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Review of the Hunter 26 by Terry

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Sandusky Harbor, Lake Erie  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Sure. The boat is a nice size for 2 people but roomy enough for afternoon guests. It iseasy to sail with mate or alone. Open transomgreat for swimming at anchorage. Large versatile interior table allows for varietyof activities. Portable cockpit table isseldom used but there if we need it and takes up no room. Great for snuggling in close to shore for swimming or just look-see.  
Gear that's been added Bimini, autopilot, porta-potti pump-out,motor-tiller conncetor rod which greatly enhnaces mamanueverability, bi-data by autohelm, 12 voutlet, motor remote control in cockpitsaves body contorsions during docking,tiller extension replaced with entendableand sturdier one, changed Tohatsu prop to a #6 pitch, mounted radio installed and carry 2 extra portables, awning over boom,bug screens over hatches, homemade lazy jacks, midship cleats, relaced all cheap turnbuckles at bottom of shrouds, added oillantern  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Large interior for a 26. Had a MacGregorand had little moving around space. Shallow draft. Open transom. Good combination ofsize and trailerability. Sturdily built.Decent size head for a 26. Great visibilityand brightness when below. Can change weather helm by tilting rudder blade  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Had gelcoat problems in cockpit. Centerboardrope broke(should have been a way to fix this on the trailer). Leak under mast into light(still a problem even after caulking).Leaky hatchboards. Some cheap gear such asturnbuckles at base of shrouds. Lack of ventillationduring rainstorm. Needs jib block tracks. Difficulty boarding from port or starboard.  
Sailing characterisitcs Not experienced in heavy weather. Since we only have jib and main, boat is sluggish in light winds. Rode crests of 10 foot waves during unexpected storm. Unpleasant highwindage when docking - bow likes to swing downwind. Bobs around like crazy when anchorednear shore in wavy conditions. Sails all overat anchorage! Often in unique headings relative to other anchored boats.  
Motoring characterisitcs a removeable motor-rudder connecting rod is a must especially for moving astern. Remote motor handle in cockpit improves visibility and controlwhile docking (and lowers blood pressure)Without these two items docking is a nightmareand there is little steerage while moving astern. With it, the 26 turns on a dime (bigdime) in any direction.  
Liveability Could always use more storage. Boat is comfortablefor 2.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Sometimes get shifted around from one deptto another, and sometimes can't get through. Still have no answer on good additive forwater in ballast tank. At national rendevousreps were kind, knowledgeable, and generouswith their time.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Puchased boat from Dave Condon in Moneta,Virgina. He has always kept his word and beenhelpful. He backs up the boat and coverswarranty work without hassle. (we needed new gelcoat in cockpit and replacement ofkeelrope. Highly recommend him to others.(He is over 500 miles from us and we'd purchasefrom him again)  
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