Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 30_88-94 by Christopher Hakes

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Toronto, Lake Ontario  
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? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes and no - as a liveaboard I struggle with the space and would probably go for a larger Hunter model. Would like to move to a 35 footer with a seperate aft cabin for more privacy and comfort.  
Gear that's been added Simply a better stereo system and speakers.  
Structural or complex improvements Negative.  
The boat's best features Space - this model, when compared with other 30 footers, has significantly more. I really enjoy the walk-through transom and the ease of sailing this mid-sized vessel. This '89 model also boasts a lovely shape and hull design.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Door handle to head has been broken twice, and the sliding door to v-berth is poorly thought out and made of cheap materials. Storage space seems really lacking (again - I liveaboard so this is bound to be difficult) and the single hanging locker isn't deep enough to fit clothes comfortably. Holding tanks seem insufficient as well. The table is too big and overwhelms the space in the salon, if I had even a hint of carpentry skills I would replace it with a smaller one.  
Sailing characterisitcs Solid and relatively quick, but doesn't seem to point very well.  
Motoring characterisitcs Fine, but perhaps a little under-powered in any kind of wind influenced docking procedure (Yanmar 18hp diesel). Experiences prop-walk to port.  
Liveability Again, pretty good but it would take some serious renovation to make this a comfortable liveaboard. Weekends with friends is about as much time as is comfortable with a boat of this size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I haven't.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Angus yachts of Toronto. They've been very helpful.  
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