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Review of the Hunter 44DS by SailingSue

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Marina del Rey, California  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Most likely, yes. It's our first boat and we love it. It has a great cockpit, and the saloon is fabulous. Open, airy, and comfy. We live aboard. We would like to have a 3rd cabin to convert to storage/work area but didn't like the other Hunter models as much as this one. She sails fabulous and is easily handled by two. Pretty to look at too!  
Gear that's been added In the aft owner's cabin there is a seat on the port side. Since it's an aft cockpit and the 'ceiling' in the aft owner's cabin is low we knew we wouldn't be hanging out there if we weren't there sleeping so the seat was useless. We had it taken out and had a three shelf cupboard with doors built into the space. It gives much needed clothing storage. We added a watermaker, generator, heat/air co. We also had the hull painted. We had a fethering prop put on and Lewmar's collapesable steering wheel which gets quite a few looks.  
Structural or complex improvements We plan to add davits for the dinghy, and solar power. We are going to add a Link 2000 too.  
The boat's best features Great cockpit. Wonderful saloon. Hunter prices are good - you get a lot of bang for your buck. Parts and service are readily available all over the place.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The tank monitoring system isn't accurate. Not all the hatches/ports have screens available for them. The flooring in the heads has peeled up like flaking paint (were working with the dealer on having this repaired we we're told it was a 'factory defect'. The companionway cannot be locked from the inside. The pressure hinges on the ports that keep the ports closed are plastic and have broken off of several of the ports. Perhaps it's because we're new to sailing but the windlass could be more powerful.  
Sailing characterisitcs We've sailed in 0-40 knot winds, in glassy to 15 ft mixed seas. We do mostly day sailing and weekend trips. We plan to go cruising to Mexico and Carribean in about 5 years.  
Motoring characterisitcs Responsive, tight turning, smooth running. We've motored to/from Marina del Rey-Catalina and have had smooth trips with no problems.  
Liveability Great, comfortable. The hanging lockers are too short to hang pants/dresses in. Could use more storage space but don't all boat owners wish they had more storage area!!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't dealt with the Hunter directly.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Have only dealth with their dealers. Salesman was superb. Service department is slow to respond and could improve communication. We were treated very well by everyone we dealt with.  
Other comments See H&S Yacht Sales in Marine del Rey - they're fabulous! We're looking forward to new/larger Hunter versions in the years to come as we'd like a bit larger boat for world cruising.  

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