and support era, independent Hunt, Hinckley ownership or the current DiMillo’s program. Your JBYS yacht brokerage specialist can be your guide while building a new Hunt.
Where are Hunt Yachts built?
Current Hunt Ocean Series yachts are constructed by Global Yacht Builders in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Global Yacht Builders has produced the Ocean Series since 2008 and continues to build the current range under the Hunt Yachts by DiMillo’s program. The yachts are designed around hulls developed by Ray Hunt Design and provide substantial opportunities for owner customization.
Hunt’s current website says Ocean Series boats are shipped to Rhode Island for commissioning and sea trials. Earlier Coastal Series boats, including Harrier, Surfhunter and center-console models—were associated with Hunt’s Rhode Island boatbuilding operation. Build location should therefore be confirmed from the hull identification number and original records when evaluating a used Hunt.
What types and models of yachts does Hunt currently offer?
The current Hunt Ocean Series consists of the Hunt 56, Hunt 63, Hunt 68 and Hunt 76. These are semi-custom offshore cruising yachts with twin-diesel propulsion, climate-controlled interiors, private staterooms, full galleys and substantial exterior entertaining areas. Depending on the model, configurations include Express, open Flybridge and Enclosed Pilothouse arrangements.
The 56 and 63 are currently marketed in Express and Flybridge forms. The 68 emphasizes a large flybridge, three en-suite cabins and separate crew accommodations, while the flagship 76 can be ordered with an open flybridge or enclosed walkaround pilothouse. All four models are intended to combine higher-speed travel with the accommodations required for weekends and longer cruises.
What is the Hunt Deep-V hull?
The Hunt Deep-V is a high-deadrise hull form created to provide speed, directional stability and a softer ride in rough water. Unlike flatter planing hulls, it retains a pronounced V shape through the stern, helping the boat enter waves more progressively. Current Ocean Series models generally publish approximately 20 degrees of transom deadrise, with the hull becoming sharper toward the bow.
Hunt describes the result as a soft, dry and stable ride with predictable tracking at speed and at rest. Those are manufacturer descriptions rather than a guarantee that every Hunt is safe in every condition. Actual performance depends on the specific hull, loading, propulsion, maintenance, sea state and operator experience, so a meaningful sea trial remains essential.
How are Hunt Yachts constructed, and are they considered high-quality yachts?
Hunt Ocean Series yachts use fiberglass-composite construction and are positioned as low-volume, semi-custom luxury yachts. Global Yacht Builders constructs the boats in Taiwan, while layouts, finishes and equipment are selected around the owner’s requirements. The Hunt 63, for example, offers three- or four-cabin arrangements plus crew accommodations and interior wood choices including cherry, teak and mahogany.
Hunt states that the 63’s hull was designed to American Bureau of Shipping certification standards, while current models use proven propulsion, electrical and stabilization systems from established marine suppliers. The condition of a pre-owned Hunt will still depend on storage, engine and drive maintenance, previous repairs, water intrusion, varnish care and the quality of any modifications or refits.
How does Hunt compare with Hinckley, Sabre, MJM, Grand Banks and Fleming?
Hunt occupies a premium position between Downeast express cruisers and larger offshore motor yachts. Buyers may compare Hunt with Hinckley, Sabre, MJM and Grand Banks Eastbay for style, craftsmanship and owner operation, while the larger 68 and 76 may also attract customers considering Fleming or other substantial cruising yachts.
Hunt’s main distinction is its concentration on authentic Ray Hunt-designed Deep-V hulls and offshore speed. Compared with many conventional Downeast cruisers, a Hunt places greater emphasis on high-speed rough-water performance and extensive semi-customization. Compared with a displacement or semi-displacement passagemaker, it generally offers more speed but less emphasis on slow-speed, transoceanic fuel economy. This is a market-positioning assessment based on Hunt’s hull design, published performance and current model range.
What are the most popular Hunt Yacht models?
The Surfhunter 29, Harrier 25, Surfhunter 25 and Harrier 26 are among the most frequently represented Hunt models on the current pre-owned market. MarineSource.com's 2026 inventory also includes Surfhunter 32s, Hunt 44s and 52s, along with current 56, 63 and 76 Ocean Series yachts. Listing counts indicate market availability rather than confirmed historical sales rankings.
Among larger boats, the Hunt 63 has become one of the brand’s most recognizable modern yachts because of its flexible layouts, award recognition and availability in both Express and Flybridge forms. The Hunt 68 and 76 appeal to owners seeking more staterooms, fuel capacity, exterior space and crew support, while the new 56 provides the most accessible entry into the current Ocean Series.
What is the difference between the Hunt 56, 63, 68 and 76?
The four current Hunt models provide progressively greater accommodations, tankage and crew capability. The published Hunt 56 measures 63 feet 1 inch overall with its swim platform and provides two staterooms, two heads, a lower lounge and approximately 780 gallons of fuel. It is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 950s and has estimated maximum speeds of 30 knots in Flybridge form and 32 knots as an Express.
