Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 170 by Derek

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Hartland WI  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Certainly. I do not have a single complaint about the boat performance, maintainance or quality.  
Gear that's been added No extra gear. My dealer steered me away from the seat cushions.  
Structural or complex improvements Suction cup bottle holders :-)  
The boat's best features This boat is a cinch to rig and get going. The rollerfurl jib is a great idea, even on a boat of this size. I am going to add a sail cover or mooring cover so that I can leave the main on the boat. The open transom is great for kids to swim off of and the cockpit has virtually nothing to stub your toes on or bump into. The boom is high enough that I do not have to duck when tacking (I am 6.1). PRICE!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The only strange thing about this composite hull is that it holds static electricity like a battery. If you sail on days when there is a lot of static charge in the air (high humidity/before a storm) you will notice that when you ground yourself on the rigging or water you will get a shock. It surprised me the first time, but has happened only once this summer. I spoke with Hunter about the issue and the admitted that this was a phenomenom they could not overcome considering the plastic compostite the hull is made from. Not a big concern, just to let you know in case you experience it.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat moves well in almost no air. It tends to be a little overpowered and heels considerably in strong gusts and heavy air especially if you have only two onboard. Definitely get reefing points put in if you buy used (2004 they come standard). I did lay it nearly all the way over one day (my crew did not ease the jib in a gust) but she righted herself without dumping. I know a lot of reviews have said she is very sensitive to the wind and weight. My 20 years of dinghy racing leads me to think she is no more so then most boats in this class. If one stepped down from keel boats it may seem that way.  
Motoring characterisitcs No motor, just a paddle.  
Liveability My 9 month old loves to sleep on board :-).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been great. I have called them with a few questions and they have been friendly and helpful. All calls were answered at the time or that same day.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Black Dog Marine in Milwaukee. DO NOT BUY FROM HIM. I chose to buy new from him instead of used from a different broker on his promise of good service. I have owned the boat for 2 months now and I still have no title. He promised it would be mailed the following week along with a mooring cover. Neither ever arrived and he will not return calls and now his voicemail is not accepting messages. Hunter is going to send me a copy of the title thankfully. Stay away from Black Dog...  
Other comments Buy it, you will love it! People stop me on the lake evertime we are out to ask what kind of boat it is.  

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