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Review of the Hunter 340 by Jim Russell

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Pierre, South Dakota  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, we are quite satisfied with the boat. We have few reservations about the boat, the way it was commissioned and the extras that we added.  
Gear that's been added Anchor Windlass, refrigeration, speakers in cockpit (5" fit nicely in access ports on travelor arch (that's not a radar arch  
Structural or complex improvements No complex improvements.We did move the coolant overflow to a higher location in the engine compartment: it was draining the coolant and not returning it to the system.Dealer relocated factory installed autopilot compass to a location that had less error.  
The boat's best features Easy for two to handle, ability to sail in winds to 35 knots (current experience after 3 weeks with boat)roomy feelingability to sail well in very light airthe high quality sailing gear on board  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. slight problem with rack and pinon steering hitting the floor pan of the cockpit,screens turnbuckles not easily turned over screens (screen is slightly too thick)  
Sailing characterisitcs Very light winds the boat sails extremely well with the Doyle cruising spinnakerModerate winds of up to 15, the boat handles well with full sails.Above 15, expect to reef once as the it develops a strong weather helm and will cavitate, a second reef with the full jib seems to be the next option as the wind grows highersailing last weekend with apparent wind speed gusts of 35 knots on a close hull, with two reefs and and partially furled jib. The latter was probably overkill.A bit more tender than the 30T Hunter, but certainly rigged with sails that will carry one through some moderately strong winds. To date we have not been forced to sail with just the main nor just the jib. I'll be curious to see which we prefer.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 27 horse Yanmar seems to be ample power for the boat even in heavy seas. Compared to the 18 on the 30T, we have considerably more power and feel more comfortable with the engine.  
Liveability Very roomy. The quarterberth is huge: we have one picture with 5 fully clothed adults in it, could have had 10 if they had been double deckered  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very efficient  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased through Florida Yachts:I feel that they are a very responsive dealer. We have had normal new boat problems. However, they have been easy to access and provides information in a timely manner.I would be very comfortable dealing with them again.Our previous dealer (from whom we purchased the 30T), from Colorado, retired to the sea.  
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