The Hunt 63 measures 69 feet 6 inches overall, offers three or four cabins plus a crew cabin, carries approximately 1,070 gallons of fuel and has a published 31-knot top speed. The Hunt 68 measures nearly 73 feet, provides three en-suite guest cabins and crew quarters and carries approximately 1,620 gallons; optional propulsion can take it well into the 30-knot range. The 82-foot-3-inch Hunt 76 carries approximately 2,500 gallons, offers three en-suite cabins and reaches a published 32 knots with optional engines. Specifications can change by hull and configuration.
Can a Hunt Yacht be owner-operated, and can you stay overnight aboard one?
Many Hunt yachts can be owner-operated by experienced private captains, particularly the smaller Coastal models and the Ocean 56 and 63. Pod drives, joystick controls, good helm visibility and manageable side-deck access can simplify low-speed maneuvering. Appropriate training, insurance requirements and the owner’s experience should still determine whether professional assistance is needed.
Every current Ocean Series model provides substantial overnight accommodations. The 56 has two staterooms and two heads; the 63 can provide three or four cabins plus crew space; and the 68 and 76 offer three en-suite guest cabins with increasing storage, refrigeration and crew capability. Owners of the larger models may employ a captain or cruising couple even when the yacht is not operated with a full professional crew.
How do Hunt Yacht owners use their boats?
Hunt owners use their yachts for fast coastal passages, family vacations, weekend cruising, waterfront entertaining and extended seasonal travel. Smaller Harrier and Surfhunter models work well for day trips, swimming, dining and short overnights, while the Ocean Series supports multiweek travel between New England, the Chesapeake, Florida and the Bahamas. One documented Hunt 63 traveled south from Cape Cod through Charleston as part of an extended seasonal voyage.
Hunts can also be useful on the Great Lakes because of their enclosed or protected helm options, performance and overnight accommodations. Great Loop suitability requires model-specific planning: the Hunt 63 Flybridge is published at 20 feet to the flybridge roof and 24 feet 2 inches to the mast, while the lowest unavoidable fixed bridge on the standard Loop is charted at approximately 19.7 feet. An owner would therefore need to verify whether the yacht’s actual equipment can be lowered sufficiently or use a different itinerary.
What awards has Hunt Yachts received?
The most recent prominently documented major model award is the Hunt Ocean 63’s 2021 Newport for New Products honor for Best Powerboat Over 40 Feet. Judges selected the 63 over both smaller and larger entries at the Newport International Boat Show.
Hunt described the award as its third “Best Of” honor within six years, following earlier recognition for the Hunt Ocean 72 and Hunt Coastal 32 Center Console. Because the company builds in relatively small numbers and does not introduce a high volume of new models each year, its reputation is driven as much by owner loyalty, sea-trial performance and the lasting demand for legacy boats as by annual award programs.
How much does a Hunt Yacht cost, and what should buyers inspect?
Hunt Yacht prices range from below $100,000 for some older Coastal models to several million dollars for current Ocean Series yachts. As an August 10, 2026 market snapshot, MarineSource.com showed asking prices from approximately $75,900 to $5.95 million. A new 2027 Hunt 56 Flybridge was separately advertised at approximately $4.8 million. Asking prices are not completed sale prices and can change without notice.
A pre-owned Hunt should receive a complete marine survey, engine or outboard inspection, haul-out and sea trial. Inspection priorities depend on the model’s propulsion: legacy Hunts may use sterndrives, conventional shafts, waterjets or outboards, while newer Ocean yachts commonly use IPS pods or direct-drive diesels. Buyers should evaluate hull moisture, running surfaces, fuel tanks, windows, generators, stabilizers, steering, electronics, teak, varnish and service records, along with the quality of any repower or refit. Hunt’s service operation specifically identifies expertise in Volvo drives, jet propulsion, repowers, engineering and yacht restoration.
Why should I use Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales to purchase a Hunt Yacht?
A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales yacht broker can represent a buyer searching for a pre-owned or centrally listed Hunt throughout the national brokerage market. A JBYS broker can compare legacy Harrier, Surfhunter and express models with larger Ocean yachts, review comparable values, obtain maintenance records and arrange surveys, propulsion inspections, haul-outs and sea trials. JBYS can also assist with negotiations, financing, insurance, documentation and delivery.
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales has more than 50 years of experience and nine locations across Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Florida, giving its team practical knowledge of both Great Lakes and coastal ownership. New Hunt construction is currently marketed through Hunt Yachts by DiMillo’s, and Hunt is not included among JBYS’s displayed authorized new-boat brands. JBYS should therefore principally be viewed as a buyer’s broker for qualified pre-owned or brokerage-listed Hunt opportunities unless a new-boat relationship is separately confirmed.
