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Review of the Hunter 170 by Craig

Year built 2003  
Location of boat North Texas  
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? Maybe. Let me sail it a few more times and get back to you. It's a nice open-cockpit daysailer with some great features, but it takes some getting used to . . .  
Gear that's been added No  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features trailering and setup are easy. Wide cockpit is comfortable, with room for 2-3 adults to spread out. The high boom is great because I don't have to duck (6'2" tall) as the boom goes over, and switching sides of the boat is not a gymnastics exercise.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Transitioning from motoring to sailing can be awkward. I think this will just take some practice. I don't really care for the tiller-extension; it's too light and seems flimsy. Raising the mast is easy, but pinning the forestay to the furler can be a challenge; that's the hardest part of setting up.  
Sailing characterisitcs Lake winds. Very light air to moderate gusts. The boat is very (very!) sensitive to wind changes and gusts, regardless of crew position. When sailing I feel a little "disconnected" from the water; it almost feels like ice-skating instead of sailing (I just don't feel like the boat is "in" the water). Will actually move under sail in almost no wind, but can be challenging to handle in winds over 11-12 mph. Again, this may just take some getting used to. When the wind picks up I will sail under the main only. I'm going to try reefing the main at the next opportunity.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well, even into the wind. If you get a 2 HP gas-powered motor, warm up the motor while the boat is still on the trailer (with the prop in the water). Otherwise, the boat will actually get under way while you're warming up the motor (it doesn't take much to move).  
Liveability Not applicable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't dealt with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any La Vida Starships in Dallas was great. These folks are "sailors" not "sellers."  
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