Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 29.5 by John Sramek

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda,FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. Races fair, day sails great, cruises very good.  
Gear that's been added A few, but replaced a lot of things: Refrig control, AC thermostat, VHF radio, battery charger, batties with 6V golf cart batteries in series, wind, boat speed, depth gauges and mast head unit. Did add reaching sheets and outside blocks on base of chain plates. Mounted GPS plotter above compass on removable stand.  
Structural or complex improvements The biggest problem was a bad viabration, noise when motoring at about 1800 rpm's. Turned out to be an engine alienment problem as the drive shaft was hitting the inside of the tube leading to the prop. Realined myself, but had problems with nuts that would not turn on the motor mounts. Had just enough turns before nut wound not turn to line things up.  
The boat's best features Very large cockpit. Simple to sail.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Down wind sailing is poor because of the sweep back spreaders and small jib. Also, rounding up on reach in heavy wind because of the small rudder.  
Sailing characterisitcs We race the boat, but it doesn't sail to its rating unless the wind is 15-20 knots. Light air performance is poor because of the small jib.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat moters very well. The main problems are standard, engine cooling and dirty fuel or water in fuel. Water in fuel may have been caused by a poor o-ring in filler cap. Replaced and dried out fuel and all well for a year. Cooling system needed flushing and new anti-freeze.  
Liveability Very nice for 2 people on 2-3 week cruise. Only problem is no storeage space for clothes. We end up using the v-berth and forward part of dinette to store things.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very helpful for parts, but not problem solving.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought this one from individual.  
Other comments We like it very much, but we liked our Hunter 30T better for racing and cruising.  

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