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Review of the Hunter 326 by Scott Narum

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Portland, OR  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It has proven to be an excellent design, with some very nice unique features. I also looked at the Catalina 310, but my Hunter is better suited for a family with berths for six (max), and a genuine dining table. I considered the Hunter 306, but the 326 won out because it has a useful galley and better looks.  
Gear that's been added Factory additions: Bimini, Dodger (DON'T GET THESE WITHOUT TALKING TO ME FIRST! THEY SUCK!), CD stereo, deep keel, windlass (I've grown to love this), full oven/range combo (I've used the oven a ton), in-mast furling (I'm getting to appreciate this), spinnaker gear and winches (no spinnaker yet, so I haven't used these), arch-mounted traveler (get this), accordian window shades. Dealer additions: second battery (I can't believe Hunter supplies only one series 24!), Raymarine Autopilot (can't live without it).  
Structural or complex improvements No improvements made. Not sure what I would do.  
The boat's best features Interior design with the new laquered woodwork is excellent, great roomy and useable galley, great electric lighting, cockpit comfort, arch, looks, cockpit console, the way the accordian window shades retract into recesses, fuel economy of 18 hp Yanmar, shifting lever action (one lever does it all well), sails well. An abundance of hatches and ports make for a bright interior, which is valuable in the gray Northwest. Fabric is top-notch. The floor is a beautiful genuine teak and holly, unlike the Catalina 310 which uses "Pergo" plastic laminate.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Factory bimini and dodger are the worst I've ever seen. They are shapeless and baggy, plus they don't attach to each other. The head is a bit small, altho it works well. The engine, while providing amazing fuel economy is underpowered for a boat of this size. You cannot achieve hull speed. The placement of the hanger rods in the closets are such that you can't put normal hangers on them. The stanchions are placed so that side entry onto the boat is very difficult. Workmanship on the painting of the gray non-slip was sloppy. Tachometer has been troublesome.  
Sailing characterisitcs Great pointing upwind (tacks thru 80 degrees?), which I didn't expect with the furling main. I little sluggish in light winds, I'm sure the standard full roach main would be better. Directly down wind is poor, because of the B & R rig that doesn't allow the main to come all the way out. I'll bet a cruising spinnaker would be a great addition to this boat. So far the max speed I've achieved is 6.7 knots. I have managed to put a rail in the water from a gust. On the Columbia, it seems it's either dead calm or gale force wind.  
Motoring characterisitcs 18 hp Yanmar is too small for the boat. Max speed is 6 knots full out, I cruise at about 5.4 knots which is 3000 rpm. Hull speed is 7 knots. Motor is a bit noisy, even with the excellent sound-proofing supplied by Hunter. However, the engine has been flawless so far, and it is incredibly fuel efficient. I am getting better than 1/2 gallon per hour. Hunter claims a tank size of 28 gallons, so the crusing range is amazing for a boat of this size (300+ statute miles). Hunter supplies a fantastic single lever control for the engine, it cannot be beat. Backing is about par for a sailboat.  
Liveability No one in their right mind would live on this boat. However, for weekend cruises with family it is great for its size range, for one person or a couple you could be on it for weeks. The interior is well-designed, and the cockpit is very comfortable. The cockpit console has two flip out tables, four drink holders, a storage compartment, yet it does not intrude. The head is the absolute minimum size. Dining table is good sized, plus beautiful.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Nothing so far. Their factory owners manual is excellent. They will be hearing from me about the joke they supplied for the bimini and dodger, however.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The Sailing Life in Portland, OR. They have been great so far. They have gone the extra mile with what I have needed.  
Other comments I am obsessive about purchasing decisions of this magnitude. The Hunter is the best boat in its size and price range there is.  

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