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Review of the Hunter 460 by Robert Polk

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Annapolis MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes - We are transitioning from racing to cruising. My wife picked the boat for its size, storage and comfort. I compared a number of alternatives and selected the 460 vs. a Benetau 461 because of the lead keel (versus iron on the Beneteau), deep sump, qualty of hardware and sails, design, brightness of interior, low maintenance (no exterior wood), and ease of handling. I also like the performance under sail (I am very surprized the boat is so fast - I have the standard rig with full-batten main0 and motor with the 76 HP Yanmar. I am slowly warming up to to the B  
Gear that's been added GPS, bimini and Zodiac roll up dingy. 5 coats of epoxy barrier coat being applied to bottom. Having external wood on seats, interior stairs and wood slat on companioway hatch finished in expoxy similar to HS470. Plan to add folding prop. Will add radar and dodger when we can take long cruises offshore to Bahamas and New England.  
Structural or complex improvements None to date  
The boat's best features Unique design features, modern design of the 460, low price. Highest quality accessories - Yanmar diesel, Edson rod steering, Northern Lights Gen Set, Lewmar hatches and winches, Heart AC Inverter, Rayteon Electronics, excellent refrigeration and Air Conditioning.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Autopilot drive motor failed and sent back to Rayteon for overhaul. Had difficult to find leak in anchor locker floor.  
Sailing characterisitcs Well balanced - Very easy to sail and tack. No lines cluttering the cockpit. Sails vey fast in 7 knots of wind. Easily outpointed and was faster than Sabre 42 and Tartan 4100. Reaches very well in light air with the huge main. On our delivery trip from CT to Annapolis last fall we ofter hit between 11-12 knots in 15-20 knots true. Confirmed by GPS. B  
Motoring characterisitcs Plenty of smooth power. I prefer Yanmar to other brands. Boat will cruise at 8 knots and can be pushed to over 9. We kept up with a number of 40-45' Trawlers when we brought the boat home last fall. Boat backs up well and steers easily and accurately in reverse.  
Liveability Everyone says its the biggest 46 footer they ever saw. Has much better storage than Beneteau 461 or the new 473. Great galley. Pleny of fuel and water capacity. Excellent lighting and love the courtesy lighting. We love the table with the ability to sit all around it. We love to play cards with our guests. Layout is ideal for our plans but does not lend itself to real offshore sailing.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been very helpful. Took a plant tour after we bought boat and they spent over an hour and a half with us so I could see exactly how the boat was assembled. Very impressed with the methods used to attach hull to the deck.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought the Boat rom Sailing Specialties in West Mystic CT. Can't say enough good things about my salesman, Fletcher Ryan. He has always been helpful and responsive.  
Other comments Current Hunters are very innovative and are easy to distinguish from the other boats. Other sailors seem to love or hate their unusal look and features such as the SS Arch and B  

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