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Review of the Hunter 26.5 by John A

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Eldorado, Ks WVSC  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? YES! It's a great boat. I made the pleasant mistake of letting my better-half steer, and haven't seen much of the tiller in almost 2 yrs. She likes to heel it up to 30 degrees and run with it. The boat is much faster than the cruisers and only a little slower than the racers. After sailing some of the newer hunters, I definetly like the way the fixed keel handles and performs.  
Gear that's been added Mylar 150 Genny, new main, boom kicker, cd player, new head.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features It handles great, points well and just looks great on the water. I haven't figured out how to make her go as fast downwind as she does on a point. It's got a great interior, for the weekend sailor.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. When going from reverse to forward and steering to port, the steering "stalls" and the prop walk dives the boat to starboard. DO IT SLOWLY, until some forward momentum happens. They came out of the factory with the motor, battery and the cooler compartment on the port side, this creates a little in-balance. She sits at the dock heeled to the portside. The hatches could had been made a little more stout. Walk lightly on them.  
Sailing characterisitcs We usually sail in 10 - 15 knot winds, on an inland lake. when the winds are higher than 15 knots we reef and put the 110 jib up. Have been caught in a storm with 55mph winds. Once we got back to the dock, we realized how envigorating it was..HA! DOnt want to do that again.  
Motoring characterisitcs We try not to motor any more than needed. The 9.9 hp nissan runs great. **See my comments on "what doesn't work".  
Liveability Great for weekend camp overs.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't tried to contact them much. I've tried emailing questions, without much response. When I called them they were very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I sailed the boat for 7 yrs as crew with a friend. I then bought the boat, and we're still friends. ALTHOUGH I think he'd like to have it back.  
Other comments I've had several other smaller boats - chrysler, McGregor, Catalina. Although I liked the Catalina 22, this is so much more boat. Absolutely look forward to getting to the lake each weekend. GREAT BOAT....  

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