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Review of the Hunter 386 by John Zawacki

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Lake Saint Clair, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. My wife and I purchased our 2004 H386LE at the 2003 fall boat show here in Michigan (Lake Saint Clair). Prior to the H386 we sailed a 2002 H326 for 2 seasons. We really enjoyed the H326 but as our boat has become our summer cottage and weekend home we decided to move up in size. So far we really like to extra room and creature comforts on the H386. Since we purchased her at the fall boat show, we only had a chance to sail her twice before our scheduled haul out date. The first two maiden sails went very well. Our H386 has the in-mast furling option which I think we are really going to enjoy. Because the main sail is loose footed the boat seemed to sail flatter, something my wife and guests really appreciate. Over all, we are very pleased with the H386, Hunter and our dealer, Port Sanilac Marina. They have been very helpful every time we’ve had questions. They always provide answers to our questions in a timely manner. We are really looking forward to our 2004 spring launch date (about 79 more days).  
Gear that's been added I have purchased several options through the winter months such as a feathering prop, DC-to-AC inverter and Radar that I plan to install as soon as the weather permits. We have also ordered a custom crafted Dodger and Bimini which will be installed on the boat this spring.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features - Plenty of room both in the cockpit and below decks. - Ease of sail handling with Furling Jib and Main. - Adequate engine power (40HP Yanmar). - Great service from our dealer and Hunter.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. So far we haven't had any problems with anything major. There were a few minor items but they were immediately taken care of by our dealer.  
Sailing characterisitcs After only having the opportunty to sail our new H386 twice before winter storage, we have noticed that between the displacement of the boat (16,000 lbs) and the loose footed main, the boat sails very flat and with good speed and handling characteristics.  
Motoring characterisitcs The H386 has a 40HP Yanmar Diesel and seems to be sized appropriately. The only item we are planning on adding is a feathering prop for less drag when sailing and better reverse control.  
Liveability The H386 has plenty of room below for 2 - 4 adults to comfortably spend large amounts of time on board. The aft cabin has a large Queen sized birth with an inner spring mattress and plenty of storage. The aft cabin even has a wet storage locker. The head is accessable from both the aft stateroom and from the main salon to allow more privacy for guests and the owner. The galley area is well layed out with ample room to prepare meals while still allowing room for crew and guests to move about.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have dealt with Hunter a number of times and I have to say they do an EXCELLENT job of providing answers and information. Recently I emailed the Hunter support team and asked for information on installing an Auto-Helm aboard my H386. I asked for installation tips that will make my job easier while installing the system. Within 2 days I received an email with 20 digital pictures showning a complete Auto-Helm installation on a H386. They didn'y miss a thing. Just today I called Hunter wanting to know if the galley splash guard they outfit on the H41 would fit on our H386. Mike Thomas took mynameand number and within an hour called back with all the information I needed to know. I have to say that customer service is where it's at and Hunter seems to be doing a great job of it!!! Keep it up Hunter!!!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We purchased our H386 as well as our previous Hunter (a 2002 H326) from Port Sanilac Marina located in Port Sanilac, Michign. Both purchases have been a relaxing and enjoyable experience thanks to Norm Jackonen our salesmen. We have also been very happy with our post sales experience and with the folks at Port Sanilac Marina in general. They too have been very responsive to our needs.  
Other comments Sure there are other boats out there that cost a lot more money, but if your looking for a great cruising boat with a well layed out plan, great fit and finish, take a good look at Hunter and compare. You get a lot of boat for your money!!!  

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