Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 40 by Ralph Perez

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, great learning boat, we had a great head start from the previous owner who put over $100k in upgrades. Sounds hard to believe but he had receipts to show it. We added another $25k or so.  
Gear that's been added From radar mast with everything on it to new helm, dodger, electric winches, new gelcoat topsides, bimini, stainless steel grab rails (removed teak) new entryway with smoked glass sliding hatchway, new LEWMAR hatches, windlass, max prop and then below all new teak cabinets, electric heads, 7 batteries, inverter, chart plotter/radar seatalk system, converted ice box to refrigerator, removed forward head presently converted to storage, will install generator at a later date and use forward holding tank for fuel. This is just what I could think of now.  
Structural or complex improvements I haven't but the previous owner did. Mostly in the radar mast, it has everything from a dinghy winch to a spotlight, you name it it has it.  
The boat's best features Our learning boat - we taught ourselves to sail, pulled everything apart and was able to find a part at West Marine for it. It looks new and is somewhat fast; we get lots of compliments on it.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Engine smokes, yet I am told this is normal for this engine. Forward shower and even rear shower is a joke.  
Sailing characterisitcs Our boat is in what is called Hurricane Harbor; winds can kick up to under 30 knots and stay this way yet you go out past the breakwater and its fairly calm. We sail her to Catalina and even San Clemente Island mostly on autopilot. We use the electric winches for everything from hoisting the dinghy to cranking up the mainsail. Boat can sail itself and look good doing it.  
Motoring characterisitcs We motor sail when not enough wind and with the autohelm 4000 she gets us there effortlessly. Only complaint is she tends to smoke.  
Liveability Wife lived on her as I got sent to Bosnia a month after we bought her. Fuel tank leaked etc. Everything that needed replacing got it - including extra drawer under nav table, hidden garbage area, computer table, larger cabinets etc. Lots of storage space in this boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't had to yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any From private owner.  
Other comments I'm glad Hunter is so popular out here on the west coast. Looking forward to a Hunter rondeavau in the future.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |