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Review of the Hunter 216 by Jeff Prideaux

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Richmond, VA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, it is a versatile boat which can easily be sailed and with the retractable weighted center board it can be used like a "slow motion" runabout. The kids like the ability to "beach it" or at least anchor just off a beach and hop ashore.  
Gear that's been added Added a few stick-on hooks for the cubby cabin to handle gear. Will probably get a marine VHS radio and perhaps a hand-held GPS. A telescoping boat hook is very useful in some situations. A top quality 8 pound anchor. There is a 4 HP motor with the boat.  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet.  
The boat's best features Ability to set-up, launch, retrieve, pack-up single-handed. Easy to sail. Ability to "beach" or at least anchor just off a beach due to retractable keel. Heads up when over powered.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The only thing that broke so far was the transom mast-support block but that was due to the previous owner placing ratcheting truck straps to the slanting transom mast-support putting way too much pressure on the block. I think the block is fine if treated appropriately. The design of the open transom will leave a bit of water in the rear of the cockpit especially if you have weight to stern. Water can dribble down the mast and get the cubby cabin wet. This is really only a problem if you leave the mast up. I don't, so I don't worry about this.  
Sailing characterisitcs Easy to sail. Will head-up if over powered. I need to figure out the best way to reef the mainsail.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well. The boat does vibrate a lot with the motor running. Its loud in the cubby cabin with the motor running. The keel will bounce a bit while motoring when you hit waves. While sitting down at the transom of the boat by the motor, its hard to see over the bow while approaching a floating dock. Since the boat is so light, it rides on top of the waves while motoring...  
Liveability Its just a day sailor. The cubby cabin is really only for dry storage. I have put a port-potty in there but haven't used it yet.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I'm batting about 50% so far with Hunter meaning only about half of my emails get answered. They did send me a replacement transom mast support plastic block, but the previous owner initiated that transaction. I've been trying to contact Hunter to get the warrantee transferred but they haven't answered my emails yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I didn't buy from a dealer. I have gotten some useful advice from one of the local dealers, but I haven't utilized any dealers for any work on the boat.  
Other comments Its a good boat. I will probably use it mainly for situations where I can leave it in the water for a couple of days at a time. For example, it works nice to visit my in-laws with their house by the water with a dock or to go camping where I can keep the boat tied up by the camp site. This way, I can spread out the effort of traveling and set-up over a couple of different days. It is a long day to pack tailoring, setup, sailing, pack up, and tailoring back home all in the same day. Although, with practice, the rigging and de-rigging is getting quicker.  

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