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Review of the Hunter 41DS by Betsy Maddock

Year built 2006  
Location of boat San Diego, CA  
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? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Full canvas enclosure, dinghy davits, replaced the bi-fold shower door with a single plex-glass door, Triak rack.  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Storage space is more prevalent than one might think. As a live aboard, I am pleased, but you have to be organized and creative. I love the venetian blinds. (see note below regarding cats)  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Th bi-fold shower door was leaky and hard to clean. There is no drain in the starboard head and therefore any shower runoff, head overflow (hope this doesn't happen) or sink splash up would not drain. It could really make the small space easier to clean if there were a drain. The aft bed's mattress is thin and although gueen by size, you can not flip the mattress because of the configuration. The finger holes in the floor boards were a source of "fur"stration. We have a Golden Retriever and calico cat on board and the fur is like tumbleweed and falling throught the holes. I found chair/stool leg caps at Home Depot that fit in the holes upside down! Works well and pop out to lift the panels. Again, being a live aboard we have probably tested the limits of a few things. One item that has broken three times is the closet hanging rod in the bow closet. I think we finally have a solution, use metal, not plastic and use a backer board to help solidify the screws. I love the venetian blinds. (Be careful if you have cat, they love to chew the vertical cords. You can buy replacement cord at JoAnn's Crafts in a small packet or by the yard. Get a lot more than you think b/c once you begin, the cord weaves back and forth. Use a large needle to help you.)  
Sailing characterisitcs Smooth sailing, easy to use auto-pilot allows us time to relax together, all lines to the cockpit is nice, would recommend electric whenches if you can stomach the $$$, just for the added ease.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motor-sailing works well to stabalizee, backing up is difficult, especially without a bow thruster.  
Liveability Livable and well lived in. The "DS" model is key for me. I love the extra head room and airiness. The salon area is a nice size and the corner is cozy to cuddle up with a loved one. We added a flat panel to the aft cabin wall and love it for watching late night shows in bed. The head sinks are small and it's difficult not to splash water out when washing your face, but all in all I really can't complain about the boat. Living aboard is a MAJOY lifestyle change and you must embrace and welcome the change. I personally hate laundry day b/c I hate laundry mats. There are some models with washer/dryer combos, but I still think the laundry mat is the way to go.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We've dealt a little bit with Hunter for some warranty type issues with a leaky shower and such. The major problem for us is that we bought the boat in Annapolis, MD and then a few months later moved to San Diego, CA. The only Dealer in SD would not support us at all!!!! So much to tell here, but be warned. Tidewater in Annapolis was great and we can't wait to move back at the end of 2008.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Tidewater in Annpolis MD was great. Jarrett was great as was Paul. All staff are very friendly and eager to help. I wouldn't recommend the San Diego dealership at all...see notes above.  
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