Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 290 by Mike Sale

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Sausalito, CA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. Probably would be looking at a little larger boat however for the next purchase.  
Gear that's been added Cockpit and rail seat cushions , bimini top, GPS, and cavass covers for winches and helm. Also added refrigeration to the ice box.  
Structural or complex improvements None. I can't imagine how it could be improved in these areas.  
The boat's best features This was my wife's first experience with a sail boat and we wanted to make sure I could easily handle it by myself during her learning experience. San Francisco bay is a challenging place to sail and the boat has lived up to its reputation of being a great performer but forgiving and easy to handle. Below, everything is laid out so well. Plenty of room in both berths. The salon/galley are perfect. As a guest pointed out, it's hard to imagine that so much could fit so well in 29'.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have had a few problems with the knot meter. Although the through hull sensor is right next to the keel, I don't get a reading when I am on a port tack. This just started happening since I cleaned it so I am sure that it can be easliy remedied. Other than that, no problems whatsoever.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is stable on every point. Very little weather helm. Usually have the sails reefed as my wife isn't too comfortable yet with much of a heel when the wind is brisk.. as it usually is on the bay.  
Motoring characterisitcs The engine is very responsive and reasonably quiet underway. I usually motor along between 1800 and 2200 rpm. There seems to be a range between 2300 and 2600 where there is a bit of rattling but this is typical resonance that every boat has. Prop walk is minimal and it handles very well at very slow speeds manuevering in or out of our slip... even when we have a bit of a cross wind.  
Liveability We bought the boat after considering buying a mountain cabin as a weekend retreat. We haven't been disappointed. For the two of us it is incredibly comfortable and we can't wait until each Friday when he can head down and jump on board.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Nothing but absolutely supportive and responsive. We didn't expect too much, quite frankly, but they Hunter Marine has bent over backwards to answer our questions and help us. Even though we weren't the original owners, they have treated us as though we were their most important customer. It would be hard to convince us to buy any other make of boat when we make our next purchase.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought from a broker. He was OK although he obviously was the representative of the seller. We felt the negotiating was fair, however, and once the deal was done I think everyone left the table with a win-win attitude. As what I feel is typical, once the deal was done we haven't heard from him since.. not even a thank you card.. eventhough his office is about 400 yards away from where the boat is berthed.  
Other comments If you are reading this trying to make up your mind whether or not to purchase a Hunter, I wouldn't think twice... it is a great boat and tremendous value for the money.  

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