Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter Vision-36 by Jim

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Berkeley, 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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, wanted one since first introduced at boat shows.  
Gear that's been added Doyle stackpack; hard dodger; cockpit and stern rail seat cushions; canvas window coverings; electric windlass w/remote control at bow; radar tower at stern; belowdecks autopilot; radar/gps/chartplotter; wind speed; refrigeration; microwave; holding tank sending unit (best idea yet!); engine hour meter.  
Structural or complex improvements Not really as nothing needed but did remove and replace vertical pedestal gaurd with angle guard to accomodate radar display. The Doyle stackpack makes striking the main and "bagging" it , post sail, easy.  
The boat's best features Free-standing rig-- eliminates a lot of worries; ease of sailing with all lines led aft, electirc winch, and ST 6000 autopilot with autotack makes singlehanded sailing pretty straightforward; belowdecks is simply awesome, roomier than some larger boats; detailing/joinery is very nice and not seen in newer production boats; great headroom; engine access is easy; cedar lined closets, drawers are an unexpected touch; gobs of lights/lighting; multiple opening ports and lots of windows really open up the boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Halyards, sheets/tuning blocks at base of mast can bind with base of vang when on reach or running. Mid-boom traveler/main sheet setup works but must rely on electric winch to trim! Vee berth is a little narrow to call a "double." Vanity (sink) in head drains straight to sump vs. direct overboard so tend to use the kitchen sink instead. Can't figure out where to attach a boom brake. CDI (flexible furler) advises can furl the gib on any point of sail which, so far, hasn't held true.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points higher than expecte; tacks well; great on reach or downwind; little tender at first, then seems to stay in the groove no matter how hard it blows albeit can develop considerable weather helm with only one reef in; accelerates quickly; large main sail so usually tack (spin) downwind vs. gibe to avoid problems.  
Motoring characterisitcs 2 blade, fixed prop gets 6 kts at 27-2800 rpm. Backs straight; very large rudder makes for tight turns; backs great to port; less so to starboard--have to plan well ahead.  
Liveability Despite no through deck ventilation, no problems with mildew. Spend weekends regularly and occasionally 3-4 nights. Great headroom; walk through master stateroom is nice. I could live aboard easily, wife thinks need more closet space. Go figure!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very positive. ALways has an answer or a referral ready at hand.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from an individual.  
Other comments Very pleased with their product and support. Vision series never really caught on which is a shame. Lots of folks could enjoy more sailing with a lot less effort and worry if the boats were still being made.  

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