Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 26 by William Jowell

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Lake Amistad Del Rio Texas  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? This particular boat? Probably not. But the 26? Yes! Without a doubt. It is a great teacher to the uninitiated. Very forgiving and stays with you when you goof. I sail in heavy winds and enjoy dragging the spreaders. (I know it's not professional!) Great room and lots of storage. My next boat will have a fixed head w/pump out. Absolutley no complaints. Will soon move up to the deep lead guys.  
Gear that's been added Dodger, replaced all of the lousy cleats. Added spring cleats. Baskets, wind indicator, depth, knot meter, compass, two burner propane, 3 way frig. Reduced size of table in saloon for more "put your pants on room". Ice chest in Vee birth with thru hull drain. Lots of teak "stuff". Bar b que. Propane bottle rack. Better batteries. VHF. Teak shelf over galley for TV and "junk". Fans,Spinnaker, jib cars and tracks. Solid vang. Bimini with all of the curtains. Additional mainsheet system w/less line. (Longer system used to raise/lower mast.) And other stuff that I don't remember.  
Structural or complex improvements See above  
The boat's best features Just absolute fun! And sails with the best of them.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Manuel is good but could be great! Hunter should use "specific" people to write manuels rather than "general" people. There IS a difference. When ask the time of day a specific will give you the time to the second. The general will say, "It's Monday morning".  
Sailing characterisitcs Suffice it to say: "I'm pleased"  
Motoring characterisitcs Need a motor/rudder hook up.  
Liveability Superb for the size. Can't wait for my 290  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I think I paid far too much for the boat. I trusted "them" to be honest and up front. I believe they were honest and up front by their standards. I will give them a chance to price my next boat, however, I doubt that I will purchase from them again.  
Other comments I love it!