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Review of the Hunter 336 by Keith Waller

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Herrington Harbour South, MD  
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. I would love to move up to a Passage 42 or similar boat for liveaboard and extended cruising- at such time I can afford to make a move up and I can find the right boat equipped the way I want it.  
Gear that's been added Dodger, Autohelm 400, GPS, Refrigerator/Freezer, Power Antenna, additional fans, additional 12v outlets, wheelcover, macerator, CD stereo, cellphone, TV-VCR. The dealer and Hunter provided a pretty complete sail-away package and I didn't need to add much more. Plan to add a bimini, cockpit cushions, small inverter, spinnaker and additional battery this season.  
Structural or complex improvements No, none at all. Can't imagine what I could need more than came with the boat.  
The boat's best features Light an airy- good for guests that get motion sickness. Roomy and comfortable for weekend and three day cruises. Easy to sail- even with inexperienced crew. It's a beautiful boat and pound for pound/ foot for foot this has to be the greatest value afloat. Easy to keep clean. Easy engine access. Plenty of storage space- nooks crannies and cubbies everywhere- can carry six with gear and provisions for three days with no trouble at all. Nice galley layout. Original lead-acid batteries have been fine. Will add additional battery with inverter.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Screws need backing, clips or reinforcing.. Keep finding latches, clips, plates etc. falling out because scews couldn't hold in soft backing or fiberglass. Been tightening mounts, bolts and screws all season. Downwind sailing has rubbed a hole in my batten sleeve where the batten touches the shrouds- sails better on a reach than downwind. Overall very minor problems. Wish I had more fresh water- tough managing water usage to last three days- with more than four aboard.  
Sailing characterisitcs Chesapeake Bay sailing- 10-12 knots, beating, reaching- some waves over the bow and a few thunderstorms. A good bit of motoring in the mid day late summer calm and into back creek anchorages. Handled well in spring storm with gale force winds. Generally pass every other boat in light summer air on a close reach, but lose them in a downwind run.  
Motoring characterisitcs Easy to handle, backing and forward. Getting some vibration at various RPMS- had trouble with engine settling out of alignment in the first two months. Wish I had something better than idiot lights to tell me how the diesel is feeling. Yanmar was not flexible at all in allowing me to upgrade gauges unless I bought the next grade up full dash assembly- very expensive for just a simple temp gauge and hour meter.  
Liveability Very comfortable- my weekend retreat. Plenty of room and light, plenty of air- especially with my scoop. The head is large and roomy for showers- I like the cockpit shower. The aft cabin is very roomy in spite of the low headroom. The V berth is small- but I prefer it for the light and air from the hatch right above. The galley is fine for full dinners for 6 at anchorage. Don't know how anyone does without the refrig-freezer. Never needed AC all summer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never dealt with Hunter directly. My dealer has taken care of everything.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from Tidewater in Havre de Grace, MD., after visiting the boat show in Annapolis. Shopped around and liked Benateau, but the Hunter was more appealing, better value and more comfortable aboard. My first boat- since my old Catt.  
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