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Review of the Hunter 26 by Larry Barnes

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Canmore, Alberta  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? The Hunter 26 has been one of the best investments I've ever made. It's been all over North America. It follows behind my truck without any extra effort and provides me with a place to stay even when we're traveling on the road. The concept of sailing whereever we want to is one of it's greatest benefits, but probably the most compelling reason to own one of these boats is that it dosen't cost you a dime when it's on the trailer. To have this kind of quality with such a small expense is by far the best reason to own a Hunter 26.  
Gear that's been added Spinnaker, bimini, windshield, solar panels, GPS & chartplotter, VHF, Stereo wCockpit speakers, Shadetree Awning over the boom, second battery in parallel, 3 stage battery charger. Cockpit cushions, larger water bladders w/electric pump fawcets, weather instruments and barbeque  
Structural or complex improvements None needed  
The boat's best features stability, in the water and portability on the road.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. after years of usage and many pounds of extra gear, on board, I've noticed that the keel housing has a small leak where the compression post attaches to it. Some water pumps through the hole where the keel haul line runs up to the deck. It was fixed with silicon sealant.  
Sailing characterisitcs When the boat is light it has amazing performance. The large full battened main is very powerful. Allowing the boat to accelerate to the apparent wind is somtime challengeing because it wants to round up, but backwinding the main with the jib has balanced the helm enough for it to accelerate and fall into the slot. Reefing the main early has also increased the enjoyment of sailing in heavier conditions. Also, using descretion about when not to sail has kept my crew happier.  
Motoring characterisitcs I'v enjoyed good performance under power. 6 knts. is a comfortable speed to cruise. Because the motor is offset to the starboard in rough conditions when the boat rolls to port the motor will cavatate, which means that taking the seas on the starboard side, under power, produces less efficiency and it a little unsettleing.  
Liveability We've used the boat for long periods of time, underway. It's room for two and the privacy in the head is a very good characteristic when you have guests. Storage and accesability is very good and the galley is efficient. The sleeping accomodation is roomy, but we fight over who gets to sleep on the outside, in the rear birth  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Positive and friendly support  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any none  
Other comments I'm contimplating the purchase of a larger hunter, but will always remember the economy and pleasure of owning a 26.  

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