Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 170 by Mike Garrison

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Alachua, FL  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? YES! NOTE: I'm taking an extended crack at critiquing the 170. My 'first impressions' review is already posted in the h170 owners area, but after receiving Gary Wyngarden's newest discussion quiz, and having just spent Memorial Day weekend sailing the intercoastal near St. Augustine, FL, I had to add to my review of the boat.  
Gear that's been added Portable VHF radio, groundtackle (8# danforth, 10' chain, 150' rode), portable air horn, 2.5hp Yamaha Four Stroke outboard, PFD's, fenders,  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features Large cockpit. My wife and I can really spread out in this boat. The top of the gunwale is well shaped for sitting/hiking out. The centerline toerail allows us to sit in the windward gunwale and plant our feet on the centerline 'hump'. The open transom is terrific. Swimming off of the boat in lakes (watching for gators) is fantastic/easy to climb back into the boat. The boat is nice and sensitive to wind shifts and puffs-- I found the boat a bit TOO sensitive before I got to know it a little better, but now I love the quick feedback it offers...many boats 'of this size' don't respond as quickly. Roller furl jib is so simple to use. Reef points came with my mainsail and they're terrific on heavy days. We ran the ICW Memorial Day weekend with winds 15-20 sustained, having reefed the mailsail at the slip. Perfect day of sailing. Boat requires athletic sailing in heavy breeze-- you really enjoy getting your weight/and your crew's out on the gunwale. Lots of fun. Nice blasting along -with pairs of dolphins popping up nearby now and then. Feel connected to the water...  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. A little more weight in the centerboard might be nice, but again, the light design means the boat's nice and transparent in changing conditions. A little less leeway would be nice. The hull is so slippery and (albeit beautifully) rounded. I previously wrote that the boat doesn't tack well close to the wind but (captain's error) I hadn't had the board down all the way-- that'll do it, eh?  
Sailing characterisitcs In conditions above 20 (even with the mail reefed and the jib put away) the boat wants to round to weather. The load on the tiller feels like a 200 lb QB is pushing on the rudder blade. These physics at play are nice though because if the boat ever heels to an apparent point of no return, it will round up before capsizing-- you'd have to hang on a long time to topple this boat, but I have no doubt that it can be done.  
Motoring characterisitcs We moored in a 60' slip across the ICW from downtown St. Augustine (a cute image --replete with 45' Sea Ray in the slip next door!) and the tide was probably moving out at 2-3 mph both mornings. The 170 backed out against this with no problem. We took on occassional backsplash waves from passing Hatteras and Vikings while backing out of the slip, but again, the open transom allows this wash to drain right back out from whence it came. The centerboard really helps this slippery hull to track. The 4stroke Yamaha 2.5 backed us out with umph to spare. The dockmaster was actually impressed by our gutts...probably the motor's more than ours. Boat handled well through the drawbridge narrows/tidal eddies. VHF radio was a must for talking to the Bridge of Lions tender. The mast on the 170 is a few feet too tall for some bascule bridges-- although our parading through amongst 40-some foot Beneteaus and Hunters probably looked a little comical. Realized during a 4 hour session cleaning the boat, sails and motor just how corrosive salt water really is. This boat cleans up nice, though.  
Liveability N/A-- but nice for the occassional cove anchorage along the ICW/lakes- picnicing, laying around.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Bought from previous owner elsewhere in FL.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any JY Sailboats in CT. is great with advice, since the 170 is actually manufactured by them for Hunter.  
Other comments If you're looking for a spirited (and high capacity) daysailer, seriously consider this boat. If you need major family stability from heeling, look at a Flying Scot, Catalina 16.5 Keel, or comparable.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |