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Review of the Hunter 420 by Kyanna

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Nova Scotia  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2013  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Replaced solar array, cockpit enclosure  
Structural or complex improvements The composite rudder post was replaced with stainless steel by the previous owner. We have a Yachthruster on the bow.  
The boat's best features Obviously, the accommodations are some of the best in a 42 boat. I love the lazaret space on the sugar-scoop.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Every boat is a series of compromises. The quality of the mechanical equipment onboard is very good. Other than cheap tank sending units, everything on the boat is of a quality that I would choose. I will say without hesitation however that whoever decided that placing the fuel fill outside the lifelines on the sugar-scoop has never re-fueled at sea. That is idiocy, pure and simple.  
Sailing characterisitcs This boat sails beautifully. It is not a racer and does not like more than a 10 degree heel very much. So, reefing early pays dividends in comfort and performance. The boat has a Selden furling rig. I have read complaints about light wind and down wind performance. I have not experienced this. Our boat sails down wind quite well, and wing-on-wing easily. It could benefit from a whisker pole. And, a preventer on the main keeps that long boom from bringing the rig down in an accidental jibe (that never happens, right).  
Motoring characterisitcs We find we can motor with most of the trawlers we run across.  
Liveability Very comfortable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat from Al Pollack at Massey in St Pete. He was great. He even had some good routing advice for our trip north.  
Other comments I love the boat. I previously had a Hans Christian 38MKII. So, there is a big difference between a bullet-proof, asian-built cutter and a light, flexible, production sloop from Florida. I entered in to this relationship with many reservations. There is not enough space to go into all the obvious concerns. Our first sail with her was 1800nm from the west coast of Florida, through the Keys and north to Nova Scotia. What I will say it that this 420 has turned out to be much more capable that I had expected. The only concern that lingers is that I dont like a boat that makes noises below decks in the middle of the ocean! But, with all that volume below and a modern production hull, I suppose there is no avoiding that.  

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