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Review of the Hunter 306 by Arbee

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Melbourne, Australia  
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 2019  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely, couldnt be happier! This is our Goldilocks dream boat as a step up from trailer yachts, not too big, not too small.  
Gear that's been added Raymarine Element 7  
Structural or complex improvements No, just a complete refurb of the hull (stripped back, epoxied, new seacocks) and new rigging. Also changed the transformer to 240v/110v converter and we run it internally still on US voltage. Were only the second owners, so it made sense to do a clean sweep and give the boat a fresh start. It was so well looked after is was worth the effort and expense.  
The boat's best features Small enough for just my wife and I to handle, big enough for comfortable weekends on board. Given its a production boat with an evolved history, everything seems to be in the right place and the right size. Despite the performance compromises of in-mast furling I seem to have no problem reaching hull speed in 12 knots. The B and R rig with traveller out of the way and lots of cockpit hand holds is a real joy and comfort (I have a slight mobility issue). Forward visibility is fantastic. The cabin layout is masterful for such a compact boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Im replacing the original cabin downlight bulbs with LED, the originals get far too hot.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very comfortable in 8 - 15 knots and balanced helm. Easy furling in 15+ knots and assym spinnaker for light conditions.  
Motoring characterisitcs I inherited a big 3 blade fixed cruising prop, so lots of port prop walk in reverse but Im quickly learning to use it to advantage while docking. Surprised that hull speed is still quite easily achieved over 10 knots of wind.  
Liveability Perfect for a couple for a few days, we take a cabin each. The V berth is a real double though, unlike many boats of this size. The under cockpit bed is comfortable and nowhere near as claustraphobiic as I was expecting. The head is in a great position for space and privacy. I also like the lack of symmetry in the cabin re the table layout, and it folds up for a crowd.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We took the risk of importing a used boat from the US to Australia and found our 306 at Triton Yachts in Oriental NC. The most transparent, professional and friendly folk you could ever wish for (as was the surveyor Rob Eberle we discovered on several yachtie forums).  
Other comments We fell in love with the design after seeing a tired 290 almost by accident while looking at Catalinas. We imported as we dont see that many Hunters over here in Oz compared to Catalinas..  

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