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Review of the Hunter 30_88-94 by Dean Strong

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Edmonds, WA  
The boat is sailed on Puget Sound  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. We were club sailors for years, and discovered this model...The most room and boat for the money in any class! The admiral especially liked the rebirth, as she is a claustrophobic. Was one of the main reasons we settled on this model. It took me a while to learn that you sail this boat flat, reefing early and learning proper trimming techniques. Love the way it sails now!  
Gear that's been added Autohelm Solar vent Reuphostered interior Dingy davits for inflatable Three bladed prop Force 10 Kerosene Cabin Heater GPS  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the main battery switches from aft berth to nav station, including oversizing cables.  
The boat's best features Comfort and ease of handling. I single hand most of the time. Rear birth is larger than a Catalina 36! Non-pressurized Origo stove & oven works very well and is safe. With this available, I'm not sure why anybody would want to mess with propane.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Original Hood continuous line furler very stiff, despite servicing according to Hood directions. Will eventually replace. Shower needs a sump and pump, we don't use it much. Holding tank too small (12 gallons), considering replacing with a larger tank. Table on the 30G wobbly and in the way, wish I had the mast step mounting on the 30T model that easily swings out of the way. 30G also stocked with only one halyard winch. Considering adding second winch for second reef line and assymetric spinnaker halyard.  
Sailing characterisitcs Roars on on a close reach, points well too. Caught in a gale last fall, and sailed comfortably on a deep broad reach with 110 jib only. Pitches on following seas...pulled a 180 on us when my wife was at the helm, and didn't immediately react to a large wave... I'd sail this boat in any weather. Over 15 knots, we often sail on Genoa alone, if we're feeling lazy...She still moves at about 5 knots in this configuration, and stays flatter. Keeping the boat below 20 degrees of heel makes all the difference in the world.  
Motoring characterisitcs Went to 3 bladed prop for more power and smoother running. In the Pacific Northwest, we motor about half of the time. Cruising speed 5.8 to 6 knots at 2850 rpm. People complain about backing capabilities; 3 bladed prop solved. Have noticed no appreciable drag due to larger prop, but we don't race either.  
Liveability Mentioned the rear birth above. Galley easy. Attempting to modify table, perhaps so both sides fold down, so starboard seating is more accessible when table is not being used. Roomy for a family of four, even after two weeks of "togetherness" on a cruising vacation.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Contacted for tuning information, and response was great.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Signature yachts in Seattle, treated well.  
Other comments  

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