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Review of the Hunter 340 by Wynn Ferrel

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Lake Stockton, MO  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
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 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? You bet. Hunter packs a lot of value into their boats. If considering a Hunter, understand that the quality level is not that of a Tarten or even newer Beneteau's that I have seen. But, there is a considerable difference in price. For the money spent, I am completely satisfied with my decision to by a Hunter 340. I have bigger, better boat envey like anyone else. But for now, I am delighted with this boat. I've waited over two years to write this review so that I could offer a longer term ownership perspective.  
Gear that's been added Sort of "the usual." Shades, bimini, A/C heat pump, Adler Barbour Cold Machine, CD, TV,cockpit spekers and just this week a Mack Pack to get rid of the chore of the sailcover. My least favorite part of sailing.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features Openess of the interior, plenty of light, size of the aft berth, galley and head. Very much appreciate the size and safety of the cockpit, the swim platform, cockpit shower (wife and daughters really like it for washing their hair), cockpit reefing system is great and frequently used, and the arch. The arch has been a bit contoversial. I like the traveler on the arch and the way the bimini attaches to the arch. I VERY MUCH like the safety of the arch for hand holds and for just leaning against when under way when someone else is at the helm. My favorite position. Cockpit speakers can be mounted into the arch access ports. A great look and they won't get kicked out or damaged. Also, very much appreciate the size of the water and waste tanks. Very thoughtful. Like the Yanmar engine and the access to it.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. My biggest complaint is that Hunter tends to use some OEM parts that are too cheap. For example, the Jabsco head has been a continuous pain in the rear. (Pun intended. Sorry.) The pump mechanisim is el cheapo and Jabsco's service is poor. The Guest battery charger fried 3 batteries before I learned enough about the charger/battery system to know that it was the battery charger frying the water out of my batteries, from overcharging. I purchased and installed a Newmar charger. A few bucks more, but great quality and problem free. The few bucks spent on a better charger whould have been alot cheaper than replacing three batteries. The tach and the waste and water tank sensors are additional OEM issues. All failed within the first two years. The fluid tank sensors are a expensive to replace and should be designed to last longer. There is not enough thought and room given for additional wiring. A real pain to add wiring. The electical switch panel is too small and could/should be better quality. I've been through 3 or 4 fresh water pump failures. Hunter has ALWAYS been cordial and cooperative about replacing them, even after the one year warrenty had expired. (Another OEM part issue.) They were candid enough to admit they had a problem with some OEM pumps and stepped up to the plate. We wish the salon seatees were long enough to accomodate a six foot person for sleeping. A bit cramped to spend the night in a curled position. The starboard seatee needs to be longer and wider to allow an adult to sleep or rest on it. I think storage could be improved, also.  
Sailing characterisitcs Tender. We find it necessary to single reef at 15 knots and double reef at 20 knots. Can be a real handful if you wait too long. If properly reefed and trimmed the boats stays on its feet and feels very safe. I wouldn't call the 340 a speed demon. Probably it is my lack of sailing and sail trim experience and the weight of full water and waste tanks, but I think the boat should sail faster relative to other boats.  
Motoring characterisitcs Just fine. Runs right along at just under 3000 RPM. (My best guess with a lousy tach -- registers 500 RPM with the engine turned off.) I like the Yanmar and 27 hp is fine for this size boat. I wish I had a 3 bladed prop to improve responsivness, but for fresh water sailing it is probably unnecessary.  
Liveability Great! It's our "lake condo." Great concept if you need to sell the idea of a sailboat of this size and expense to your spouse. "Dear, its just like our lake home or condo, except we can have fun in and on it and it moves around." Worked for me!! But, my wife won't sleep with me anymore in the aft cabin, as she ends up on the side of the bunk next too the bulkhead and she feels trapped. I REALLY wish with the bunk ran in line with the keel. But, all boats are compromises. However, the aft cabin is very cozy and roomy. Our friends truely enjoy visiting our boat and they enjoy the sailing experience. A great way to entertain friends.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have delt directly with the Hunter customer support people many times. It has ALWAYS been cordial and they are ALWAYS responsive. Even calling for techical advice on small issues that come up. They are a GREAT continuing service and add great value to the Hunter purchase.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any When I bought the boat new, it broke my heart to see the dealer's employees installing options on my boat and walking around on the cabin sole over sawdust, wood waste from sawing, cut wiring ends, and a screw over the bare wood. More training should be given to dealers on the pre-delivery care of the boat. I would require a protective blanket covering the sole and the upholstry. Hunter needs to study how Lexus delivers cars to customers. When someone spends this much for this expensive a toy, it doesn't make sense to me not to give the owner a terrific pre-delivery and delivery experience. I prepared a running "punch list" of items that needed to be corrected and faxed the list to the dealer after each weekend visit to the boat. All issues were in writing and were clear to the dealer. He did a fine job or resolving them as his schedule for other work and other customers permitted. He is a small dealer and has skilled labor issues a peak times. I understand that. As a general comment, the punch list of initial concerns was too long and could have been shortened with better quality control at the factory and better quality OEM parts. Those two points would solve a lot of delivery and warrenty problems. Toyota can do it and still turn out a moderately priced car packed with value. Hunter could to with the right management emphasis on quality and training, IMHO.  
Other comments All in all, as we begin our third sailing season, I am very pleased with my purchase. I would do it again and I likely will as I move up to a larger boat, but I will be a lot more knowledgable the next time around a will insist on the right quality of OEM parts, even if I have to pay more to get it right. Cheaper and less frustrating in the long run.  

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