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Review of the Hunter 26 by Bob Schultz

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Phoenix/San Diego  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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? Yes, we owned a MacGregor 26 before this and after three years, The OWNER (my wife) said no more cooking while standing on her knees so she picked out the new boat and has been happy with it since.  
Gear that's been added More than the OWNER thinks is required. Tri-Data, dual batteries, dual solar panels, top of line VHF with mast head antenna, masthead TV antenna, Navco Autopilot with remote, midship and bow dock cleats with line chocks (should have been standard), full cover for boat which works with mast up or down, dual fortress anchors each with 250' of rode, GPS, hand held backup VHF, and much interior work like window covers etc. hand amde by OWNER.  
Structural or complex improvements Just minor re riging to simplify, anchor hangers etc. The biggest project was the dual batterie installation and redone power panel. Added dual bilge pumps on seperate power sources.  
The boat's best features Sails well (Somewhat tender in a wind) Room both inside and in cockpit are unequaled in any similar sized boat that I know of. PS: Also looks good.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Initially had quite a leak problem that turned out to be hard to find as it had 3 seperate sources. Bilge pump overboard would take on water when heeled. Centerboard area not sealed so water came up around the compression post while sailing but no leaks at rest so was hard to find. The on requireing the most work was a small crack in the top of the ballast tank back under the edge of a cabinet where it could not be seen.  
Sailing characterisitcs Have enjoyed it very much, but is tender in a fairly light wind. We need to start reefing before most others.  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a 9.9 Honda which seems perfect. We have an upwind slip in San Diego, and try to plan ahead on any close quarters areas in a wind. Other than that, just set about 2000 RPM and turn on the autopilot.  
Liveability Very Good!! And The OWNER said that I could say that.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We picked the boat up at the factory, and although they are not set up for retail customers to do that, we were very well treated and the boat was ready to go on the day and at the time that they had said it would be. We then towed it home (2000 miles) with no problems.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I actually feel sorry for our dealer, The Sailboat Shop in Phoenix, as ours was only their second 26 and had a complicated leak problem which they took care of to our full satisfaction.  
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