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Review of the Hunter 170 by Paul Dong

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Larchmont, NY  
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 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I have had my 170 for only a couple of weeks now, so take this with a grain of salt. So far, I would definitely buy it again. As other owners have noticed, it is a bit more sensitive to weight placement that I expected, but I'm enjoying that as part of what makes a small boat fun. I have not sailed it in winds much over 15 knots, so I'm reserving my opinion regarding those conditions.  
Gear that's been added Hunter Asymmetrical Spinnaker Kit. I have only flown it in relatively light air so far (about 5 knots). The difference in power between the jib and the spinnaker was quite marked. I'm looking forward to flying it in 10-15 knot conditions. I expect that with more pressure, I'll appreciate the Harken ratchet blocks that the sheets are led to.  
Structural or complex improvements Reef points put on the main. I've had the bottom painted so that I can keep it on a mooring in salt water.  
The boat's best features * Comfortable seating for 4 in a breeze, 6 in light air when people can sit to leeward. * Open transom - my daughter loves to sit there trailing her feet while we are under sail. I fix a docking line between the two stern cleats for a lifeline for her. * Good sail area / displacement ratio - especially with the spinnaker option. * The furling jib is great for getting under sail more quickly, and for reducing sail quickly. It simplifies single-handing considerably. * The high boom is much appreciated by my wife.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Unfurling the jib from the forestay has occasionally been a bit sticky.  
Sailing characterisitcs We have had the boat out in conditions ranging from 0-15 knots. With main and jib up, the boat feels very well balanced. A couple of times when a big gust hit and I didn't anticipate it, the boat rounded up, heeling considerably in the process. It was comforting to see that this is what it wants to do (rather than bear off and get knocked over). Yesterday I hit some gusts that had to be around 25 knots. I had the full main up (not reefed) and the jib all the way out. Bad decision. I came the closest yet to getting fully knocked down. In the future, when I see whitecaps building and there is not time to put in the reef, I will definitely furl the jib.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a 2hp Honda 4 stroke long shaft, and it's worked quite well on the few occasions when I've used it. I found that maneuvering around the dock, it is crucal to have the centerboard down.  
Liveability In light air, one crew can stretch out for a nap on the bench seat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The H170 is manufactured by JY. I've had two conversions with people at JY, and I've been pleased with how easy they are to get ahold of. Both times, they've given clear, practical advice.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The Boat Locker in Westport, CT, was my dealer. I found them to be helpful, especially while learning how to launch and rig the boat. I'm still waiting to receive some of the accessories I've ordered, and I'm hoping that they will keep after the manufacturer.  
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