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Review of the Hunter 146 by Brandon Grooters

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Grapevine, TX  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
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.  
Gear that's been added Yes. Added a Davis Marine Spar-Fly wind indicator. Side mounted on the mast.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Easy to set up, easy to trailer, easy to sail. Overall this is a very user friendly sailboat. This is the first sailboat I have owned and have found everything with the Hunter 146 enjoyable. We purchased our boat in May of 2003 and had it on the water over 30 times this year.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have a Honda 4 stroke 2.5 HP attache dto the motor mount. Due to the transome design it can be a little difficult to control the motor, the throttle grip is a little far aft of where you would typically sit. This is a minor issue.  
Sailing characterisitcs We sail on Grapevine Lake in Grapevine, Texas. We have had the boat out in everything from 5-21MPH (4-18kts) winds. The day we had it out when the wind was gusting to 21MPH we had the mainsail sheeted and the jib rolled in about 1/3rd of the way and enjoyed reasonably comfortable, upright sailing conditions. Most afternoons we are sailing in 10kt winds and the 146 handles these quite well. My daughter and I total about 280lbs of ballast and we both hike out when the winds are a little stiff and occasionally have to feather the main to keep teh boat sailing with little or no heel.  
Motoring characterisitcs We typically user the motor to leave and sometimes approach the float next to the boat ramp we use. In a days worth of sailing we use the motor less than 10 minutes. Since it weighs about 30lbs fueled, it does impact sialing performance. We are considering not using it when the conditions are good. We have 2.5HP 4-stroke Honda outboard. It is a short shaft and in rough conditions (usually caused by nearby PWCs) the prop can clear the surface of the water so we have to be a little careful.  
Liveability NA  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Yes. Hunter customer survice was excellent. I had 2 small (3-5mm) non-structural cracks in the centerbaord trunk area and they were very responsive and recommended appropriate corrective action.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased from LaVida Starships in Lewisville Texas. Dealer experience was good. Salespeople seemed knowledgeable about the Hunter models they were selling.  
Other comments I think the 146 is an excellent all-around family daysailor  

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