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Review of the Hunter 30_88-94 by Bill Finkel

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Occuquan River (off the Potomac R.), Va.  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1989  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I would, without hesitation. We originally owned a Catalina 22 for a few years and wanted to move up (who doesn't) and the Hunter 30 was the clear winner in our size and price range.  
Gear that's been added I ordered the original boat with Autopilot, Wind Machine, and Battery Charger. Over the years I've added dodger and awning combination, lazy jacks, spreader lights for the cockpit (boat came with forward deck light) and a washdown pump for the anchor. Also,I, like other owners of the early Hunter 30s, was very unhappy with the anchor roller which interferred with the recessed furling jib (very poor design). When I saw that Hunter had fixed that problem with a newly positioned (along the starboard rail) anchor roller, I had mine retrofitted.  
Structural or complex improvements Only the above.  
The boat's best features Very easy to sail or motor. Also, for a 30 footer, it's very roomy with more than adequate head room (I'm 6'2  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I had some mild blistering after a couple years, but after I had them taken care of, nothing since. I've also had some problems with the Autopilot and the head, but they were taken care of by the manufacturers, even though they were out of warranty.Biggest problem I've had with the boat is the lack of gages for the fuel tank (I used to be able to  
Sailing characterisitcs It came with a 135% jib, supposedly for better with main, so it's not the fastest down wind, although I have added a downwind sail, so that's no longer a problem.It does tend to heel a lot, especially when the wind gets to about 12-15 Kts, at which point it's time reef, starting with the jib (easier), and then the main (I have two reef points).It's balanced pretty good, but it coould be better (I'm sure some of that is my fault).  
Motoring characterisitcs It motors very well. I just had the bottom cleaned and painted and I'm back up to seven plus knots at 3200 RPM (I have the original two blade prop). It backs down pretty straight, which is good as I'm in a fairly tight marina.  
Liveability For a 30 footer, it's very large and comfortable. Two of us went on a two week cruise and there was plenty of room. The aft bunk is huge and the salon berth, where the table is, is more then adequate. The V-berth is like most V-berths, great for storing extra sails, the cushion for the table, and other junk. Not too good for adult sleeping (I guess kids would be okay).Biggest problem with a boat this size without a full keel, is the limited storage space, but it's been sufficient for us.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I had a reason to call Hunter early on when I discovered my blister problem and although it was out of warranty (this was before Hunter offered a blister warranty), Hunter reimbursed me for the cost to fix them. Also, when I wanted to retrofit my anchor roller, Hunter was very good about that and sent the part to where my boat was being serviced. They've been helpful whenever I would call.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from Norton's in Deltaville and would buy another Hunter from them.  
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