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Review of the Hunter 386 by Ron McCoy

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Hampton, VA  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, absolutely with no hesitation.  
Gear that's been added Whisker pole, Raymarine C80 plotter with GPS and autopilot. Booze...and blankets.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Comfort and layout of interior. Equipment is finally from quality manufacturers (Lewmar, etc.) In-mast mainsail and roller furling sails are a no brainer to use. This is a great Chesapeake Bay sailer and is equipped for whatever waters one wishes to travel - up or down the East Coast.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The VHF radio cable running from the nav station to the helm (for remote) is broken, disconnected, cut or something. Probably done during installation of after-market electronics installation. Still trying to find the gremlin.  
Sailing characterisitcs It's a dream to sail. Add autopilot and you have time to enjoy the company on-board too. The 386 really cuts through the chop on rough seas. Steady and self assuring to others.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very responsive and backs easily. I do prefer the Edson helm and engine controls (separate transmission and throttle)I had on my former Hunter a little better, rather than the single lever (throttle/trans) provided by whatever _______ model I have on this boat. Engine noise is minumum and cruise RPM (about 3200) is easy on diesel consumption.  
Liveability Our 386 has all the options listed by Hunter. It's like home on the water. Very comfortable in hot or cold weather. Lots of storage space and the systems (head, galley) are user friendly.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have only dealt with the Hunter brokerage. Excellent service and efficiency.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Excellent. However, in after thought, I wished I'd asked for more hands-on explanation of all the systems and operating procedures. I moved up from a 28 Hunter to a 9-month old used 386 (almost brand new boat) - and there's lots more to learn. The dealer would have done so, but I'm a guy - so I didn't ask. My fault here.  
Other comments Great boat. This is are "dream boat" which we plan to keep for a long time. Buying in November is nice on the pocket book, but it's tough on the sailing. Dreaming of spring already...  

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