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Review of the Hunter 26 by Mike Pajewski

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Bettendorf,IA  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1996  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I would buy this boat again, but I would probably order a built in VHF and instruments and the spinnaker handling gear.  
Gear that's been added CDI FF3H26 Roller furlingBiminiCD PlayerNicro Marine Power VentAquameter Saturn CompassWindexRemote Engine controls  
Structural or complex improvements Relocated Mainsheet padeye on boom forward about 2 feet to accomodate Bimini.  
The boat's best features Lot's of room in 26 feet. Weve entertained guests and never felt cramped.Easy to trailer despite it's large size.Good support from the factoryGood ventilation, especially with the opening ports.Roomy cockpit.Fun to sail.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Jam cleat for topping lift slips.Not enough water capacityElectric panel does not have any spare breakers to add accessories.The Porta-pottie is too small, go for the bigger tank or install a marine head.Mainsail needs 2 reef points.I wish the table had drop leaves or was shorter. It is difficult to access the under settee storage with the big table.There is not enough cockpit/lazarette storage for lines, fenders and the like. We need oversize fenders and boards to negotiate the locks on the Mississippi River.The mainsail needs 2 reef points.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails best in 10-12 knots of wind. If it is gusty, reef early, although the boat will feel underpowered until the wind picks up and is closer to 20 Knots. Sometimes the easiest thing is to furl the jib, although she won't point as high.The main really could use 2 reef points. You'll pick up speed sailing downwind by bringing the centerboard up, just don't forget to drop it later.Had to return to Bayfield in 30 knots of wind. It was downwind all the way home, with a good broad reach, we covered 28 miles in 3 hours. These boats will surf downwind pretty good!!!  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a 8 HP Tohatsu and I am considering upgrading to a 9.9 or 15 HP four stroke. The 8 doesn't punch through the wind well. We've had problems docking in a breeze, when the wind catches the bow. You really have to keep some speed on to overcome the wind from catching the bow. Motoring astern is worse. The offset outboard and prop walk makes backing down tricky. It's down right scary if the wind is blowing.  
Liveability We've spent many weekends aboard. The two burner stove is extremely functional. I almost wish for two quarter berths as my 2 children get older. (My luck that they would be of the opposite sex)Head is roomy enough, but the porta-potty fills up quick. We would like more water capacity and I foresee a flexible water tank in our future.The opening cabin ports keep things from getting too stuffy, especially in the head.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) My dealings with Hunter have gone well. My only complaint was that the phone system is pretty frustrating. I was disconnected several times before finally getting through.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Boat was purchased from SAIL IOWA.They gave me a very fair price for my 23.5. My only complaint was with a wheel steering unit that was never installed. This was no fault of the dealer. We waited a year for it, but Edson never delivered it. I fainally asked for a refund, which the dealer promptly gave me.  
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