Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 44 by Larry Wright

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Lake Grapevine, TX.  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Garmin GPS  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Spacious Main Salon, Anchor Windlass, Roller furling mast and headsail  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Cockpit compartments leaked, large storage area latch stuck. Dealer eventuatlly fixed both.  
Sailing characterisitcs Heavy port prop walk when reversing. Typical characteristic of Hunter keelboats. Stable in winds to 30 knots. Sails best with jib alone in high winds.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very pleased with motoring capabilities. Runs about 8 knots at 3000 rpm.  
Liveability Very liveable, but air conditioner in aft cabin will keep you awake!! No insulation whatsoever on aft bulkhead, allowing a lot of heat and noise transfer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Disappointing. I've sent in complaints via phone and e-mail and received zero responses.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Slow getting things done. Had the same problem with the H340 I purchased from him, so they lived up to my expectations. They eventually have taken care of my concerns, but some took up to 10 months. I do have to say that the quality of their remedies has been excellent.  
Other comments The main cabin table to bed conversion is a dumb design, When we got the boat, the center cushion was an inch too thick and left a hump in the center of the bed. Hunter cut it down, but there is still a problem with the hump caused by adjoining cushions that overlap on the table top. I wish the guy who designed it would have to spend a night sleeping on it! The cockpit is not as deep as the one on my prevoius H340 and gives me concern when we have small children aboard. The helm pedestal is mounted too far aft, and makes it difficult for crew to move behind captain when accessing winches during tacking. Wish the cockpit tables were about 10" shorter and the pedestal was moved forward 10".