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Review of the Hunter 310 by Sal Longhitano

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Oakdale, New York  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes - The boat met or exceeded every expectation for its size and price.  
Gear that's been added 2 burner stove w/oven, window shades, autopilot, pedestal canvas cover, canvas winter cover.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features Interior accomodations are excellent. It's very bright and open. The galley is well laid out and pleasing to the eye. The woodwork is well done.Outside the cockpit is huge for a boat of this size. Stern rail seats are very enjoyable and add to the room in the cockpit.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The jib halyard is arranged with a fairlead near the masthead to prevent the top swivel from winding up the halyard when furling. After one season the halyard is badly chafed at that spot.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is very easy for me to single-hand and is stable and predictable in moderate conditions. It is fast and agile.  
Motoring characterisitcs Comparing this boat to my previous Hunter 23.5, I find it is easier to handle under power. ( The 23.5 had an 8H.P. outboard.) The engine always starts easily but it has quite a bit of vibration which I guess is a function of it being a 2 cyl. diesel. (On several occasions the engine has run rough with some white smoke from the exhaust. The dealer and Yanmar have not been able to suggest a probable cause. Anyway it happens so rarely that it is not much of a concern.)  
Liveability It's just about the right size for my family of four. (Kids are 7 and 10 yrs.) The bright and aesthetically pleasing cabin, head, and galley make overnight and longer stays enjoyable.A major factor in choosing this boat over other similar 30 footers was the fully partitoned forward and aft staterooms. I like to get up a few hours earlier than the rest of the family and I can make breakfast without disturbing them.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been great to deal with. They gave a great tour of the factory while my boat was being built. They are always polite and helpful when I call them with questions. It is very easy to reach them and they have an 800 telephone number for that purpose.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I look at Glenn and Bill of Long Island Yacht Sales more like friends than a dealer. They gave me a great deal on the boat, including the trade in of my 23.5, and took care of every small problem I had after taking delivery. I highly recommend them to others.I hear others complaining about late deliveries and dealers not responsive to requests for service. In truth, this dealer was not always the most responsive, but I think most of us have to learn to be more patient especially when the problems are not all that urgent. I would prefer for the dealer to run his business efficiently and not overcharge for the product.  
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