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Review of the Hunter 170 by Duane Collie

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Northern Virginia  
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 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, it's all I expected it to be, plus a bit more.  
Gear that's been added Optional Boat Cushions (get them!) and Honda 2 HP 4-stroke outboard  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Clean Rigged and well thought out. Attention to the details such as the one-man mast raising support, which is a big plus. The kids absolutely love the open transom, and that's their favorite spot in a light breeze to dangle their feet in the water.The 170 is even more spirited than I expected of a 7' beam daysailer and is the perfect family boat in this size.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Motor mount is questionable. I can think of a better design. Also, why not a floating gooseneck? Riveted in place, I cannot tension the downhaul as much as I would like to. Makes the foot of the sail a bit impossible to fully trim out.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points relatively well. Very easy to trailer launch. Good weather helm as well. Roller furling jib is a 'must have' as are the optional cushions, in my opinion. Tiller is a bit hyper-sensative (what daysailer isn't?) but its a fast tacker. The 170 is very stable in a stiff blow close hauled, and even when leaned over enough to make the centerboard visible to the landlubbers, it maintains even handling characteristics.  
Motoring characterisitcs I installed a 2 HP, 4-Stroke long shaft Honda Outboard on mine and was tremendously impressed with how well that engine propels the boat. You don't need more. Lock the engine in 'straight' mode and you have enough tiller to make adequate manuevers even to docking.  
Liveability Well...there's no place to hide! Wide beam makes for a stable platform and its a very dry boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent. Most helpful on the phone. Convinced me to buy the optional cushions and hold off on the spinnaker kit until used to the boat.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Well...they're pleasant enough, but the inital setup of the boat could have been better. Stripped motor mount screws and a dirty boat full of grimy footprints didn't exactly impress me on a new boat delivery.  
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