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Review of the Hunter 37.5 by Tom Schlagel

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Mystic, CT  
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 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definitely. We have sailed the heck out of this boat for 4 seasons and the boat still looks like new. This boat is roomier than most 40 footers. For coastal cruising, this boat is almost perfect!  
Gear that's been added -Autohelm 4000 (a must for a boat this size)-Autohelm Wind Indicator-Autohelm NavData Repeater (great at the helm)-Apelco Loran (from last boat, wouldn't leave home without it)-Micrologic GPS (Interfaced with Repeater and laptop charting software)-Tri-Radial Cruising Spinnaker w/ ATN sock-35lb Delta Anchor (we anchor often)-Dodger with Bimini-Upgraded to Group 27 batteries (2)  
Structural or complex improvements None as yet.  
The boat's best features -Value-Roominess below-Walk-around aft cabin-Performance under sail and power-Walk through transom and swim platform-Easy to maintain  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We had a leak that took some time to track down and it was found to be caused by the toe rails which had also oxidized somewhat more than they should have. Hunter and the dealer replaced them and after the rebed the leak was gone. We have been dry for 2 seasons now. The plastic cabinet catches are really flimsy and we are constantly replacing them. 2 or 3 of our stanchions have cracked and will have to be replaced. We had problems with the Hood Roller Furling but Hood has replaced the bearings in both the swivel and the drum with stainless steel bearings and that has taken care of that problem. We are somewhat concerned about the keel bolts showing some rust near the washers and we will be looking into this.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sails very well in most conditions. She gets overpowered to windward in about 17 knots and you need to reef. With one reef in the main, she sails like a dream in up to the 27 knots we have sailed in. Downwind she sails nicely with the cruising spinnaker. The boat accelerates well out of a tack and seems to point fairly high. We have no problem staying with or passing sailboats of equal or larger size. Lisa and I have no problem sailing the boat by ourselves due to most lines being led aft and proper winch size.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat motors well and has plently of power for the times that you need it. In New England, we powersail a lot during July/August and the boat handles real well. The Yanmar 3JH2E is a dream to work on and we have had no problems with it so far. It starts and runs like a dream.  
Liveability This boat is very roomy and comfortable for the two of us. When we do have guests we find there is still plenty of room to move around. We especially love our aft cabin as it is very roomy and airy. It does get a little noisy in there during a blow. The head is roomy and the inside/outside shower is a great convenience. The corian countertops in the galley are bulletproof. As said before, this boat has more room than most 40 footers.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been great as far as backing warranty items and answering our questions.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Our dealer has also been great. I would highly recommend Sailing Specialties for a sailboat purchase. We have purchased two boats from them and have been generally pleased with the experience.  
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