Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 216 by K. and D. Floeter

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Lake Michigan  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I'd buy again. VERY happy with the way the boat handles and sails. Easy to launch, trailer, etc.  
Gear that's been added Safety gear has been added. Holders for equipment and cups. Extended handle on the 4hp motor. A couple of more cleats in strategic areas. A wind vane on top of the mast. A port-a-potty.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features It's fast and fun. Easy to sail, even in strong breezes. We have been caught in a couple of storms and the boat handled very well. Very trailable. Our boat was sailed in "fresh water" (Lake Michigan) so she doesn't get terribly dirty. We were very happy with the way she "cleaned up" at the end of the season. The boat looks better now than when we got her from the dealer.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Water runs down the mast into the cuddy. We wrap a piece of plastic around the base of the mast to stop the water from coming in when she's sitting on the trailer.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat feels very stable in strong currents and larger waves. Again, she's fast and handles well.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 4 hp is plenty to push it around.  
Liveability Comfortable as a day sailer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Called for a manual and it was sent to me by e-mail in a matter of moments. No other dealings.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Send time with the dealer and make sure he explains everything. Examine the boat carefully and make sure everything is in working order before you take it out on the lake. It's a pain to take it back to the dealer when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing.  
Other comments We had a blast sailing her last summer. We sailed during the week and every weekend (with friends and by ourselves)and enjoyed every minute of it. Thinking about the great times we had takes the edge off looking out the window and seeing 11" of snow now.