Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter HS470 by Ed Tomlinson

Year built 2001  
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 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? Yes  
Gear that's been added Yes.....4 flat screen TVs, SSB radio, weather fax, off shore cabin with gimgaled bed, Spectra water maker, ice maker, water purification system, Northern Lights 6I generator, vacuflush fresh water heads, 10 inch binnacle chart plotter with 7 inch repeater at nav station, DSC VHF, inmast TV antenna, autopilot, all Ratheon navigational aids, 3 bladed Maxiprop, salt and fresh water washdowns, gelcell house and start batteries, Hart 2000 inverter, stainless and chrome off shore hatches and ports, custom dodger and bimini, fully enclosed cockpit which includes screens, electric winches, custom Doyle sails, inmast rollerfurling main, rollerfurling jib, staysail, custom furling assymetrical power sail, eggshell deck and custom Helsen Awlgrip hull, feathered custom keel, custom woodwork interior, custom fabric, custom stainless 64 lb. CQR.  
Structural or complex improvements yes. The hull was lengthened and stern lowered to reduce drag underway. Also, the leading and trailing edge of the keel were feathered to reduce drag and increase agility characteristics.  
The boat's best features The loop furling system for the main enable you to put up and take down the sail in seconds. Undersail in the gulf with the assymetrical flying and main up we were able to maintain a constant 10 knots. The custom cockpit entryway and stairway enable you to enter and leave the main salon from the cockpit with ease. Because of the fresh water head system this is the first boat I've owned that is odorless!!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I think you'll find this hard to believe, but there is not a single part of the boat that is not totally functional.  
Sailing characterisitcs She's very fast!....and stable.  
Motoring characterisitcs My turbo charged Yanmar allows me to motor with the Maxi prop at a constant 8 knots.  
Liveability The boat sleeps 6 very comfortably. The air conditioning at anchor using the generator or using shorepower coupled with 8 circulation fans provide complete comfort. Real mattresses are a must. The ability to carry 200 gallons of fresh water allows us to take LONG showers after hot days on the Chesapeake. Overall it's a very comfortable "little" home.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) My experience with Hunter is one which you do not find in most customer service relationships. I have owned 3 new Hunters since 1994. Hunter Marine has always been there to take care of any problems. They always worked to provide whatever I needed in the way of parts and expedited installation through local dealers. Today my Hunter dealer is Sailor's Wharf in Tampa, FL. Although I haven't really had much for them to do on this new boat, when I did they were there immediately. Let me give you an example: Because we run so much in the way of electrical options that I purchased with my boat, the original generator which Hunter Marine speced was not adequate. At no expense to me, the people from Sailor's Wharf traveled from Florida on a FRiday, removed my generator in Annapolis and replaced it with an industrial model on Sat. and we used the boat on Sunday. More than anything else, I was impressed by the fact that we could not find any evidence of them ever having been there. P.S. The new generator works wonderfully.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased my boat at the Annapolis Boat Show from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in NJ. It is the second boat that I have purchased from them at the Boat Show. I find it surprising that the local Hunter dealers are always bested from someone from out of state.  
Other comments We purchase Hunters because we believe in the boat and we believe in the people behind the boat. This year we planned to make a passage to Ireland. As a result of the economic times we were unable to do it. In 2003 we hope to make this dream come true. We will keep you informed.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |