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Review of the Hunter 140 by Lester O'Riley

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Lake Texoma, SE Oklahoma  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in '87  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Maybe yes, maybe no. This boat was still being marketed by JY boats in '97. They also make a 15' boat, on the same hull, that has associations and races all over the country. I might have gone for that one. However, would I recommend the 14 for anyone just wanting to sail recreationally, sail solo or with family or friends, you bet.  
Gear that's been added None yet. But I will be getting the performance main sail for a bit more zip. I bought the cushions for seating comfort, but haven't used them yet. I jump around quite a bit sailing this fun little boat, so getting a sore, *flat* bottom doesn't usually happen! I do use a hand help depth sounder, and have happily sailed along in just a couple of feet of water!  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Points well, and is *very* stable for a boat this size. Simple to set up single handed (I have only sailed my boat non/solo *one time* in two years. The roller furling jib is wonderful. This little boat can heel *way* over and not tip.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Nothing in terms of breakage.However: I am adding an extension tiller, this seems really necessary, unless you want to stay all the way at the stern, all of the time.Design: While trailering, the clam cleat let go of the line holding up the keel. The keel dropped right down to the road, unobstructed by the trailer, and *ground off* a couple of inches before I had it pointed out by a passing vehicle. Owners: Make SURE to put a know or hitch in the line to make SURE the keel doesn't drop!  
Sailing characterisitcs The Hunter 140 sails wonderfully upwind, but does not point very well without the jib. I don't know if this is characteristic of all small boats or not, so if you can, leave the jib up!Very stable for a little boat. Very forgiving in heeling, haven't flipped her yet, even when just learning to sail!Have sailed in gusts 20 - 25 knots, no problem.  
Motoring characterisitcs No motoring of this little boat. Paddled it a bit with my kayak paddles on a *windless* afternoon, but found that standing, rocking and fanning the main required less effort, and got me farther, sooner.  
Liveability I don't believe the concept even works on this little boat.. maybe some day, another boat!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have not interacted directly with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I wish it had been impressed upon me that the 15 foot version, sold by JY Boats as the JY15, has assoiciations all over the country. The price difference between the boats would not have been a hinderance. However, the Hunter 140 fulfills everything you could want in a boat this size.  
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