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Review of the Hunter 170 by jeff kaplan

Year built 2002  
Location of boat Boston, Cape Cod and Islands  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? We bought our 170 two weeks ago and have sailed it extensively. So far we love it and would buy it again. We have a family of five and we all fit comfortably enough so someone can always be laying down on one of the cushions.  
Gear that's been added No, though we'd love to add a compass if we could find a good location. We've already replaced a couple of lost "ring dings".  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features First, we love the spaciousness. We actually had four adults and three kids out in it in strong winds and it handled well. The storage compartment is also very accessible. The 170 has also handled well in a variety of wind and sea conditions. We trailer our boat and it is easy to rig an derig - I'd reccommend having two people step the mast.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We have trouble using the auto-furler in high winds. We end up with a loud luffing jib until we are at the beach or docked and can refurl it by hand. Also, the safety pin that holds on the rudder is clumsy.  
Sailing characterisitcs We've sailed the boat exclusively in salt water and have taken it from Woods Hole, MA to Martha's Vinyard, all around the Vinyard, and then back to Cape Cod. We've sailed in winds up to 20 knots and in seas that were up to 2-4 feet. Contrary to some comments I've read, our 170 was quite stable and responsive. While the rough conditions are not ideal for a relaxing day-sail its nice to know the boat can weather it well. On a smooth ocean with a good wind it cruised well on both a broad reach and a run. It did not "point" well when we were sailing close-hauled.  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a 3.5HP which powers the boat well.  
Liveability It's comfortable for a day sail but that's about it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I located the boat at Moorhouse Sailmakers on this website. They have been great support to us and have taken phone calls at the oddest of times. My salesman actually owns a 170 and knows it inside and out. If you are interested in a 170 and are in the Northeast, call these guys!!!  
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