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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Len O'Connor

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Kill Devil Hills, NC  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1987  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, the boat has been a reliable sailer and has always performed well in unexpected adverse conditions.  
Gear that's been added Bimini, Dodger, GPS, Loran, Upgraded VHF, 2GM20F Engine, New Water Heater, Larger wheel.New Interior cushions, cockpit cushions, whisker pole  
Structural or complex improvements Changed Nav station to open into main salon rather than quarter berth.  
The boat's best features Able to handle a variety of weather conditions.Comfortable two person extended cruising.Affordable, efficient boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The original Yanmar 2GM gave up in 1994. It provided minimal power and at timeswas strained to the limit during heavy currents.I am in the process of changing props to accomodate the new 18 HP engine.Replacing the water heater was next to impossible as it was apparantlyinstalled prior to the deck being placed on the boat. It required completedisassembly of the heater, removal of the rear engine bulkhead, and sliding the destroyed remnants of the old heater over the engine. The new rectangular water heatersimply installed through the lazarette.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is a poor performer in light air, but then what 30' cruiser isn't?We have sailed extensively on the Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle Sound, and we lived onboard and traveled the Intra-coastal waterway for a year, all through a tremendous variety of winds, waves, and currents. The boat, even though underpowered for motoring,has always stood up and responded to whatever conditions were presented to her.Her optimum winds are probably around 12-15 under full sail, but she has sailed extremely well under reefed main and jib at 22-25 knots.  
Motoring characterisitcs The original 2GM (13HP) was a little weak on performance, but still managedto carry us the length of the ICW and back to NC. The new 2GM20F (18HP) seemsfar superior, however a different prop is needed for the increased HP.The boat backs predictably to port in reverse and can sometimes be difficult todock in heavy weather and tight conditions, but all in all has performed adequately.  
Liveability We lived aboard for a one year period while traveling the ICW. The fact that we are still married would seem to indicate thatthere was sufficient liveability, however, during inclement weather it is difficult to find comfortable space for two personsto read etc. for extended periods without one being confined to the V-berth.Cruises of two weeks to six weeks have found the liveability tobe excellent. The "space" requirements don't seem to be as critical.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The boat was purchased used from Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace, MD.The salesman, Tony Tumas, could not have been better.When I commented during the test sail of the boat that I felt therewas excessive vibration he had the boat checked and replaced the shaft andreconditioned the prop. Even after taking delivery he replaced a defectivefuel pump and fresh water pump at his expense.You don't hardly find that type of service anywhere!  
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