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Review of the Hunter 240 by Jonathan Dyer

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Vallejo, CA  
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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I suppose. It's a great boat for the money. It has taken some getting used to, but I look forward to getting out on it every chance I get. So, yeah, I guess I would.  
Gear that's been added Nothing big. Canvas here and there; a lifesling; a compass; line organizers, a VHF radio, etc.  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features It is easy to singlehand. The only crew I really need are a couple of bungee cords to stay pointed into the wind when raising and dousing the sails. It sails well on all points of sail. The rig prevents me from letting the boom all the way out on a dead run, but that's a minor point. It's easy to rig, easy to reef, responds well under power. The big cockpit is nice, too. I'm 6'6" and I appreciate the leg room. I can stretch out with my feet braced against the leeward seat - nice and comfy at about 20 degrees over.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The rig is a devil to tune. I work it constantly, but I never seem to get it quite right. It would be nice if the fairleads for the jibsheets were on tracks. Also, when on a broad reach or deeper, the main chafes the leeward lifelines. I put some garden hose over the lifelines and that seems to do the trick. If the main was not connected to the bottom of the footwell (maybe a traveller??) the problem might be avoided. The weight of the engine causes the boat to list to starboard when it's in the slip. Normally this is not a problem. However, when it rains, water cannot drain from the companionway properly and some leaks into the cabin.  
Sailing characterisitcs Like I said, the boat sails well on all points of sail. I sail on the San Francisco Bay and the weather/water can be challenging to say the least. The boat handles nearly all of it well. I've read concerns about the boat's tenderness. That may be the initial sensation, but my experience is that it stiffens quickly so long as the sails are trimmed properly and the helm is in balance.  
Motoring characterisitcs It does well, overall. Too much freeboard makes it more of a challenge than most other boats this length. It just takes a bit more planning when bringing it into the slip. I have a Honda 4-stroke, 8hp that has always been dependable and more than enough to push the boat around in various conditions.  
Liveability I've only spent one night on it. Honestly, I like sailing - I don't like camping. I'm a big guy who likes creature comforts once the sails are doused. It will take a lot more boat than the 240 for it to be "liveable." None of which is the fault of the boat - just out of control genes.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've not dealt directly with them.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any There were delays in delivery that were extremely frustrating. To the dealer's credit, he tried to make things right by throwing in a fair package of extras. Like I said, it was frustrating but I'm over it.  
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