Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 212 by Steve Graham

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Corpus Christi, TX  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No. I bought this boat as an alternative to a 290-356 size boat. Because we didn't know if we were moving w/in the next few years I didn't want to have to move a larger boat. The 212 provided a good size for Corpus Christi Bay, but in retrospect, I shpuld have gone for a smaller day sailer, which would be easier to sell now that we're ready to purchase a larger boat.  
Gear that's been added Because the the 212 seems to have been engineered for fresh water, the motor mount was too high for the 20" outboard that came with the boat. I added an adjustable mount and that fixed the problem. Also, the aluminum tiller bent when my 15 year old daughter jibed after the rudder popped up in the ICW. We had a stainless steel tiller built by Precision Yacht Riggers in Corpus Christi which works great.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features It's light weight makes it a fast boat among the majority of boats that sail in South Texas waters.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. See "Have you added gear?" above.  
Sailing characterisitcs The vast majority of South Texas sailing is windy sailing. Winds here are usually SE@15-25Kts. The marina I keep the boat faces east, so it's easier getting out than getting back in. I rarely use the O/B for either operation, unless the wind is following directly into the marina. Bay waters are usually lightly choppy to choppy running 2-4 feet.  
Motoring characterisitcs  
Liveability  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I provided the bent tiller to Hunter last summer and never recieved a reply.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from Whitney's Marina in Orange Park, FL. They worked with me and I got lots of good information from them after the sale.  
Other comments The 212 is an excellent boat to single hand in moderately rough conditions on inland waters. After not sailing in over a decade, it was an excellent choice to get back into it. It has been an excellent boat to take my wife and three children (ages: 8,15 & 18) out on day sails.