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Review of the Hunter 320 by Stephen Baltes

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Pelican Point YC @ Smith Mtn Lake, Va.  
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 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! I had a 1990 Hunter 27 which I loved and I wanted a 310 when they first came out, and the 320 is everything that model was plus many improvements. Lots of small changes that add up to an even better boat. A sleaker cabin profile and the stainless arch give it a unique and distinctive look. And I especially like the dove grey canvas as it is also unique in our marina so far.  
Gear that's been added Ordered it with In-mast furling main, bimini, the stove/oven, stereo, traveler on the arch. I'm looking at adding refrigeration next, then AC/heat in a year or so. Would also like an assymetrical spinnaker down the road.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features The whole package is just great! From the easy to board stern, up into the large and comfortable cockpit, to the wide side decks that make moving around very easy. Below decks the separate quarters are great for my teenage daughter and her guests, and the grandkids are very comfy in the forward cabin. The galley is been very workable in fixing dinner for 6. As for sailing, I single-hand mostly and it is quite easy to handle. Moved up from a 28 and this boat sails and handles even easier than that one did. I really like the stainless steel arch and having the travel lines readily at hand, as well as something solid to grab onto if the need arrises.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Nothing so far. Very few picky little things that the dealer has taken care of within the first few weeks. 1 screen was missing (replaced), oven did not light properly (tape over igniter), just little things. The inside cover in the forward cabin that covers the anchor locker seems loose, but is actually attached very well. The in mast main is a little stiff until you furl and unfurl it a few times. It is getting easier each time we go out.  
Sailing characterisitcs Have sailed in mostly light air so far and as I said it is very easy to handle. Tacks well, and seems to have plenty of sail even with the 70 or so sq. ft. you loose with the in-mast furling setup. Still quite adequate given the weight of this boat and it's long waterline. If I raced much I would have passed on the the in-mast setup, but with small children on board most of the time and my getting older and less agile it works great for me. If I get that greed for speed I'll order the APC!!  
Motoring characterisitcs Handles quite well under power. I have the fixed three-blade prop which I'm sure gives it a little extra thrust in both forward and reverse. I moor stern first into our slip and backing has been no problem. The 18 HP Yanmar seems well suited to this size boat.  
Liveability It has been most comfortable for 2-3 day stays so far. The numerous ports and hatches provide good ventilation, there's room to store everything that I regularly leave aboard. I look forward to the time when I can spend weeks at a time aboard, but for now long weekends will have to suffice. I can see a couple being quite comfortable aboard a 320 for extended periods. (My wife is not much of a boat person, and even she has enjoyed overnighting aboard, but only at the dock so far).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I sent numerous questions to Hunter tech support prior to buying the 320 and every time I received a complete and prompt response (Thanks Greg). That, along with prior hunter experience and a good relationship with my dealer were the deciding factors (note: I did look at the Catalina 310-320 as well and chose the Hunter 320 instead!)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Dave at American Marine & Sail Supply was just great throughout the buying experience. I drug him along for almost six months, looking at several models, options and combinations and he was both patient and persistent in helping me decide exactly what I wanted and needed. Follow up has been great as well. Warrantee issues, should they arrise, are something I expect both Hunter and AMSS to handle in the manner I have become accustomed to by past experiences with both. All these factors are what lead me to buying a new boat, something I never expected to do. He carries the Hunter and Catalina lines up to 34 footers and has the years of experience to support both new and experienced sailors needs. A great place to comparison shop.  
Other comments I've waited several months to write this review so I would have a good overall feel for the good and bad aspects of my 320. It was absolutely the right boat for me at this time. It combines solid construction, innovative design features, and also, most importantly to me, the best value in a mid sized cruising sail boat I could have found.  

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