Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 30_88-94 by Ray VanCour

Year built 1991  
Location of boat Everett, Washington  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1996  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I absolutely would buy this boat again.  
Gear that's been added Autohelm 4000Sea Talk instrumentsArtic diesel heat155 jibGarmin GPS  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features 1. Step-Through stern  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The only complaint I have is that it's a pain to check fuel level as the very small gauge is in the bottom of the starboard stern locker and is always buried.Need an engine water temp gauge as you can't see the through-put of the cooling water outside the boat. Once the idiot light is on it could be too late.These are pretty minor things. Like I said I love this boat. There is very little We'd change. Even my wife concurs with this. (Although she mentioned something about having a full-bath with sunken tub and make-up lights) other than that...  
Sailing characterisitcs We mostly sail on weekends here in the Puget Sound and San Juan area.We have two boys who love to salmon fish and crab. The swim step is perfect for bringing in fish.Wind velocity is all over the place here. We haven't had her out in anything over 18 knots yet however she's so easy to single-hand reef I'm not too woried about it. This along with the roller furling is very comforting.  
Motoring characterisitcs Equiped with an 18 Horse Yanmar. Would definately be nice to move a little faster when the wind dies, but this is a great engine. It always startsand I'm told is a very reliable engine.Max speed seems to be around 5.5-to -6.0 knots on a calm flat-water day (which is the only time the thing should be running anyway, right...)  
Liveability Have spent four days in a row max on her so far, but have no complaints. Like I said the lay-out is very comfortable. Will be spending 18 days on her this summer up in the San Juans.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't dealt with Hunter at all.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from private party.  
Other comments