Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 430 by Tony Reed

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Burnt Store Marina, Fl  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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 I would. I have had the boat in Belize three winters and in George Town one winter. It did very well in any conditions that we encountered in all the passages back and forth. Not a lot of storage and not a very good sea berth but when you get to where your going the living space is very nice. Have not experienced hardly any leaks and the ones I had were easy to fix. I have been surprised how well it sailed in 35 knots of wind and big seas.  
Gear that's been added Generator, Water Maker, SSB, Radar/Chart & Plotter and Repeater at Nav Station, GPS, Auto Pilot, AC, In Mast Main , Sail Mail, Davit, Replaced Halyard Sheaves with Ball Bearing Sheaves.Nav Sta VHF, Canvas.  
Structural or complex improvements Have made no structural or complex improvements although I am considering replacing the arch with a stainless arch with more of a forward angle.  
The boat's best features It is a fast boat for a cruising boat, it handles rough seas as well as any I think. It has a very livable floor plan and is a very good value for the money.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Halyard Sheaves never worked well so I replaced those with ball bearing sheaves. Outside compartment latches work but they are a bad design. I have had a leak or two but nothing that you not find on any boat. The waste holding tanks had to be replaced this year which were alum. The windlass that came with the boat was not adequate for the job and was a problem until the day it was replaced.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sail's great in my judgement. I have never had any complaints with the sailing characterisitcs. It is stable, has more than enough sail and has good speed.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motor is a little loud and could use better insulation. I have around 1800 hours with no problems  
Liveability Great!!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They are very helpful with any problem and because of my experience with Hunter I would buy another Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from Light House Landing located on Kentucky Lake and it was a pleasure dealing with everyone at that dealership. If I were buying another boat I would go straight back to that dealership. They were profession, knowledgeable and helped handle any problem promptly no matter where I happened to be on the boat.  
Other comments I don't think you can find a better value in a sail boat than a Hunter. The factory support is very good which is important. I have had ten years on my boat this year and have had minor problems overall. I would buy another Hunter if I were in the market today.  

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