Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 29.5 by David Vidler

Year built 1994  
Location of boat North Queensland Australia  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably would, but would have negotiated on price to ensure any repairs were deducted from the original asking price.  
Gear that's been added Apart from some extra safety gear I have added a Ray Marine RC 4000 Chart Plotter to the rail above the wheel.  
Structural or complex improvements No Changes here.  
The boat's best features Very socioal Cockpit, graet to board from the stern, Plenty of room and ventolation in the cabin.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Opening ports all leak, last part of the main seems hard to finish hoisting.  
Sailing characterisitcs Haven`t had much experience with strong winds as I have not long purchased the boat.However down wind shows good performance. She does not like light winds.  
Motoring characterisitcs Had problems with replacement of engine mounts and still have a problem with replacing the Cutlas bearing as the stuffing box leak has over time corroded the shaft to the coupling on the back of the gear box, I am to have this work done over the next few weeks. Prop walk is very noticable and I am still learning to deal with this as I reverse into my Berth.  
Liveability Very liveable for a Couple and a good weekender for a family of 4 or 5  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have not had this privelage .  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private sale.  
Other comments Over the next 12 months I will be spending time and money on her to get her back to her original beauty. As an ex Charter boat she has been knocked around a bit but my passion for yachts should see her turning heads in no time.