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Review of the Hunter 18.5 by Bill Elsing

Year built 1992  
Location of boat Pennsylvania  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1996  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes and No. I prefer the Hnter over all other boats in their class and purchased it for that reason. It is very roomie, handles well and is a lot of fun. However, if I did it all over again, I would spend the extra money, look for an older used Flicka and treat it as a project boat.  
Gear that's been added The boat has used and fairly well equiped when I purchased it. But I still added rolling Furler jib, a lot of accessories, compass, hand held electronics, replaced the portable head, ventalation fans, a few electrical accessory etc.  
Structural or complex improvements There was some damage to the stern so I did fiberglass repair and painted the upper half. The previous owner installed a trolly track for the jib blocks. They did not bed the fasteners, just drilled through the deck and bolted the track down which eventually leaked water. I had the remove the tracks, drill out larger holes, clean out rotted wood which is laminated between the fiberglass and inject new resin and re-bed the tracks. Not a drop of water has leaked since then.  
The boat's best features The wide beam and roomie interior, the fixed winged keel, good looks.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Footing the mast and the old tabernacle are poor, getting weaker and a serious concern for the future.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is not particular fast in normal wind (5 to 12) and does not move well in very light wind. Conversely, it is also tender in higher wind (15 and up)and I find myself having to reduce sail earlier than other boats on the water at the same time.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very easy to motor.  
Liveability The boat is great for day sailing but I have never stayed over night on the boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very fine  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any no comments  
Other comments The Hunter was the best boat for me at the time of purchase. Priced reasonable, it has held its value to date and has met all of my personal requirements.  

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