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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Bruce Longman

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Port Richey, FL  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! The Hunter 30 sails like a dream! It out sails Catalinas (even the tall rigs) and is very easy to handle - even single handed.  
Gear that's been added That's why I always say BUY A USED BOAT! This baby came with dinghy and outboard, new Profurl, TWO depth meters, GPS, spare jib and spinnaker, full bimini canvas with curtains and dodger, heavy duty wisker pole, 2 x VHF, CB, mast fitted loud hailer, new raked mast, batton main, electric windlass, 5 anchors (including a 66lb danford with full hurricane rig and 200ft chain with bridle), new foam and upholstry, enough spare parts to REBUILD the Yanmar, full cockpit cushions, jackets and trowables, awlgrip coating, Adler Barber refridgeration, I could go on and on. If I had to add that it would have doubled the price of the sailboat! Only paid $1500 above book. What a deal!  
Structural or complex improvements I have replaced the original presurized alcohol stove with an Origo alcohol/electric combo (wife insisted this was done otherwise I could not get the chart plotter I wanted!!!) Also installed CD player replacing old cassette deck - otherwise nothing else was needed.  
The boat's best features Head configuration is awesome! The design is very clever making best use of the limited space. The '81 Hunter FAR surpases newer versions and I can't understand why they changed the layout. V-berth is HUGE - 7.5 ft long bigger than our queen bed at home. Although a cruiser, it sails like a racer - 5.5 kts in a light breeze is normal! I broke 7.5 kts in a 15 kt wind with JUST the 150% Genoa.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Portholes are 23 years old and leak - even though I have tried to seal them, probably need to be replaced sometime soon. Replaced the faucet which had a small leak. Other than that no real problem, hull is sound and boat was impeccable.  
Sailing characterisitcs FAST! Heels quickly, I reef sooner than I would on my previous Catalina 34. She sails much faster when reefed in winds over 15 kts. Wheel a little small, might need to go bigger. Weather helm not as bad as Catalina - reef down solves it instantly. She handles big water without a problem. Very solid feel, I think she would handle 20 ft waves - but I know I wouldn't!!!  
Motoring characterisitcs BACKS LIKE A PIG! Backs to port at first - even though I switch standard 2 blade to 3 blade. But once you pick up speed (1.5 kts) she'll straighten out and then steers fine. You just gotta allow for it. A little under powered with only Yanmar 13 - one day when I feel rich I will upgrade to a 20 - but in the meantime fine - she will cruise comfiratble at 5.5 kts (2200rpm) and peaks at 6 kts.  
Liveability Very comfortable, once again the head configuration is the best I have seen in a boat this size. Nice headroom at 6.3 feels like a much bigger boat. Galley is fine, just needed to update the stove. Previous owner installed a HUGE refrigderator. Cockpit is NICE! Seating for 7 people, starboard lazarette is HUGE, plenty storage. Our first trip, bringing her home (300 miles) was 12 days and we didn't kill each other and had the best vacation ever! As a livaboard, perhaps too small for a couple but probably great for a batchelor.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Bought used, no comment here  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My used dealer was great - Tropical Yacht Sales in Ft. Walton beach, highly recommended will use again when I upgrade.  
Other comments As I don't have a lot of spare time and not too many restoration skills I was looking for a boat that was "dialed in" and was prepared to pay a little more. The previous owner (had her for 23 years) kept her immaculate, and that is exactly what I was looking for. I like to sail on my time off rather than spend my time repairing!!  

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