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Review of the Hunter 43 by Brad Newell

Year built 1992  
Location of boat Port Ludlow, WA  
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 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? For our purposes, it has been a nearly perfect vessel. It's big enough to go anywhere and small enough to daysail. I have not seen another boat that I would trade for.  
Gear that's been added Radios, water maker, batteries, solar panels, tow generator, energy systems monitor, liferaft, autopilot, windvane steering system (not installed except for long distance cruising), radar, diesel forced air furnace, "hard" dodger, Martec prop.  
Structural or complex improvements We added through-hulls for both heads. The middle of the Pacific is not a place to be with the macerator pump inoperative and the holding tank full. Also added a manual freshwater pump for the galley.  
The boat's best features It is fast and roomy - very comfortable.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We had a small leak through the deck that drove us crazy for several years. It turned out to be from around the factory installed deck solar panel. The wire from that thing goes through a hole under the deck shield - and the traveller had to be removed to get at it. Most of the bolts to do that job had siezed and had to be drilled out - very expensive. Also had a crack in the bottom of the anchor well that was a chore to find. With any sea running, water would enter through the drains and then run into the boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs Most of my boats have had deep fin-keels, like C&Cs, and handling of the Hunter is different. Since the keel and the rudder are both low aspect-ratio, you have to avoid using full rudder suddenly at low speed - you can "stall" both surfaces. The boat is very maneuverable but you have to plan ahead.  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a Martec folding prop and it developes more torque than drive in reverse. It's a pig in reverse. Backing in calm air is OK; any other situation is to be avoided.  
Liveability Wonderful. We lived on it for a four-year Pacific cruise and a year after we returned. I would not cruise a boat with only one head.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been great. Can't say enough good about them.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer's idea of support was to hand us some pages with the names of the manufacturers of the equipment on the boat. The dealer sold but did not support the product. Thank God for Hunter's direct intervention. That dealer is no longer in business.  
Other comments If you are going to make extended ocean passages, install a baby stay.  

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