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Review of the Hunter 39 by Curtis Morris

Year built 2011  
Location of boat Hampton, VA, Chesapeake Bay  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2011  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? This is a preliminary review of the new Hunter 39 which I have only had out on a few sea trials during commissioning. So far I am impressed with the sailing responsiveness, design, systems layout, sleek lines, and user friendliness of the yacht. This summer I will write a more extensive review. I am basing my initial assessment on 20 years of sailing experience on the Chesapeake with short coastal sailing passages on the east coast and the Bahamas. Most of my sailing has previously been on Hunters (27 and 376) If I could turn back the clock I would buy the boat again.  
Gear that's been added My Hunter 39 has the following gear: in-mast furling, bow thrusters, c-90W chartplotter, radar, Icom DSC VHF, and the Mariners package (AC/heat, refrig/freezer, Bose sound system/ TV/DVD,upgraded 40hp engine, upgaded 120 alternator, 400amphr battery bank,2kw inverter, microwave, cd/stereo in cockpit with Sirius satellite radio in the cockpit/salon, etc.) I have added an Icom M802 SSB, with dyna plate ground and antenna. And, I am in the process of adding Sirius XM satellite weather with antenna, cockpit cushions, and custom open storage door fronts to the port aft berth credenza. Still to be added are davits and New England style lapstrake rowing dingy equipped with both oars and a Torqueedo electric outboard. I will be replacing the plastic Dorade vents with classic stainless steel dorade vents.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features So far I find the design, creature comforts,sleek looks, interior, and sailing prowess to be foremost. It appears to be a solid and safe boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. unknown at his time  
Sailing characterisitcs It is fast and responsive, but I need more time to really evaluate the yacht. So, TBD...a full report later this year  
Motoring characterisitcs The H-39 is powerful and responsive. The engine is pretty quiet, but the engine compartment exhaust air blower ratchets up the noise level a few extra db. It is still not objectionable.  
Liveability So far Iam impressed. Stand by for a full report later this year after weeks of cruising.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter is number one in customer service. this is my third Hunter so I guess that almost says it all. For example, I called Hunter once on my H-39 and just asked if I could get custom door fronts for my aft berth storage ports (3) as the design does not have any. Al Fooks said yes, called the mill, and gave me a call back the same day with the cost estimate. My custom door fronts arrived in the mail a week later perfectly matched to my boat's interior.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any This is the second new Hunter I have bought from Norton Yacht Sales in Deltaville, VA, owned by Carolyn and Ken Schmalenberger. It was again an excellent buying experience; Mike Lynch in sales was terrific. And, the NYS team commissioning experience under Ian Pearce's management has been handled expertly. Spring launch should be on schedule in April. The bottom-line is that the folks at NYS are pros. Their customer focus shows and rates number 1 in my book.  
Other comments read my review later in the year.  

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