Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 140 by Marshall

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Joplin, MO  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. I'd love a bigger boat, but economy drove the decision more than anything else. It's a great boat. I'm happy with it.  
Gear that's been added Added oarlocks. When the wind dies completely I wanted to be able to get home -- in this lifetime. I positioned them for being seated (in a temporary wood seat or sitting on a cooler or something) just in back of the main sheet. My reasoning was that I could have the main hoisted and still row. It works, but it feels like it is a little too far back in the boat.  
Structural or complex improvements When I purchased the boat, the former owner had cranked her down to the trailer too hard and put a crack right across the bow where the jib and forestay connect. I bent a piece of conduit that runs under the rubrail, clear around the bow to the u-bolts that hold the other mast stays to strengthen and distribute the pull the jib puts on that point.  
The boat's best features Easy to sail. Very stable. We freedive and spearfish from the boat, so we load it down and head out across the lake with too much gear -- none of it lashed down. We may get burned someday, capsize her and loose gear, but so far we've been lucky.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. No problems with the boat. Meets all my expectations. Sure it has limitations -- it's a very inexpensive 14 ft day sailor but made by a company that produces bigger and faster boats. Rigging and balance of the boat seem good to me. Sails great alone, but I have also put 4 people on her plus gear and still sailed -- I'm happy.  
Sailing characterisitcs Seems to move pretty good in light wind.  
Motoring characterisitcs I bought the motormount thinking I might pick up a small engine or trolling motor, but haven't even installed yet. Don't know if I will. It sails great in almost no wind and rows pretty fair if the wind dies completely.  
Liveability Thought about trying to sleep on it in a calm cove. For now, only an afternoon nap after too much beer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They've been great. I think I was actually dealing with the JY facility in Conneticut. After buying the boat used, I needed several parts, including a new jib. They were helpful and made it happen in a hurry.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought it used.  
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