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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Tom Hadoulias

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Cape Canaveral, Florida  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definately. This is one of the best buys for a cruising sailboat that is out there. This boat is highly overlooked by those thinking they need to spend more money to get a good bluewater boat  
Gear that's been added Preparing for long distance cruising, added Nexus electronics and under deck hydaulic auto pilot, Raytheon radar, Furuno GPS, Interphase forward looking sonar, running Capt'n software with full NEMA computer interface to all intrumentation and electronics. Refrigeration, Wind-Bugger wind generator, 150 watt solar panels, Ham and SSB radio with weather fax and email, Lectra-San, Origo stove, central A/C and heat.  
Structural or complex improvements Upgraded rigging, fabricated new chainplates, refabricated mast step, reworking rudder assembly to increase strengh, replaced portlights with NFM 316 stainless, moved mainsheet traveler to cabin top using Garhauer components, sealed lazaretes in cockpit, enlarged cockpit drains to 1 1/2". Rewired and replumbed entire boat  
The boat's best features Stable performance, easy motion in a seaway, cutter rig is very versatile for cruising couple, excellent accomodations for a boat this size. John Cherubini design of this vessel is excellent. Hull to deck joint is as strong as any in the industry.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Had to replace holding tank, portlights leaked and caused core damage to cabin sides, wiring throughout boat was marginal at best. Cracked chainplate on stbd upper, rudder bearing attach points are weak, some production shortcuts in glasswork predominantly in dorades and other inaccesable areas.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails very well with original sailplan and brisk wind, not a light wind performer but she's heavy as we've fitted her and I don't really care about performance. As a cruiser she can outperform most of them in her waterline legnth. Sails stiff upright and will maintain full sail area in 20 knt winds no problem. Shoal draft points OK to windward, not great but totally acceptable. Slight weather helm which is what you want in a good breeze, you can reef late and not be concerned about the boat being ill mannered.  
Motoring characterisitcs Replaced the Yanmar with a Perkins M30, about half the size and weight. Motors at hull speed at 3200 RPM will do 6.5 knts all day long at 2600RPM, pulls to stbd over 2300RPM underway and backs hard to port in reverse. Actually handy if you learn how to use it and the conditions are right. Will check alighnment at next haul out and try to fix the pull on the rudder during motoring at speed.  
Liveability Excellent, lived aboard for 6 months in between house moves.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Great people, will try to help and always return your phone calls but there aren't many people left that worked on the older boats and not many parts available. They do however point you in the right direction whenever they can help.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from a private seller.  
Other comments I don't forsee a need for any more boat. The more I work on her and other friends boats I appreciate the value that this model affords. I think you would be hard pressed to get more boat for the money and she is capable of extended passagemaking with the proper modifications. By the time you've added up your investment, you can fit out a 37C for long distance cruising for about half of a "Big Name" brand.  

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