Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 356 by Steven Styles

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Port Huron, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 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? Yes, we have enjoyed this boat and the performance in all conditions.  
Gear that's been added 155% Jib & outboard tracks, 2500 Watt Inverter, Accumulator Tank, Outhaul ran to cockpit, Removeable sailcover, PC at the Nav Station.  
Structural or complex improvements Added outboard jib tracks for the 155% sail, added spinnaker winches.  
The boat's best features The performance of this boat is much better than the 2001 320 we had before. It is a very "liveable" boat belowdecks.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Little production problems that are left for the owner to "discover". Overall, a very good boat. There are a number of gelcoat line cracks near the toerails.  
Sailing characterisitcs Good sailing in very light air up to the heavy stuff. This boat can walk over much bigger boats on beam reaches. Easy to handle and forgiving as long as you don't have too much sail up in heavy air. Reef early!  
Motoring characterisitcs Runs well and uses very little fuel.  
Liveability Great for two people for long times, works for more people for shorter periods. The wheel gets in the way a little in the cockpit.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Some frustration when dealing with problems. Looking at the boat and them trying to convience me that I am not seeing what I am seeing because they don't build boats that way. They did come through, but it left a bad taste.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Great. This is the second boat from the same dealer and broker.  
Other comments Work on quality problems. Hunter may say they are one of the beat, but the industry still has a way to go.