Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 450 by Robert Scott

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Port Charlotte, FL  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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? That's a tough one. I really like this boat - had a 420 Passage prior to this one. However, there are some system design flaws that I would have changed if I were the designer and or manufacturer.  
Gear that's been added Radar, GPS Charplotter  
Structural or complex improvements NO  
The boat's best features Space, Space and more Space. Sailability, this is one tough boat. It takes seas from all points of sail and handles the well. I I've had it in deam calm waters as well a 15 footers in the Atlantic and the Gulf and she handles it with ease.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1)Putting the Refrigeration unit on the top of the engine compartment is a bad concept. 2)Putting the aft cabin airconditioning unit, especially the air intake portiuon of the unit next to the 100 gallon fuel tank is a bad concept. Rear cabin smell like fuel when AC runs. There are no leaks in the fuel system - just the odor of fuel. 3)leaving no access to the port side of the engin is a very silly idea - that's where your starter and impleeler are located on the Yanmar engines. I had to make an access panel in my owners stateroom shower stall for that side of the engine.  
Sailing characterisitcs As descibed above - an excellent sailin vessel in all waether.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very smooth - I only run engine at about 2700 rpm's and it moves the boat through most waters at 7.2 to 7.5 knots  
Liveability Great for 2 - very good for 4  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I cannot say enough positive things about Greg Emerson from Hunter customer service. He is one of the most professional and concerned people in the industry. A trtemendous asset to Hunter. Mike in parts is another grteat employee.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought my 450 from a dealer in CA - who will remain nameless - they are out of business now - and I would never buy from out of state again.  
Other comments Mexico here I come!