Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 290 by Patrick Finnigan

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Harve de Grace, MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! For price and livability. More space than most 30 footers. Best sleeping berths of any boat owned. Stabel boat as well and safe  
Gear that's been added Traveller, cockpit shower & cushions, depth&knot VHF Battery charger rest standard equip. I installed Bimini since option was too expensive. did mind for $450.  
Structural or complex improvements Added Bimini.  
The boat's best features Space, stability, large cockpit, easy to sail.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. DEmand switch on water pump failed, had some gel coat cracks at toe rail scuppers Dealer fixed beautifully.  
Sailing characterisitcs Generally I don't like heavy weather but was out in 20 knots following winds and made 4.5 knots with just jib. Points very well, I was skeptical about B&R rigging and amount of sail area, but very pleased with its sailing ability. Also got caught in a 30 knot headwind under motor with 5'+ swells. She drove through most but hull lifted out of water with several large swells and pounded , and boat was very solid. Excellent crusing boat for couple.  
Motoring characterisitcs Vibration between 1200 and 1800 RPM very smooth after that. At 2200 doing 4.2 knots and at 2500 doing 4.5 knots at 3000 doing only 4.6. Found best milage and running around 2500 RPM.  
Liveability Love it, had 2 27 footers in past, no comparison. Was looking at a used Catalina 320, but found almost same space in 290 at much lower price. Plus you get a warranty. Front berth is what we perfer, almost 7' with and long wiht 3' plus area between berth and fron hatch. Back berth 8' long but if two using one has to climb over other to get out. Nice sixe bathroom, no problem showering. Nice to have bedrooms wiht closing doors and area to stand in them and get dressed. Don't recommend using saloon table for berth, odd size. Great boat for two couples for a weekend sail.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Tidewater Marine is an excellent dealer. Great service and good sales team. They do what they promise which is all a customer wants. I am not alone, I couldn't believe how many new boats they sold this past year. Highly recommend buying a Hunter from them. They are also Catalina dealer.  
Other comments While I could have bought a bigger boat, I am realistic to know that most sailing is done on the weekends and no matter how big a boat is, if you are not retired, you can only spend limited time on it. This Boat fit my life style perfectly  

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