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Review of the Hunter 40 by Jim Rummonds

Year built 1986  
Location of boat San Diego  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Would I buy this boat again? I can't understand why everybody doesn't have a H40! For the money (and a lot more!), his is the greatest sailboat afloat.  
Gear that's been added What haven't I added or replaced? Sails, standing rigging, running rigging, radar, battery bank (5), electrical harness, sirius, flatscreen, cable, interior, Tacktek instruments, cockpit cushions and canvas, bimini, dodger, salon cushions, salon table, mainsheet blocks, solar vents, commodes, SSB, and probably a dozen other things I can't think of this instance.... She sorta new now.  
Structural or complex improvements No, but I'm planning on putting a swim platform on that will have a huge stern locker to add many 3-4 cubic feet of storage.  
The boat's best features Beauty (classic low cabintop sloop). Speed under sail and motoring. Commodeousness and comfort thoroughout. Ease of sailing single handed (e.g., cockpit traveler!). Yea, baby; show me another 40 this easy to single hand! Durability. Layout. Aft island queen. Headroom. Dual heads. Everything!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The overflow for the forward holding tank that pumps into the Vee berth, when not emptied. The no access to the aft holding tank will probably become a problem, but I don't encourage over use and keep it clean and smelling sweet. Regarding design, if Hunter made a new boat along the same design, it would be their best seller. Everything works per design and nothing has broken.  
Sailing characterisitcs My boat has the 6'7" deep fin that weights 7900 lbs. With a full water tank, she goes to weather very very smoothly. She sails up wind at 5 - 6 knots in around 10 knots of wind. The H40 is a relatiavely flat bottomed boat aft of the keel and is faster than most of the new Hunters up to 46' and that's with me sailing. An experienced racer could make her really fast. Once I balance her, she stays on course with autopilot forever. She heels at only 15 to 18 degrees in 20 knots of wind without weather helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs Over seven knots at 2700 rpms. If you need to motor, the H40 is as good as it gets. 7+ miles per gallon.  
Liveability If I wasn't married, I'd be a liveaboard for sure. Now maybe I'd get a little tired of it after a while, but I find it to be very easy to live on. The galley functions perfectly well. Plenty of cabinet space. The aft stateroom is about as romantic a setting as I can think of. Just love that wall mirror! Both heads are functional as shower rooms. There's more than enough hanging closet space. The salon works well for a workspace and for dinners for 4 to 6. I'd give it a 9+ on liveability.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Always helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any NA  
Other comments Gees, how come everybody doens't own an H40?  

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