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Review of the Hunter 30_88-94 by Jim Russell

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Pierre, SD  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in new  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes definitely. I find that a number ofmy sailing friends are impressed withits ability and its comforts. However,it burned in a wareshouse fire.If we could have purchased a new 30T, weprobably would have done that. Since they no longer make the 30T we movedto the Hunter 340.  
Gear that's been added Bimini, mascerator, stereo w/cd player, marine radio, foredeck light, oversizedwheel, hella fans, solar panel, and a bimini.The bimini probably surprised me more thananything on the boat in that it surviveda several very high winds (up to 80 knotsor more) without coming apart. These wereat dock or at anchor. I assume that ifwe had been in open water with anythingover 50, the water falling on the biminimight have "done it in". Bimini was purchased after the boat was purchasedfrom the Hunter supllier of biminisin Florida.  
Structural or complex improvements Put stainless steel kickplates on the teak just above the steps on the companionway ladder, modified the icebox drain so that the water is pumpedvia electric pump into the sink: usedfor prerinsing and keeps the water outof the bilge, cigarette lighter outletover shelf in quarter berth to chargemarine radio, vcr batteries.Complex improvements, maybe not, be they be of interest to someone.  
The boat's best features Size, storage space, ability to trailer,stability in high winds, in South Dakotathere is always wind, and usually toomuch.Relative stability: not a tippy boat.Large quarter berth, ports and hatches for airflow in the salon and berths.The fact that the bilge was always dry(see icebox modification in previoussection), and the boat did not leak in rains, heavy or light.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Minor problem with v-belt pulley hittinginsullation on the foreward removable panel (companionway step panel)corrected by a plate bolted to insulation pulling it tighter againstthe panel.Not totally happy with the hood continuousline furling although it never slippedon us because we always kept both linescleated off tightly.Would have enjoyed a second anchor roller.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat sails well and is probably the mostcompetitive on broad reachs. We single reef early but tend to keep the 150 out for an extended period of time. We havenot double reefed much.It has been a "comfortable" boat whenanchoring in storms.  
Motoring characterisitcs Engine developed a knock that turned outto be the drive shaft hitting the boat.Sounds silly, but I thought that the problem was an improperly aligned shaftcausing vibrations and kept adjusting the motor. It was misaligned in that it allowed the shaft to hit the hull at certain speeds when the engine tended to vibrate more.Once corrected it was quiet.Boat appears to be slightly underpowered.  
Liveability We normally spent from Friday afternoon/eveningto Sunday night on the boat at anchor16 plus miles away from the dock in isolated bays. Each summer we would spend a week on it. For these periodsof time, the boat was very comfortable.Its biggest asset was the storage space for thesize of the boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very prompt and complete service. Neededparts to replace damaged stanchions. Received prompt attention by knowledgeableperson when I called and prompt delivery of needed items. The factory support is a very positivefactor in why we are purchasing a secondHunter (see warehouse fire in first paragraph)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat new from Rum FrontYachts in Colorado. The purchase processincluding delivery was a positive experience.  
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