Hunter Owner Reviews

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

Review of the Hunter 240 by Mark Cooper

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Lake Ray Roberts, Sanger, Texas  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
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? Yes, definitely. It isn't the most perfect boat in the world, but I doubt there is such a thing. I found that, after reading the reviews and comments of other owners on this forum, the boat met and exceeded any expectations.  
Gear that's been added Depth sounder, extra battery, battery charger, extra storage cabinet as found in the archives of this site, front hatch screen (which should have been included from Hunter), other storage bags, fans, GPS (handheld), barbecue grill; soft link motor/rudder connection Will be adding stero, CD changer, spinlock cleats to replace the ineffective jib sheet cleats originally on the boat, tiller tamer, and many things I haven't even thought of yet.  
Structural or complex improvements No, I guess adding the cabinet isn't really a structural change.  
The boat's best features Sails extremely well on all points of sail except downwind due to the sweptback spreaders, but that's not usually a problem; fairly stable due to her wide beam; lots of space below and in the cockpit; easy to rig and forgiving to sail; very comfortable to overnight on for two and maybe three or four (have only tried it with two); great lines.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Again as recorded here in the forum, the jib cleats are worthless- they let go at inopportune times, catch the sheets at bad times and generally create some frustrating situations. We've learned to overcome this by releasing the sheet and holding it up very high until the jib has sufficiently crossed to the other side. This also helps prevent the sheets from catching on the attachment for the mast crutch. A number of people have replaced the cleats with Spinlock rope clutches and that's my next project. I think it's something Hunter ought to look into. Honestly, it's the only unattractive feature on an otherwise wonderful boat. I initially had a lot of trouble with raising and lowering the centerboard and had to replace the sheave under the mast twice before I realized the sheave Hunter used was too large. I went to a boat supply store and found one a half inch smaller that made it all work better. Some people have given testimony to its tenderness and the need to reef early. If your experiences are on bigger boats, then it may seem a bit tender initially; but I was used to sailing much smaller boats, so don't notice any tenderness. She seems as sturdy as a rock. And, as for reefing early, that's due to the extra large sail plan the 240 uses that allows her to sail extremely well in light winds.  
Sailing characterisitcs As I said, great on all points of sail except dead down wind. I've had her wing-and-wing a couple of times for an extended period, but she's prone to accidental jibes. No problem, though. She sails so well on a broad reach and I actually feel I move faster that way.  
Motoring characterisitcs Good again. I have a five HP motor that pushes her 6 knots. The only problem I have is sudden stops as the motor has a bit of trouble slowing down that much weight. A bigger motor might be better; but I've learned to really slow down and control my movements is close quarters so I don't have much problem. I use my motor so seldomly that I almost can't rate it. I added a motor/rudder connection because she doesn't steer well at extremely slow speeds unless you move both the motor and the rudder. The connection took me fifteen minutes and about 10 dollars worth of parts.  
Liveability Great for weekends and longer. There's plenty of room to store supplies (especially with the addition of the add-on cabinet) for 2-3 people for 3-4 days. I highly recommend the pop up camper top as it allows standing headroom when you're anchored and allows more air in without the bugs. The rear berth is large and comfortable (I've never slept in the V berth). My wife and I have overnighted and long weekended (3-5) days on her as often as possible.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Wonderful. Greg in technical/customer support has been very helpful in answering any question I have. Once, I posted a question on this site and he tracked me down to personally answer it. No problems here.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any La Vida was very courteous, kind and helpful. I bought my first boat from them, this boat from them and will buy my next boat from them.  
Other comments I love it!  

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 |