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Review of the Hunter 26 by Kevin Larson

Year built 1996  
Location of boat White Bear Lake, Minnesota  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1996  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definitely a yes. The Hunter 26 perfectly satisfies the needs of my family for a boat that is comfortable and stable, yet can be competitive and fun to sail.  
Gear that's been added JVC stereo and 12-disc CD changer, VHF radio, Saturn compass, Autohelm Bi-data depth, knotmeter.  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet. Looking at pedestal wheel steering, bimini top.  
The boat's best features Quality of construction. Design incorporates some stuff that Hunter has learned from racing (do more!). Lot's of usable room.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Tiller came slightly bent otherwise everything was just fine. There are some stress cracks in the gel-coat which I have heard are harmless.  
Sailing characterisitcs Winds less than 10 knots:Boat is slow to accelerate.Winds 10-16 knots:This is this boat's "groove". 290 sq. ft. of sail provides just enough power to complement the boats righting characteristics and push the well designed hull efficiently.Winds greater than 16 knots:The boat becomes a little "tender". We're the only boat in the fleet to race with the mainsail reefed. By the way, a reef point at 3 feet and perhaps also 9 feet above the boom would be useful. Also, with the mainsail reefed, and the mainsheet let loose, the 110% jib can still put the H26 over to 45 degrees in winds in excess of 20 knots. If it were possible to lower the center of gravity ... - maybe a heavier centerboard and less water ballast?Anyways, even though we're twice the displacement of the Capri 22's that we're competing with, we usually get to the windward mark at the front of the fleet and then lose ground goind downwind. I'm thinking of adding a gennaker.  
Motoring characterisitcs I upgraded to a Yamaha 9.9 hp. 4-stroke outboard- nice motor. A way to control the motor throttle and thrust from the cockpit would be really useful when trying to manuver this relatively large, high-freeboard puppy into it's slip.  
Liveability My wife allowed me to purchase this boat because of the roominess and nice design of the interior appointments (this is her first sailboat). I had to fight off requests for a Jet-Ski (Ick!).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I haven't had any contact yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought my boat from Jerry and Bruni Lengsfeld of Crows Nest Yachts, Minnesota. Jerry was very knowledgeable and helpful in getting me going. Jerry and his wife Bruni are good reps for Hunter in our area.  
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