Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 37.5 by Charles Wilsdorf

Year built 1991  
Location of boat Lake Mead, NV  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 93  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, still the best laid out 37' boat and definitely the best value. About as big as you can use on Lake Mead and plenty boat to handle the lake.  
Gear that's been added Low Profile chain/rode Electric Anchor Windlass, Whisker pole,gennaker, hard vang,540 amp hr house bank, freedom 25 inverter-charger, 7.5 kw balmar genset, link2000 monitor,5000 btu aft cabin air, 16,000 main  
Structural or complex improvements No, but added floating shelf in forward 2/3 of v berth. This shelf follows contour of hull  
The boat's best features Great sailing boat, with some traditional looks, with a great interior. Cockpit can get a little crowded, but I would not trade it for one of those spa type.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Hood LD jib furling sucks. I have had the honors of owning 2 and I am going to make sure this one is the last. Basically there is no good way to reef the head sail. The nylon thrust bushing that clamps to the forestay slides down to matter how much you tighten it over time. You eventually end up with too much slop were it attaches to the tack fitting allowing the whole assembly to turn and bind up when furling. I hate the ice box draining into the bilge- will remedy this soon and keep a dry bilge.  
Sailing characterisitcs As I said, great sailing boat. My only problem is when the winds approach 30 knots I don't at have a good sail combination that works. I intend on putting a 3rd reef in the main and am considering install a removable inner forestay to hank my storm sail on.  
Motoring characterisitcs At lower rpm's, I get alot of vibration. Allignment looks ok, otherwise no problems  
Liveability  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Brought boat from H  
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